Eckerd College's intensive, eight-day Writers in Paradise conference includes any number of events designed for individuals with a passion for writing. The rest of the Bay area's word-loving crowd (and folks who can't afford the conference's steep price tag) can look forward to the free public Evening Reading Series held in conjunction. This week's schedule features readings by Tom Perrotta, whose book Little Children was recently adapted into a movie starring Kate Winslet and Jennifer Connelly (Jan. 20); South Florida's own Les Standiford with Eckerd College professor Sterling Watson (Jan. 21); Mississippi-based author/poet Beth Ann Fennelly with Texas mystery writer Laura Lippman (Jan. 22); and Smonk and Hell at the Breach author Tom Franklin with novelist/short story writer Thisbe Nissen (Jan. 23). Each reading is followed by a book sale and signing. For more info, visit writersinparadise.eckerd.edu. Jan. 20-27, 8-9 p.m. each evening (save Wednesday), Miller Auditorium-Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-864-7994.
This article appears in Jan 17-23, 2007.
