Novello Literary Award Winner Joseph Bathanti will sign copies of his novel, “Coventry,” at Literary Bookpost today from 2 to 4 p.m.

Somewhat dark, forbidding and surreal, “Coventry” is a literary page-turner of prison life based on the knowledge Bathanti gained while working in North Carolina prisons, including the Salisbury unit.

“Coventry” is Bathanti’s second novel, and was chosen for the Novello Award from among over 70 submissions.

After graduating from University of Pittsburgh, Bathanti joined VISTA and was assigned to work in the prison system. Married for 29 years to a woman he met while in training for the program, he has been a resident of North Carolina for 30 years. He teaches creative writing at Appalachian State University and co-directs the visiting writer’s series there.

John Hart returns

John Hart, best-selling author of “The King of Lies,” will return to Literary Bookpost on Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m for a holiday book signing event.

Hart, now a resident of Greensboro, grew up in Salisbury and based his debut novel here. “The King of Lies” made the extended New York Times bestseller list, has made all Southern bestseller lists for extended periods and has been optioned for a movie. Hart’s second novel, also set in Rowan County, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in the fall of 2007.

Although Literary Bookpost has been able to maintain a supply of signed copies of Hart’s book, this may be the last opportunity for personally inscribed copies of “The King of Lies.” For additional information, call 704-630-9788.

Literary Bookpost is at 119 S. Main St.

Poetry published

William Sherrill, formerly of Salisbury, has had a poem selected for publication in “Our 100 Most Famous Poets,” by Famous Poets Press.

Sherrill, now living in Greensboro, has published poetry in numerous anthologies and produces pens, aprons and other items featuring his poetry.

The poem, “The Light Uncovered” is autobiographical, detailing Sherrill’s struggle to overcome life’s challenges. He is a 1999 graduate of Shaw University and is now studying for a master’s degree in divinity.

Lynne Hinton at Davie library

Lynne Hinton, author of the national bestseller, “Friendship Cake,” will speak at the Davie Public Library on Tuesday.

Hinton has written 10 books, including two mysteries under the name Jackie Lynn. Her first mystery, “Down by the Riverside,” came out this summer, and the second, “Jacob’s Ladder,” is due out in late spring 2007.

A North Carolina native, Hinton is a regular columnist for The Charlotte Observer’s Faith and Values section. She is best known for her Hope Springs Trilogy of “Friendship Cake,” “Hope Springs” and “Forever Friends.”

“The Arms of God,” published by St. Martin’s Press in 2005, was a Booksense Pick last year and a nominee for the Southeastern Independent Booksellers Association’s Fiction Book of the Year.

A United Church of Christ minister and the daughter of a Baptist minister, Hinton’s topic will be, “How Life as a Pastor and as a Pastor’s Daughter Influenced My Writing.”

Hinton is at work on a thriller and a nonfiction book on gratitude. Her other published books include: “The Last Odd Day,” “The Things I Know Best” and “Meditations for Walking.”

She and her husband, Bob Branard, live in the Healing Springs community on High Rock Lake.

Hinton will speak at 7 p.m. in the library’s multi-purpose room. She will have her books for sale and will be available for signing.

Admission is free. The Davie Public Library is located at 371 N. Main St.

For more information on the author, go to her Web site, at www.lynnehinton.com.