An open book with the words "Nour" in brown and "Connection" in blue on the pages. Additional text below indicates it is a bookish speed friending event on July 16th, 2026 in Columbia Area.

What to Expect

A cozy, low-pressure evening designed to help bookish women meet new people without the awkward networking vibes. You’ll rotate through guided conversation prompts, chat about books, life, favorite fictional characters, and everything in between — with appetizers, drinks, and plenty of time to mingle after the structured rounds.

Come for the cozy bookish energy. Stay for the conversations you didn’t know you needed.

Guided Conversations

Ease into the evening with thoughtful, bookish prompts designed to help conversations feel natural — not forced.

Bookish Atmosphere

Think curated prompts, cozy details, small bites, and a room full of people who understand why books become personality traits.

Time to Mingle

After the structured portion, stay and chat, exchange socials, browse books, and settle into the kind of conversations that usually only happen online.

Come As You Are

Whether you’re shy, chatty, new in town, or just craving more bookish friends, this is designed to feel low-pressure from the start.

The Setting

Location

Old Mill Brewpub Lexington, SC

Date & Time

July 16th, 2026 6pm-8:30pm

You have 24 Hours to reserve a spot before tickets open to the public

Capacity

Spots are limited to keep the evening comfortable and conversational

Food & Drink

Curated small bites & one drink ticket (beer, wine or fountain drink) included

Designed For

Bookish women who are looking for genuine, low-pressure connections

Dinner table set with white plates with gold rims, and decorative tall glass vases with orchids and greenery, in a warmly lit room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs below or reach out to us via email: hello@litescape.events. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and reserve your spot!

  • Your ticket includes the full A Novel Connection experience: structured speed-friending rounds, curated small bites, one drink ticket, a swag bag, door prize raffle entry, and unforgettable bookish memories.

    Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

  • This event is primarily geared toward women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, though all women 21+ are welcome.

  • You’ll be guided to your starting table when you arrive, then rotate through structured conversation rounds throughout the evening. We’ll handle the flow so you can focus on meeting people — not figuring out where to sit.

  • Seating and rotations are pre-structured to help guests meet a variety of people throughout the evening.

  • After the structured portion ends, guests are welcome to stay, mingle, exchange socials, grab another drink, and continue conversations organically.

  • Come comfortable, cozy, and like yourself. Think casual dinner out with a slightly bookish twist.

  • No — A Novel Connection is focused on friendship, community, and genuine connection among bookish women.

  • Absolutely. This event was intentionally designed with solo attendees in mind.

  • Absolutely. Many guests are attending to meet new people and build more local bookish connections.

  • Not at all. The evening is intentionally structured to make conversations feel easier and more natural — especially for people who are a little shy or socially anxious.

  • Yes! We’ll provide guided prompts throughout the evening to help conversations flow naturally without feeling overly scripted or awkward.

  • Everything from fantasy and romance to thrillers, literary fiction, nonfiction, and audiobooks. You don’t need to like the same books to connect over them

  • Yes! Your drink ticket may also be used for a non-alcoholic beverage.

  • Due to the limited nature of this event and advance planning for food, seating, and materials, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • Light photo/video content may be captured for Lit Escape marketing and social media.

How the evening unfolds

Here’s a loose look at the evening so you know what to expect — structured enough to keep things flowing, but relaxed enough to let conversations happen naturally.


6:00pm

Arrival & Mingling


6:30pm

Guided Speed-Friending


Open Chat & Mingling

7:30pm


8:00pm

Raffle Winner & Closing


Empty hallway with wooden floors, exposed brick walls, string lights, and glass windows and doors.

Ready to join us?

A Novel Connection was created for readers who want more than online mutuals and comment sections — a cozy space to meet people, share stories, and leave with connections that feel genuine.