South Carolina's new poet laureate hails from Sullivan's Island.

Marjory Wentworth, a book and film publicist as well as an accomplished writer of verse, has been appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford as the state's poet laureate, replacing Bennie Lee Sinclair, who died in 2000.

Sinclair had held the position since 1976.

Wentworth, author of "What the Water Gives Me" with Charlestonian Mary Edna Fraser, also wrote a poem for Sanford's inaugural titled "Rivers of Wind."

"The appointment probably grew out of composing and reading that inaugural poem, which was an honor in itself," said Wentworth, who is married to independent film producer Peter Wentworth. "I never discussed it with anyone. I just got a very quick call saying they would be phoning me formally, and I'd get all this paperwork in the mail.

"It really has taken me by surprise. There are so may great writers in the state, so I feel honored. It's exciting, but I don't know what it all entails at this point."

The position is established by statute, Sanford spokesman Chris Drummond said Friday. "The governor can appoint anyone he wants. There's no requirement under the statute that really defines the role, and there's no confirmation process through the General Assembly. The governor can call upon her whenever he finds the occasion to be appropriate."

Wentworth has been active in literacy and children's artistic initiatives in the Charleston area for some years. Her poems also have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and have been published in her 1995 chapbook, "Nightjars," by Laurel Publishing Co.

Bill Thompson covers movies and books. Contact him at 937-5707 or bthompson@postandcourier.com.