WORDS AND IMAGES : Author Publishes Book on Investing Plan : Larry Chambers, who began writing three years ago in Ojai, explores an innovative financial program in his latest effort.

The versatile Larry Chambers of Ojai, whose book about his Vietnam War experiences “Recondo” was published last year (40,000 copies sold so far), has a new book out dealing with finances.

Just released by Probus Publishing, “The Wrap Account Investment Advisor” written by Chambers with Daniel R. Bott is the first book published on an innovative investment program. In the past few years $40 billion has been invested in wrap accounts by professional money managers, who for a small yearly fee handle their clients’ stock portfolios. The book--by two authors who have held key positions in major brokerage houses--explains the advantages and risks in straightforward language.

Chambers claims never to have thought about being a writer until a little over three years ago, when he said, his life began to fall apart: His wife filed for divorce and he realized he hated his job and where he lived. He decided to settle in Ojai and do something that wasn’t centered on making money--become a writer!

Friends thought he was crazy. He had no writing background or contacts. What follows is a Cinderella story. The magazine articles he wrote sold. He wrote a book called “The First Time Investor.” It was published. Chambers then began ghostwriting articles for money managers and insurance companies.

He continues to write for Wall Street investment firms and recently sold an article about his experiences to Writer’s Digest magazine. He has begun a novel, finished three screenplays and is ghostwriting another book. Chambers admits, “The pace isn’t easy, but is rewarding in ways I could not have foreseen. I’ve found a gift, and believe people can do what they love.”

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Following open readings, poets Hieronymus Anonymous, Marilyn Hochheiser, Diane Reichick and Ron Reichick will perform their works at 8 tonight at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3109 Cochran St., Simi Valley. A $3 donation will be requested at the door. Call 522-5501.

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T. Jefferson Parker (no the “T” does not stand for Thomas) will sign his fourth published novel, “Summer of Fear,” at 4 p.m. Saturday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. The book, which reviewers have said is a “poetic and gripping narrative notable for taut pacing and plot twists,” is about a serial killer who creates terror in a Southern California community. Parker’s first novel was the hugely successful “Laguna Heat.”

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The Friendly Book Discussion, sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Friends of the Library, will focus on “To the Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf. There is no charge to join the discussion scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the library at 1401 E. Janss Road.

The Friends are seeking donations from the public, which should be given to “Penelope,” the name for the large glass piggy banks located at the Thousand Oaks Library and the Newbury Park branch.

Each month contributions will be designated to fund special purchases for the libraries, and the Friends will match whatever is collected up to $1,000. Call Kathy Lewis at 498-9773 for details.