The Pilot Newspaper

STEPHEN SMITH: Tradition Continues At Weymouth
More than 20 years ago, Sam Ragan, publisher of The Pilot and North Carolina's Poet Laureate, organized the first North Carolina Poetry Festival. (Cont.)

Food Is a Highlight of Romantic Novel
This week's roundup offers a mixed bag of tricks. I've been reading some fiction and nonfiction. (Cont.)

Collected Stories Give Detective's History
Slot-Machine Kelly

By Dennis Lynds writing as Michael Collins

Crippen & Landru Publishers, 2005, $19 (Cont.)

Literary Notes: Gastonia Writer Receives Prize
Sherry Shaw of Gastonia is the winner of the 2006 Thomas Wolfe Fiction prize. (Cont.)

Remembering Robin
Norma Johnson and her family have come up with a creative way to raise money to help in the fight against cancer. (Cont.)

Andrews Delights Readers With Latest Novel
Savannah Breeze

By Mary Kay Andrews

HarperCollins, 2006, $24.95 (Cont.)

Authors Shared Bond
The Cotton State Special pulled into the Southern Pines Seaboard station at exactly 4:47 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, 1937, and North Carolina novelist Thomas Wolfe, all the volatile, unkempt 6' 6'' of him, stepped down onto the platform and surveyed the empty streets and dark faÁades. (Cont.)

ART DERSCH: Limericks: Deadline Approaches for June Entries
The Fourth of July is coming, and that means parades, swimming and fireworks. (Cont.)

STEPHEN SMITH: Dixie Chicks Take Risks On New CD
The Dixie Chicks' long-awaited "Taking the Long Way," the first recording they've released since lead singer Natalie Maines ruffled the political feathers of country music fans by telling a British audience that the Chicks were embarrassed that George Bush is from Texas, debuted at No. 1 during the first week in May, selling 526,000 copies. (Cont.)

FAYE DASEN: Debut Novel Grabs Readers From the Start
Here are some good mysteries that have recently crossed my desk. I think at least one will appeal to most readers. (Cont.)