Word lovers who can’t afford the Writers in Paradise Conference fees can still enjoy the free Evening Reading Series that's held in conjunction. Author instructors read aloud in an intimate setting, and linger for a signing and reception afterwards. Stewart O'Nan (Songs for the Missing) kicks off the event Saturday; Les Standiford (The Man Who Invented Christmas) and Peter Meinke (The Shape of Poetry) round things out on Sunday. Readings occur through next week (Sterling Watson and Ann Hood on Monday, Tom Perrotta and Scott Ward on Tuesday, Nahid Rachlin on Thursday, Michael Koryta and Laura Lippman on Friday, and Dennis Lehane on Saturday). Jan. 17-24, 8-9:45 p.m. nightly (off Wed.), Miller Auditorium-Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2009.