Enterprising Camarillo Pair Build Bridges to Writer Waller : A local columnist and photographer meet phenomenally successful novelist at a signing in Montecito.

Practitioners of the writing game are generous in support of literary colleagues. They network, read each others’ manuscripts, share agent and publisher information, and turn out for author signings. Robert James Waller, author of “The Bridges of Madison County” (No. 1 bestseller, still selling in the millions) appeared at Tecolote Bookshop in Montecito to sign his new novel, “Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend,” which is No. 2 on the bestseller list.

Jean Spencer and Gordon Cory, two enterprising Camarillo residents, took advantage of the opportunity to meet and chat with the phenomenally successful author, just two years ago an unknown novelist. Cory, a photographer who shares Iowa roots with Waller, photographed the real bridges of Madison County during a visit to the state. They are on display at Camarillo Camera & Video.

Spencer is a local columnist and author of “Exploring Careers as a Computer Technician,” “Exploring Careers in the Electronic Office” and “Exploring Careers in Word Processing.” She is working on a fourth career book and a novel.

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Browsing through the Adventures for Kids book catalogue, I came across two titles for youngsters 5 and up that I’d slip under the Christmas tree. “Bugs,” by Nancy Winslow Parker and Joan Richards Wright, is a delightful introduction to 16 fascinating creepy creatures including slugs, spiders and centipedes. “Errata: A Book of Historical Errors,” by A. J. Wood and illustrated by Hemesh Alles, is brimming with wonderful information about cultures as diverse as Aztec and Zulu. The challenge is to find the mistakes in each of 12 historical scenes. Interacting with the children over the pages of these books offers a healthier payoff than that of interactive videos, which depict scenes of bloody carnage.

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Garrett Hardin, professor emeritus of human ecology at UC Santa Barbara, received the 1993 science book award presented by the national scholarly society, Phi Beta Kappa. He was honored for his book “Living Within Limits: Ecology, Economics, and Population Taboos,” which was recognized for “its outstanding scholarship, lucid writing and compelling message on the problem and possible solution of overpopulation.” The award, which was presented at a dinner in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 3, includes a $2,500 cash prize. Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at William and Mary College in Virginia to honor and encourage scholarly writing and learning in the United States.

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According to the Ventura County and Coast Almanac, “On Christmas Day in 1812, Father Jose Senan and the Mission neophytes had to flee to a temporary shelter because of a series of earthquakes and tidal waves.” May your Christmas be calm and clear and full of happy surprises.

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, Ca. 93003. Send faxes to 658-5576.