📚 Local Literature
Your favorite book might have been written down the street. Check out these authors that call Winston-Salem home!
Note: This list is not comprehensive. Winston-Salem is home to many, many fantastic authors!
Virginia Evans | Contemporary fiction | Evans grew up on the East Coast and moved to WS after earning her master’s degree in Ireland! Her debut novel, “The Correspondent,” has spent 27 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list.
Team member Jacob has her book on hold at the library; he can’t wait to read it!
Sarah McCoy | Contemporary and historical fiction | As the daughter of an army officer, McCoy lived all over the US and abroad before making WS her home!
Her most recent novel, “What Ever Happened to Lori Lovely?” unravels the mystery of why a rising movie star left Hollywood behind to become a nun.
Charlie Lovett | Mystery | Born and raised in WS, Lovett has published numerous novels, such as “The Enigma Affair,” where a librarian ends up on the run after becoming entangled in an international mystery.
Lovett owns a typewriter that belonged to the author of “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland”!
S. Jae-Jones | Young adult fantasy | Jae-Jones is originally from LA, and according to her bio, “she now lives on the wrong coast, where she can’t believe she has to deal with winter every year.”
The final book in her “Guardians of Dawn” series releases this August!
Ed Southern | Nonfiction | Southern and his wife, Jamie, are key figures in NC’s literary scene — he leads the NC Writers’ Network, and she directs Bookmarks.
His book, “Fight Songs,” examines how sports shape Southern identity, rivalries, and values on and off the field. Sounds like a perfect Father’s Day gift.
Other Local Authors | The renowned Maya Angelou (who passed away in 2014), Laura Whitfield, Dale Pollock, Gary Chapman, Eric Munger, Elizabeth Mowry, and Sylvia Leontaritis.
✅ YMCA hacks you should be taking advantage of:
Childcare: Free supervised care while you exercise. Need longer care? Drop-off care up to 3 hours, available at 4 locations.
Saunas & Steam Rooms: Available at many locations — including brand-new facilities at Winston Lake!
Indoor Pools: Swim laps, sign your children (babies to adults) up for swim lessons, or let your kids get some energy out during dedicated slide and shallow time at Jerry Long.
Not a member yet? Join today and start taking advantage of everything your local YMCA has to offer.*
🗓 Events
Thursday, May 14
Birthday Bash - Born in May? Brouwerij DuBois is throwing you a party, complete with a complimentary bubbly drink and cupcakes! 6-8 PM
Live Music - Groove to jazz and swing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at The Ramkat! 8 PM
Friday, May 15
Greek Festival - Opa! Try authentic Greek dishes, watch dance performances, and tour Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church! Runs through Sunday.
Japanese Night - A late-night blend of flavor and beats at Noodle Ju’B. Expect onigiri, new dumpling creations, and music by DJ P.S. Edekot! 6-10 PM
Art Crush - The Arts District turns into a block party with 35+ creatives, live music, and hands-on fun for all ages! 7-10 PM
Lyrics by the Lake - Poetry, live music, and local art collide in one of Winston-Salem’s signature cultural nights at Hanesbrands Theatre! 7-9 PM
Saturday, May 16
Fireweed Dinner - Connect with strangers over a 5-course meal by Native Root at West Salem Public House. 6 PM
Speed Friending - Skip the small talk awkwardness and meet new people in a guided social experience hosted by Saya from Mac & Cheese Productions! 6 PM
Mahjong - Join Camel City Mahjong for an open play session at Radar Brewing! 12 PM
Songbird Supper Club - A night of music, poetry, and storytelling paired with dinner by Robert Rust Foods at Camel City Playhouse! 7 PM
🎆 The first fireworks of the season are this weekend! Here's what else is happening:
Shag Night (Friday): Grab a Dash-branded beach hat (first 500 fans) and kick off the night with pre-game beach music from Chairmen of the Board.
Armed Forces Day (Saturday): Honor our military heroes, snag a Murphy the Bat Dog bobblehead (first 1,000 fans), and meet WWE Hall of Famers Arn & Brock Anderson.
Oldies Night (Sunday): Sunday Funday deal (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, chips, and drinks), the greatest hits from decades past, pre-game autographs, post-game catch on the field, and kids run the bases.
They’re taking on the Wilmington Blue Rocks May 12–17; grab your seats and make a night of it!*
🗞 Other News
📜 Protect: Taxes are done, now let's care for what matters most. Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A. can help you create or update your will and estate plan, so your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are secure.*
🎵 Music: Downtown Winston-Salem announced its Summer Music Series! Downtown Jazz and Summer on Fourth are returning, along with a new addition this year: Back to Trade. We’ll feature even more summer concert series in tomorrow’s newsletter!
👨⚕️ Medical: Forsyth Tech broke ground on their on-campus health clinic! Created in partnership with Novant Health, the clinic will provide 24/7, unlimited care to students for $20 per semester starting this fall. (WFDD)
💯 Feel Good: Winston-Salem residents who are 100 years of age and older will be recognized on Independence Day at Truist Stadium and at the city council meeting on July 6! Know someone who qualifies? Complete the recognition form by June 1.
🎬 Movies: Catch three outdoor movies this Friday: “Jurassic Park: Rebirth” at Shallowford Square, “Elio” at Harmon Park, and “Talladega Nights” at Bailey Park. Bonus: Meet Bowman Gray race car drivers before the Bailey Park screening begins!
👀 Poll results: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert - 78%
Extrovert - 22%
Chris T. said he’s an “extrovert who works an introvert job and [is] married to an introvert who works an extrovert job.”
A MESSAGE FROM PIEDMONT FEDERAL BANK
Banking is Personal
Banking is personal, which is why you should know your bank and your bank should know you. That's how it is at Piedmont Federal Bank, and it's the people who make it that way. Get to know them.
Tell us about a moment where you truly made a difference:
"Two women came to me wanting to buy a local mom-and-pop shop to expand it. Most banks never even returned their calls. They were hitting wall after wall. We connected and made it happen. We made them feel seen, helped their business, and created clients for life.” - Dana V., Business Banker
What's one unexpected thing you love about working here?
“The culture. Cinco de Mayo-themed lunch, March Madness brackets (which I failed spectacularly at), Halloween costumes, and Teammate Appreciation Week have been awesome. We truly have fun.” - Josh H., Senior Commercial Banker
Name one of your favorite moments:
"When our team used our 'holiday' to volunteer all around our community. We truly care and volunteer every chance we get." - Carledward R., Branch Manager
This is Piedmont Federal Bank. People who make you feel seen, have fun, and care about our community. Bank local and you'll be greeted by one of these friendly faces.
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.
Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cano perform while enjoying free desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th on May 21!
🌀 The Wrap
🖊 As an aspiring fantasy and science fiction author, team member Jacob loved writing about local authors. Check out this short story he wrote! It has lots of dragons :)
📕 Guide of the Week: Local Bookstores
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
* denotes sponsored content