BOOK BRIEFS

PJ PEREZ TO PRESENT NEW COMIC BOOKS

Pop Goes the Icon founder, author and artist Pj Perez is set to sell copies of all of his comic titles, new sketches and prints at a sidewalk tables outside of the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd., during First Friday festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. For more information about Perez's work, visit www.popgoestheicon.com.

NEGOTIATOR TO SPEAK TO SISTERS IN CRIME

"365 Powerful Ways to Influence" author Donald Hendon, an international instructor in the art of negotiation, is the scheduled speaker for Sisters in Crime of Southern Nevada's meeting set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Enterprise Library, 25 Shelbourne Ave.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sistersin crimesnv.com.

'BEYOND THE GLITTER' AUTHOR TO SIGN

Dr. Patricia Beckstead is set to sign copies of her new novel "Beyond the Glitter" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Red Rock Harley Davidson, 2260 S. Rainbow Blvd. For more information, visit www.beyondtheglitterbook.com.

MEET 'HUMAN MATTERS' AUTHOR

Columnist Steven Kalas, author of "Human Matters," plans to participate in a meet and greet from 5 to 7 p.m. May 11 at Addison's Lounge in the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.

CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS TO HOST MIXER

Nevada's Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is set to host a Spring Social Mixer at 6 p.m. May 13 at The Grape in Town Square Las Vegas, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. South, No. B150. RSVP by Monday by calling 290-3190 or e-mailing lvscbwi@gmail.com.

The Grape has extended happy hour privileges for guests attending the mixer. There will be live jazz music, and admission is free. Guests must be 21 and older to attend.

For more information about the Nevada's Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, visit www.nevadascbwi.org.

'LOOKING UP' AUTHOR TO BE FEATURED

"Looking Up" author Dr. William "Bob" Bailey is the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf author of the Month. While Bailey has no book appearances planned, his title is set to be for sale at all Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations.

'Wanna Get Lucky?' signing set

Las Vegas author Deborah Coonts is set to sign her new novel "Wanna Get Lucky?" at 6 p.m. May 12 at the 3860 Maryland Parkway Barnes & Noble.

When a woman plunges from a tour helicopter and lands in the Treasure Island lagoon in the middle of a pirate battle, Lucky O'Toole sets out to prove this was no Sin City suicide.

The Fabulist Flash is back

After several months hiatus, the Fabulist Flash e-mail newsletter for writers has returned. The Flash, compiled by Gregory A. Kompes, author of "Suddenly Psychic: Core Messages to Enhance Your Psychic Journey," includes tips for writers and event information. Sign up for the free newsletter at www.fabulistflash.com. Kompes also created www.eighteen questions.com, a website packed with interviews with authors.

LOCAL AUTHOR TO HOST RADIO SHOW

"Vegas Die" author Stephen Grogan plans to launch a new radio show at 7 p.m. Fridays on KLAV 1230 AM radio.

KLAV program director Jon Lindquist said the one-hour show will seek to be fun and smart.

"We hope 'Grogan's Tavern' becomes an urban 'Prairie Home Companion,' or more so, a 'Cheers' with IQ," he said.

Grogan said he's interested in interviewing "characters." To suggest show topics or request to be on the show, e-mail him at groganstavern@gmail.com.

WRITERS TO LEARN SECRETS OF SCREEN

Join screenwriter Lauren Duncan as she reveals the secret to storytelling through dialogue at the May 15 meeting of the Cactus Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America. The group meets at 10:30 a.m. the third Saturday of the month in the Wengert Conference Room of the Nevada Energy Building, 6226 W. Sahara Ave. The program generally runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.cactusroserwa.org.

WRITERS GROUP TO WELCOME STEPHEN BATES

Las Vegas Writers Group is set to hear from Stephen Bates, a professor at UNLV's Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies, during the group's 7 p.m. May 20 meeting at the Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd.

Bates, a Harvard Law School graduate and author of five books, is expected to discuss the evolving role of journalism schools in the 21st century and the enduring importance of telling a good story, regardless of platform or genre.

Bates also is expected to share insights he gained as a principal writer of the Starr Report, the investigation into the Monica Lewinsky affair during the Clinton administration.

The public is welcome. An event fee of $5 is charged. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/las-vegas-writers.

VIKING BOOK NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT

"Asatru for Beginners" author Erin Lale plans her first book signing at 1 p.m. May 22 at 4MysticMinds Bookstore, 2841 N. Green Valley Parkway.

"Asatru For Beginners" which has been available as an e-book since 2002, was just released in print. The book details the history, ritual and mythology of Asatru, the religion of the Vikings.

BOOKSTORE OFFERS WRITERS GROUP ON TUESDAYS

Borders bookstore hosts a free writers group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the 2190 N. Rainbow Blvd. location.

SUNRISE COFFEE CO. HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT

Sunrise Coffee Co. welcomes poets and poetry fans to participate in its open mic night starting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the 3130 E. Sunset Road coffee shop.

AUTHORS UNITE IN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK

Las Vegas-based Turning Point International just released a new book titled "Life Choices: Navigating Difficult Paths," filled with inspirational true stories.

Chapters were contributed by Anne Abernathy, Nancy Todd, Sandra Nielsen, Victoria Lane, Stephen Philpott, Casey McNeal, Mary Monaghan, Susan Haller, Andrea Chestnut, Jesse Ferrell, Jennifer Tarlin, Elle Swan, Ginette Osier Bedsaul, Juli Moreo, Jennifer Joseph, Cattel, Sandy Kastel, Anne Dreyer, Karen Phillips, Sherial Bratcher, Deborah Clark, Edie Raether, Dan Roberts, Aimmee Kodachian, Bob Walker and Charlotte Foust.

For more information about the book, visit www.lifechoicesbook.com.

FREE READ TO ME PROGRAM OFFERS STORIES ONLINE AND BY PHONE

Celebrity storytellers Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Rita Rudner, Clint Holmes, Terry Fator, Carrot Top, The Scintas and others have donated their talents to the Clark County Education Association Community Foundation's Read To Me program. Children can view more than 15 videos of celebrities reading books on the www.readtomelv.com website. Stories also can be accessed by phone at 240-2665.

Both databases are frequently updated with fresh stories. Parents and teachers can download lesson plans for each book on the website.

DOWNLOAD BOOKS and MORE FROM YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Virtual Branch download websites make it easy to browse, check out and download digital books and more to your home computer for free. All you need is a valid library card and an Internet-connected PC. Your library's Virtual Branch download website features a Digital Catalog of downloadable audio book, eBook, music and video titles. Each website looks and feels just like the library's main website, and it has many easy-to-use features similar to an online store.

Digital book downloads are borrowed just like print materials. Once you select the title or author you want, follow the steps to check out and then download the title to your home computer. You can transfer most titles to portable media players such as MP3 players, PDAs or Smartphones with just a few clicks. Each title you download has a designated lending period. When the title expires, it is automatically returned to your library's Virtual Branch, so there are no late fees.

Find a library in your area with download audio books, eBooks, music and video at http://search.overdrive.com.

HENDERSON LIBRARIES SELL BOOKS IN-HOUSE AND ONLINE

Readers can support Henderson Libraries through in-library and online book sales. A store has been created through Amazon.com and can be reached by visiting www.mypubliclibrary.com and selecting "book sales."

In-library book sales are at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, the Gibson Library, 280 S. Water St., and the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway.