Program for Writers for Young Adults Starts With Duo Behind ‘Buffy’ Books

“Meet the Authors,” a four-part series of programs featuring writers of young adult literature, will begin Tuesday with an appearance of the writing duo behind “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “The Watchers Guide 2” books.

Nancy Holder and Jeff Mariotte will speak at 7 p.m. at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

Holder has written numerous romances and horror novels and more than 100 short stories.

Mariotte is a senior editor for DC Comics and is in charge of the “Star Trek” publishing program. He also is the author of several novels and original comic book series. His “Buffy the Vampire Series: The Xander Years, Vol. 2” is his most recently published work.

Upcoming authors in the free series are:

* Novelist and poet Ron Koertge (“Where the Kissing Never Stops,” “The Arizona Kid”) on May 9.

* Author and young adult literature expert Michael Cart (“My Father’s Scar”) on May 24.

* Screenwriter and novelist Neal Shusterman, who has written television adaptations for R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series, on June 7.

Books will be available for purchase and the authors will sign copies after their talks.

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Best-selling author Judith Viorst (“Imperfect Control,” “Necessary Losses”) will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual “Meeting of the Minds” mental health resource fair and conference Tuesday at the Disneyland Hotel, 1717 S. West St., Anaheim.

The daylong conference, which begins at 9 a.m., is sponsored by the Mental Health Assn. of Orange County. Viorst’s luncheon presentation, “For Peace of Mind, Resign as General Manager of the Universe,” will be followed by a book signing. Cost: $60 for all conference activities, including lunch. Information: (714) 547-7559.

Coming Up:

* Poets Lee Mallory and Lauri Danae Florentine will read at the Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7:30 p.m. Monday. (714) 564-6526.

* Jane Langton will discuss and sign “Thief of Venice” at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 11931 Valley View St., Garden Grove. 7 p.m. Monday. (714) 898-2583.

* Keith Snyder will discuss and sign “Trouble Comes Back” at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 11931 Valley View St., Garden Grove. 7 p.m. Tuesday. (714) 898-2583.

* Poet T.S. Kerrigan will read at the Gypsy Den Cafe and Reading Room in the Lab Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Tuesday. (714) 549-7012.

* Tatiana Elmanovich will discuss and sign “Death: The Beginning” at The Latest Thing, 270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 1 p.m. Saturday. (949) 645-6211.

* Gene Oliver will discuss and sign “Life and the Art of Change” at the Latest Thing, 270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 11 a.m. Saturday. (949) 645-6211.

* Three mystery writers will appear Saturday at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 11931 Valley View St., Garden Grove. At noon, John Shannon will discuss and sign “Poison Sky”; at 2 p.m. Sam McCarver, author of “The Case of Compartment 7,” will discuss Raymond Chandler; At 4 p.m., Paul Bishop will discuss and sign “Chalk Whispers.” (714) 898-2583.

Send information about book-related events at least 10 days before event to: Dennis McLellan, O.C. Books & Authors, The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Or e-mail dennis.mclellan@latimes.com.