D.G. Martin will interview Wayne Caldwell, author of "Cataloochee," on "N.C. Bookwatch" at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, on UNC-TV.

An encore performance will air at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Appalachia comes a rich, multi-layered post-Civil War saga of three generations of families -- their dreams, their downfalls, and their faith.

Entrikin Publishes Book

James M. Entrikin, who owned Carolina Books, a used bookstore that was once in downtown Southern Pines, has collaborated with other authors and illustrators to publish "The Horse Race."

Contributors include Zhang Qiu, Wang Lifu, Chen Xiao Bo, Mu Dan, Ranjula Maskey, and Shristi Shakya.

"While studying and teaching in China a number of years back, some friends and I put together this adaptation of 'Tian Ji's Horse Race,'" says Entrikin. "Though the project began as a translation exercise for Chinese language students at Sichuan University in Chengdu, the first time I actually heard the story was from Dooley Adams, of Southern Pines."

"Tian Ji's Horse Race" was first recorded in the "Shi Ji," or "Records of the Historian," by Chinese historian Si Ma Qian, circa 100 B.C.

The text of the story is presented in English and Simplified Chinese, with Pinyin transliteration.

The book is available for purchase from Entrikin Publishing at the Web site www.tianjishorserace.com.

'Critique Mania'

Local author Malaika King-Albrecht, of Pinehurst, has joined with more than three dozen authors, editors and agents from across the country to participate in "Critique Mania," an annual fundraiser for Whidbey Island, Wash., Writers Association's (WIWA) magazine, Soundings Review.

Writers everywhere can submit material up through Aug. 31, and participating authors will respond by the end of September. The volunteer authors donate their time; the low critique fee of $25 goes to support Soundings Review.

Precise guidelines can be found at www.writeonwhidbey.org, including a list of authors and their bios. All genres -- poetry, fiction and nonfiction -- are included. WIWA is a 501.c.3 organization.

Chatham Writers Series

The Chatham Arts Council's third annual Writers' Workshop Series features six workshops, which run from September through February, in the Conference Room, Building 2, at the Pittsboro campus of Central Carolina Community College.

Registration is $20 for Chatham Arts donors and $25 for the general public.

"We launch our new literary season with fiction writing taught by Nancy Peacock," says a spokesman.

The registration deadline is Aug. 29, at 5 p.m.

In 1996 Peacock published her first book, "Life Without Water," which was chosen as a New York Times Notable Book. It was followed a few years later by "Home Across the Road." Her third book and first work of nonfiction, is taken from her experiences living as an artist and maid. "A Broom of One's Own: Words on Writing, Housecleaning, and Life" was recently published by Harper Collins.

Other workshop dates include

- Oct. 11 -- Sarah Shook, songwriting. Registration deadline: Sept. 26, 5 p.m.

- Nov. 8 -- Pam Beck, garden writing. Registration deadline: Oct. 24, 5 p.m.

- Jan. 10 -- Ruth Moose, poetry. Registration deadline: Dec. 29, 5 p.m.

- Feb. 7 -- Tim McKee, editing. Registration deadline: Jan. 23, 5 p.m.

Call Molly Matlock at (919) 542-0394 or e-mail molly.matlock@chathamarts.org.