On Reflection

Unless you’re a football fan, the end of January can seem dreary, with time suspended between holidays. So make time for fireplace cheer, a mood-inducing CD and reflections. Authors featured in today’s happenings may have begun their own writing journeys on just such a day.

Chris Gallagher heard woeful tales of ill-fated romance from friends, so she stirred in her wicked brand of humor and wrote a book.

Aram Saroyan gained perceptions on life as the son of famed author William Saroyan and Carol Marcus, a New York debutante now married to actor Walter Matthau.

Science fiction writer Les Cole toured Europe for a year in a small camper with his wife.

Rick Ridgeway climbed mountains and wrote about adventures among the great animals of East Africa.

No matter the background, a writing life is built on reflections. Try it--you might like it.

HAPPENINGS

* Tuesday: 7 p.m., Chris Gallagher, author of “The Woman’s Book of Revenge: Getting Even When Mr. Right Turns Out to Be All Wrong” (Citadel Press), shares tips from the book her publisher considers the perfect Valentine book for Hillary. Signing follows discussion. Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks (497-8159).

* Thursday: 8 p.m., poet, novelist and biographer Aram Saroyan will read from the book he calls “the major book of poetry of my life,” titled “Day & Night: Bolinas Poems,” (Black Sparrow Press). He won a National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Award in 1968 for “lighght,”-- a one-word poem that prompted decades of public and government debate. “It was the most expensive word in history--the scourge of Congress,” he says. The public is invited to this free event, sponsored by the English Department of Cal Lutheran University. Overton Hall (across from the gym), 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Books available; refreshments served. (Call 492-2411, Ext. 3244, for more information).

* Saturday: 10 a.m., Maria Schram Schwartz, author of “Fairy Fun: A Child’s Fairyland of Enchanting Projects & Magical Games,” will read from her new collection of stories, crafts and games at Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, Calabasas (818) 222-0542; noon, Martha C. Lawrence signs her newest novel, “Aquarius Descending,” at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks (374-0084); 1 to 3 p.m., science fiction writer Les Cole will sign his latest novel, “The Sea Kings: The Prophecy,” a romantic adventure, at Phantom Bookshop, 451 E. Main St., Ventura (641-3844); 7:30 p.m., Ojai adventurer Rick Ridgeway will present a slide show and sign his newest book, “In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro--On Foot Across East Africa,” as well as “Seven Summits” at Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. The $5 entry fee will be waived if the book is purchased at Local Hero, 254 E. Ojai Ave., before the appearance (646-3165).

Catch you next week.

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* Information about book signings, writers groups or publishing events can be faxed to Ann Shields at 647-5649, or e-mailed to anns40@aol.com.