Romance Novelists

The Los Angeles Romance Authors (LARA) is the L.A. chapter of Romance Writers of America. The group meets monthly in the community room behind Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. Its members have published or aspire to publish romance stories. Member Marcy Elias Rothman is the author of four Regency romances including The Elusive Rake. Linda O. Johnston has published seven books.

The popular genre contains such subgenres as time-travel romance, romantic suspense, and inspirational romances.

Did you know that some key, 20th Century writers were Valley residents? The Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department recognized the following novelists who made "significant contributions to the Arts:"

Ayn Rand - Tampa Ave., Northridge
Nathanael West - Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood
F. Scott Fitzgerald - Hayworth Ave., W.H.
Edgar Rice Burroughs - Avenida Oriente, Tarzana

Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society

This science-fiction and fantasy club is the largest and oldest club of its kind in California. Meetings are held every Thursday at 11513 Burbank Blvd. Call 818-760-9234 or visit lasfs.org for more information.

Dangerous Visions Closing

Formerly located at 13563 Ventura Boulevard, this book store specializing in science fiction, fantasy and horror closed its physical doors on November 10. It will continue in the virtual world at readsf.com.

The events of 9/11 and a declining economy took their toll on the 21-year old bookstore. Faced with increased operating costs and falling walk-in revenue, the owners decided to list their inventory online. Club memberships will receive an automatic 1 year extension. Credit will be honored. Dangerous Visions will continue to sell new, used, and rare science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Consignment items will reach a larger audience and will pay more promptly. The online newsletter will continue in an expanded edition.

L.A. Writes is a program that brings local authors to public libraries. Presentations by Los Angeles-area poets, novelists, screenwriters, journalists, and nonfiction writers are offered. For additional information, please call 213-228-7500 or e-mail programs@lapl.org

Mid-Valley Regional Branch
16244 Nordhoff, North Hills
818-895-3650

Local Book Stores

Borders Books & Music
14651 Ventura Blvd.
(818) 728-6593

Bookstar
12136 Ventura Blvd.
(818) 505-9528

Barnes & Noble
16461 Ventura Blvd.
(818) 380-1636

Check out the poetry-reading series, including an open-mike segment and featured poets, the last Sat. of each month at 7:30 pm.

Writers: Please let us know if you have an upcoming reading or book signing.

Nancy Pyne-Hapke has written a book, Play and Grow Smart, A Guide to Enhance Brain Development, Birth through Five which contains about 1000 hands-on pro-active activities that childcare people (parents, grandparents, babysitters, day care providers, preschool teachers, etc.) can use with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At this point, the book is in 11 states and Canada.

We'll be hosting Nancy's series of guided play and parenting activities on glenarts.net. She'll cover "Windows of Learning" skills in each age group with fresh ideas regularly, so visit often.

Evaluating Old Books

Do you ever wonder what your old books are worth? The age of a book, its condition, and scarcity will help determine its worth. First editions by noted authors in good condition call for closer scrutiny. Most books published after 1930 should also have a dust wrapper in good condition. Look for books signed by the author or someone else famous. Books about science, gardening or cooking printed before 1900 could be of interest to buyers. Ultimately a book's worth depends upon what a buyer is willing to pay. To learn more, contact the Southern California chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers Assn. of America (ABAA).