Writers to Share Their Secrets at UCI Event

UC Irvine Extension’s fourth annual Creative Writing Conference--a weekend event featuring authors, agents, editors and publishers--will be held Oct. 3-5 on campus.

The conference will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, with a reading and discussion by best-selling novelist Whitney Otto, a graduate of UCI’s Program in Writing and author of “How to Make an American Quilt” and “The Passion Dream Book.”

Novelist Steve Erickson, author of “Days Between Stations” and “American Nomad,” will read at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4. Each reading will be followed by a book signing and a reception.

Among the workshops and panel discussions are:

* “How Novelists Get Their Ideas,” with authors Greg Bills, T. Jefferson Parker, Jay Gummerman and Julia Barret.

* “Marketing Your Writing,” with author Cynthia Muchnick.

* “Beyond the Mystery,” with authors Taylor Smith, Martin Smith and Barbara Seranella.

* “Gaining License in Fiction,” with novelist Gordon McAlpine.

* “Rules and Tools for Writing Short Stories,” with novelist and short-story writer John Daniel.

Advanced registration is encouraged. The fee for the entire conference is $225. Rates for individual days also are available: $165 for Oct. 4; $125 for Oct. 5. For those who want to attend only the readings by Otto and Erickson, the fee is $10 for each evening.

To register or obtain further information, call (714) 824-5414.

This Week

* Wendy Hornsby, author of “A Hard Light,” will speak and sign at 1 p.m. today at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 13232 Springdale St., Westminster.

* Robert Abbott, author of “Art & Reality: The Standard Reference Guide and Business Plan for Actively Developing Your Career as an Artist,” will sign at 2 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble in Fashion Island, 953 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

* Eva Krutein, author of “Eva’s War,” and Manfred Krutein, author of “Hitler’s Last Gasp,” will read and sign at 7 p.m. Monday at Different Drummer Books, 1294 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

* Robert Peters, author of “Feather: A Child’s Death and Life,” will speak and sign at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Barnes & Noble in Metro Pointe, 901 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa.

* Laurence Yep, author of “Dragon Prince: A Chinese Beauty and the Beast Tale,” will sign at 4 p.m. Wednesday at A Whale of a Tale children’s bookstore, 4187 Campus Drive, Irvine.

* Heike Hendler, author of “Stories of True Love,” will speak and sign at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Super Crown, 14417 Culver Drive, Irvine.

* Brian Lowry, author of “The Truth Is Out There: The Official Guide to the X-Files,” will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday at Canyon Hills Library, 400 Scout Trail, Anaheim. Free tickets will be available at 6 p.m. the night of the program. Seating limited.

* Bruce Balan, author of “The Cyper.kdz. Guide to Computing,” will speak at 7 p.m.. Thursday at Barnes & Noble in Metro Pointe, 901 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa.

* Maurice Medland, author of “Point of Honor,” will sign at 6 p.m. Friday at Waldenbooks in the Brea Mall.

* Aljean Harmetz, author of “Off the Face of the Earth,” will speak and sign at 1 p.m. Saturday at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 13232 Springdale St., Westminster.

* Mark Roseman and William B. Craig, authors of “You the Jury,” will sign at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Fashion Island, 953 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

* Meher D. Amalsad, author of “Bread for the Head,” will speak at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa.

Send information about book-related events at least 10 days before event to: Dennis McLellan, O.C. Books & Authors, Life & Style, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.