Local authors to gather to socialize and network

Writers get lonely.
When they convene, the conversation never lags.
How did you get your agent? someone asks.
How many rejections before your manuscript was accepted?
Do you write every day?
So it will go when the local chapter of the Women's National Book Association holds its fall social and networking event 7-9 p.m.on Monday at Rooftop, 201 Epicenter, 201 E. Trade. The event brings together book lovers and book industry professionals to support reading, writing and community service.
The event is free. Members and potential members are welcome.
For more information: Nicole Ayers at nicole@ayersedits.com or call Prisclilla Goudreau-Santos at 904-371-7751.

Dinner, books, conversation: It's Bibilofest

In fall 2010, the Charlotte chapter of the Women's National Book Association launched Bibliofest, an evening of dining and book discussions with authors. The group dubbed the event "a literary moveable feast."

On Oct. 22, Charlotte's WNBA chapter will host its third annual Bibliofest. I say we declare this moveable feast a local tradition.

It's a fun concept. First, there's a cash bar. Then you dine. This year's event is 6-9 p.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant at SouthPark Mall. While you eat, authors take turns visiting your table to discuss their books and answer questions. All books are available for purchase.

This year's Bibliofest features at least eight authors, including Debra Dean. Like her 2007 bestseller, "The Madonnas of Leningrad," Dean's new novel, "A Mirrored World," is set in Russia. Also appearing:

• Charlotte mystery writer Mark deCastrique, whose latest novel is "The 13th Target."

• Emily Colin of Wilmington, whose debut novel is the "The Memory Thief."

• S.C. novelist Mary Glickman, author of "One More River" and "Home in the Morning."

• Charlotte's Judy Goldman, a novelist and poet whose new memoir is "Losing My Sister."

• Brooklyn novelist Shira Nayman, author of "A Mind of Winter."

• Elena Passarello, whose essay collection, "Let Me Clear My Throat," explores memorable moments in the history of the human voice.

• Wendy Welch, author of "The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap," a memoir of owning a book store in Big Stone Gap, Va.

You can buy tickets, $45 for WNBA members and $55 for nonmembers, at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, or online at www.WNBA-Charlotte.org. More information: susan.walker.books@gmail.com, 704-439-4596 or 612-382-5868.

Rules for a romance-novel marriage

Charlotte's Charla Muller, author of "365 Nights" and avid romance-novel reader, will discuss how you can incorporate romance into your real-life relationships at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at the Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. East in Matthews.

This is a subject Muller knows something about. In her 2009 memoir, "365 Nights," she describes the unusual 40th birthday present she gave her husband -- sex every day for a year.

The Charlotte chapter of the Women's National Book Association is hosting this free event. Also on the program will be Jessica Daitch, who reviews books for Publisher's Weekly. Daitch will review for the group one good romance novel and one terrible one.

More info: Contact Betsy Thorpe, bthorpe@mac.com.

Good food, good books: It's Bibliofeast

Good food, good books, good discussions.

That's the essence of Charlotte's Bibliofeast, a literary moveable feast featuring eight authors who chat with guests as they enjoy dinner.

Bibliofeast was a sold-out hit when the Charlotte chapter of the Women's National Book Association launched the event last year.

This year, the group has booked a larger venue -- Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant at SouthPark -- and plans to feature eight authors for the Oct. 10 evening. Authors will visit with diners, discussing their books, throughout the evening.

Authors so far confirmed are: Ellen Baker ("I Gave My Heart to Know This"); Ann Hite ("Ghost on Black Mountain"); Heather Newton ("Under the Mercy Trees"); Michael Parker ("The Watery Part of the World"); Drew Perry ("This Is Just Exactly Like You"); and JohnMilliken Thompson ("The Reservoir".)

The event runs from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $45 for member, $50 for nonmembers. They're available at Park Road Books and at the WNBA website.