On August 8, the Fifth Annual Dahlonega Literary Festival returns to north Georgia. Making a rare public appearance will be Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author of The Alexandria Link, and one of five headliners for this year's weekend-long festival. Sharing the spotlight with Steve are Karen Abbott, Nathalie Dupree, Patti Callahan Henry and Joshilyn Jackson.

In addition to the headliners, the Festival will include fourteen other outstanding authors participating in readings, panels and book signings: Jack Bass, Mitchell Graham, Dana Wildsmith, Lenore Hart, William Rawlings, Mark Braught and Laura Knorr Braught, Jackie Cooper, Cathy Kaemmerlen, Walter Sorrells, Karen White and the Dixie Divas: Julie Cannon, Jackie Miles and Patricia Sprinkle.

Nathalie Dupree will add a new element this year with a cooking demonstration of her famous "Shrimp & Grits" at Montaluce, Dahlonega's recent addition to its collection of vineyards and wineries. Playing host to Dupree's talents is Le Vigne, Montaluce's on-site Tuscan-style restaurant.

On Saturday, award-winning author of The Poet of Loch Ness and Professor of Renaissance Literature at North Georgia College & State University, Brian Jay Corrigan, is conducting the Dahlonega Writer's Conference, an all-day seminar on the art of writing and the business of publishing. The conference will include panels made up of the Festival's headliner authors. Space is limited. Festival events are FREE except the Writer's Conference cost is $100/person. Go to www.literaryfestival.org for registration form and mail with a check for $100 or call Sharon at 706-864-6848 to register and pay with a credit card.

The weekend also features author panels including all of our visiting authors. "Lunch with the Stars," now a festival tradition, and an opportunity to get up close and personal with our headliners are scheduled for Saturday, August 9. Advance reservations for the lunches need to be made with the individual restaurants. Fun events for children are planned for the Gazebo on the Square on Saturday, Aug. 9. The Second Annual Literary IQ Test/Scavenger Hunt promises to be great fun again this year with a $100 first prize and a first edition novel for second prize. (Teaser questions are available).

The Fifth Annual Dahlonega Literary Festival & Writer's Conference is presented by the Dahlonega Arts Council and is sponsored by Brian Corrigan, NGCSU, Lily Creek Lodge, Long Mountain Lodge, and Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa, Montaluce Winery and Achasta. For more information visit www.literaryfestival.org or e-mail Sharon at sgbacek@america.net.