Literary ‘Connections’ : Radio talk show interviews writers and welcomes listeners’ comments.

When you are finished with the paper, there is yet another way you can check out the literary scene without leaving home today.

“Connections,” a radio talk show hosted by Fran Halpern every Sunday at 10 a.m., airs over KCLU-FM (88.3), a National Public Radio affiliate on the campus of Cal Lutheran University.

This morning you will hear an interview with Jordan Young, author of “The Laugh Crafters,” about Larry Gelbart and others who wrote for radio comics and television performers, including Fred Allen, Jack Benny and Red Skelton.

Previous guests on the hourlong show include mystery writer Sue Grafton and Jonathan Alter, senior editor at Newsweek and a CNBC-TV commentator.

Listeners are invited to call in--even unhappy ones, like the irate man who got off the freeway to phone in after Halpern’s comments during O.J. Simpson’s criminal trial.

The caller wasn’t impressed with Halpern’s literary allusions, yelling that she was unfairly convicting Simpson on the air. Halpern remained unruffled--at least he was listening.

So were callers who heard her interview with flamboyant defense attorney Gerry Spence.

“He was so outrageous--he was saying we should eliminate the way we vote and some other things,” Halpern said. “We got phone calls saying, ‘Right on, Gerry.’ They loved him.”

Another favorite guest was a minister who was asked to tell how he got the inspiration for his weekly sermons. He told her he did what all writers do--he started panicking on Saturday night, and when the panic set in he sat down and wrote.

Besides the interviews, Connection’s format includes info-bites about events, trivia questions and commentary, which Halpern calls “Send in the Clowns.”

In a recent segment she discussed Joyce Maynard’s decision to sell several letters written by former lover J.D. Salinger. Because Salinger was known as a particularly private person, Halpern said she thought he was probably upset over the publicity.

Halpern’s take on the topic: “It’s a sad commentary on our times when something you have written to someone gets turned into something for the world to look at. It can be more than embarrassing--it can be hurtful and damage a family.”

At various times, Halpern has been an author, columnist, conference workshop leader and mentor to aspiring writers.

She is the author of “Writers Guide to Publishing in the West,” and has contributed to other writers guides, been published in magazines and sold a piece called “Obsessions” for “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul,” which is scheduled for publication next year.

“I still love to write, but I like broadcasting--the tension of being on the air live--and always hope to hear from people,” Halpern said.

HAPPENINGS

* Today, 2 p.m. Some contributing poets will attend the reading and signing of the second edition of Daybreak, an annual magazine of poetry and conversation edited by Virginia Anderson. Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Today, 2:30 p.m. Jennifer Chiaverini, who grew up in Thousand Oaks, will sign her new book, “The Quilter’s Apprentice.” Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., 446-2820.

* Today, 2:30 p.m., Patricia Treece, a Calabasas resident, will discuss and sign her new book, “Quiet Moments with Padre Pio.” Calabasas Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, (818) 222-0542.

* Today, 7 p.m. Featured poet, followed by open mike at 8 p.m. Borders, 497-8159.

* Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Story time and craft about gardening. Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 650-9688.

* Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. Story time will feature beach and summer stories, including “Stella, Star of the Sea” by Marie-Louise Gay. Ventura Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., 339-9170.

* Wednesday, 7 p.m. Sci-Fi Fantasy book group will discuss “Vacuum Diagrams,” Stephen Baxter’s epic saga of our next 5 million years. Borders, 497-8159.

* Friday, 6 p.m. A staged reading of “The Wind A Blowin’ ” by local playwright Lou Tappon. The Book Mall of Ventura, 105 S. Oak St., 641-2554.

* Saturday, 10 a.m. Rise ‘n’ Shine Story time at Borders, 497-8159.

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Catch you next week.

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.