Author to sign at Literary Bookpost

William Boyd aka Willie Lightfoot will sign copies of his book, "How to Quit," at Literary Bookpost on Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Boyd is a Salisbury native who spent most of his adult life living and working in New York City before returning to Salisbury to start his own business.

The name "Lightfoot," taken during a vision quest in Arizona, is a reminder to the author to walk in the light, stay close to the source and stick to the path of the way.

Known to many in the national music scene as the phantom composer and producer IZZY, Boyd's diverse music resume includes working with artists ranging from the Queen of Radio Wendy Williams, soul vocalist India Arie, pop star Christina Aguilera, rap mogul JAY-Z and even composing original music for a ballet choreographed by Albert Evans and featuring members of the New York City Ballet performed at the New York Metropolitan Museum.

Boyd, a divorced father of a 14-year-old son, is a 1986 graduate of Salisbury High School, has a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from N.C. A&T State University, and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Boyd is also a member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City.

Boyd's book, "How to Quit," is a non-fiction walk through a midlife crisis and the healing process. The book will be available at the signing for $16.50.

Literary Bookpost is located at 110 S. Main St. in downtown Salisbury. For additional information about this event, or future events at Literary Bookpost, call 704-630-9788 or visit www.literarybookpost.com.

Writing classes in Charlotte

The Writers' Workshop is offering one-day classes which meet at the Museum of the New South in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. To register at the Web site,go to www.twwoa.org. For more information, please e-mail writersw@gmail.com, or call 828-254-8111.

March 6: Writing the Play and Screenplay with Nathan Ross Freeman — The class will receive an overview of writing for the stage and screen. Various formats, structures and techniques will be discussed, as well as tips on creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue. Information on where and how to submit your work will also be given. Freeman is a script writer and teaches Playwriting at UNC-Charlotte. His awards include the '97 N.C. Arts Council Playwrights Fellowship for Hannah Elias, and the '05 Great Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Contest for Geist. Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.

March 20: Fiction Writing and Revising Workshop with Karen Ackerson — The class will discuss what constitutes a publishable short story or novel, focusing on characterization, conflict, plot, setting and dialogue. In-class writing exercises and tips on revising one's work will also be given, and students may bring up to three pages to the class for review. Ackerson is senior editor at The Renbourne Agency and has taught workshops throughout the Southeast for 15 years.

Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.