Volunteers were omnipresent in their distinctive yellow t-shirts. They represented the backbone of this effort. They were involved in all the events and particularly in the special events. We've included some highlight photos from the North Carolina Authors lunch - including the announcements of the first North Carolina Literary Festival Mentor and Mentee Awards.



Center of the Study of the American South Director David Moltke-Hansen made the opening remarks at the North Carolina Authors Lunch on Saturday.




WW Norton Editor Alane Mason presented Daphne Athas with the North Carolina Literary Festival Mentor Award.




Daphne Athas accepts her North Carolina Literary Festival Mentor Award at the North Carolina Authors Lunch.




Daphne Athas speaking at the Authors Lunch.




Deputy Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Elizabeth Farrior Buford, presents the North Carolina Literary Festival Mentee Award.




Poet Alan Shapiro was one of the many authors in attendance at the Authors Lunch. The event gave many the opportunity to meet and have lunch with a favorite author or an author new to them.




Hal Crowther, Daphne Athas and Tim McLaurin at the Authors Lunch.




Randall Kenan and Daphne Athas at the North Carolina Authors Lunch.