The Pilot's writer-in-residence, best-selling author Jim Dodson, unveiled his seventh book in front of about 100 fans at the Pinehurst Member's Club Tuesday.

"A Son of the Game: A Story of Golf, Going Home, and Sharing Life's Lessons" details Dodson's "temporary" move to the Sandhills in 2005, which became permanent, his relationship with his son, Jack, and his daily interactions with familiar faces around Moore County. While the book will not be available to the public until May, those in attendance Tuesday received an autographed copy.

A long line of folks meandered through the club as Dodson signed away, chatting up each of the guests who walked up. He also addressed the group.

"I'm just really honored," he said. "I'd love to sign your books. You're all new friends, and I hope we'll be old friends soon."

Dodson briefly described the first time he came to The Pilot, adding that it had a vibe that was so different than other newspapers and magazines he had worked for. He said working here was the highlight of his journalism career.

"I can't even begin to tell you," he said, "[about] the friendship and the love for the people, my colleagues, at The Pilot. The thing that sets this place apart is that they love their jobs. It's an absolute reflection of what I love about being in the Sandhills."

Pilot Publisher David Woronoff said he was looking for a "star" to anchor the paper's coverage of the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort, and talked Dodson into coming down for a week. Four years later, Dodson is still at The Pilot, writing weekly columns and editing PineStraw Magazine.

Woronoff said he was hopeful that "A Son of the Game" would be received as an "ode to the Sandhills."

"I think if you're from the community, you'll love it, you'll know all of the characters," he said. "It'll make you feel right at home and it will remind you of what a special community we have here.

"If you're not from here, it's going to make you want to move here."

All proceeds generated by the event will be donated to the Tufts Archives.

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.