Events for the Novice and Professional Writer : Signings, teaching workshops and book swaps are among activities on the calendar.

This week’s calendar is overflowing with events that should appeal to both professional and novice writers, and literary junkies. Successful authors will be autographing and sharing publishing adventures; or teaching workshops; or showing off their storytelling skills. Comic book swapping and used-book hawking are also on the menu this week. Writers must abandon their pens occasionally to interact with colleagues and chat up possibly helpful contacts.

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A workshop on Writing Nonfiction Books for Children and Teens begins tonight at 7:30 at Learning Tree University’s Chatsworth campus. The four-week class is taught by Ventura author and broadcaster Ross Olney, who has written more than 150 fiction and nonfiction books on a variety of subjects. Olney is founder of the Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Journalists & Authors. Call (818) 882-5599.

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Thousands of used books will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road.

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Lawrence Block will read from and sign “The Devil Knows You’re Dead” at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks. The Arcade Poetry Series will host the noted poet and editor, David Oliveira at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Performance Studio, 34 N. Palm St., Ventura.

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Author/illustrator William Joyce, making his first appearance in Ventura, will read from his zany new Christmas book “Santa Calls” and sign his other titles including “Dinosaur Bob” and “George Shrinks” at 2 p.m. Sunday in Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura.

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Jim Woodard, a member of the National Assn. of Storytellers, will entertain kids 6 to 12 with Thanksgiving tales and also share a little-known story about the world’s best known cartoonist at 2 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Square, 731 S. A St., Oxnard. Singer/composer Craig Newton of Simi Valley will perform at the event. The monthly storytelling program is a community service of the Oxnard Redevelopment Agency. There is a $2 fee. Call 483-7960.

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Three members of Sisters-in-Crime, Rochelle Majer Krich, Marsha Landreth and Liza Pennywitt Taylor will describe their personal and professional experiences as mystery writers who compete in a formerly male-dominated genre. The American Assn. of University Women (Camarillo branch) is hosting the panel at 7 p.m. Monday in the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St. Call 987-8495.

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A Baseball, Sports Card and Comic Book Exchange for youngsters 8 to 16 will begin at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road. This is a free, adult-supervised trading only program. No cash sales are allowed. Call Barb Wilson at 493-2179.

Words & Images columnist Frances Halpern is an author and radio talk show host. Submit literary events information to her at least two weeks in advance to 5200 Valentine Road, Suite 140, Ventura, 93003. Send faxes to 658-5576.