Few Southern writers have become as universally embraced as Pat Conroy. His books and movies have translated places and people in South Carolina culture to a worldwide audience, with characterizations honest, though not always flattering. His novels include The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, The Lords of Discipline, and Beach Music.

And at 67, Conroy is far from finished with his career. He is writing a young adult novel, his first. Conroy has also taken on the role of editor-at-large for Story River Books, to highlight new Palmetto State talent.He spoke with South Carolina Radio Network at length about this venture and a variety of issues that may –or may not– be worth writing about.

He has unashamedly and therapeutically written about mental health issues and other tough topics, however he laughs about the idea of taking on South Carolina politics. In this first part of a series, Conroy talks about his tongue-in-cheek attempt to help the Colbert-Busch campaign in the 1st Congressional District and his painful truth about mental health and gun control.

The question to begin: “Have you ever considered taking aim at South Carolina politics? You might have great material in Charleston and Beaufort these days.” 

AUDIO ONLY: Listen to the entire interview here (23:00)

 Video, photographs by Jim Covington.