Authors Belle, Dermansky, and Chang Appear at Libertine Library, 10/12

Jennifer Belle, Marcy Dermansky, and Pang-Mei Natasha Chang: three very different, yet very successful authors who managed to write their latest acclaimed novel while caring for little ones at home. On Tuesday, October 12th at 6:30 pm during happy hour in the Libertine Library at Gild Hall (15 Gold Street at Platt in Lower Manhattan) this trio comprised of a bestselling chicklit author, a writer of darkly savage novels, and an ethnographic memoirist share the stage to read from their newest works and discuss creativity, career, and childrearing.

Pen Parentis, the sponsor of this open arts event, is a professional organization for authors who are also parents. After the readings, the three authors will sign books and answer questions.

Pen Parentis executive director M. M. De Voe is a local resident and prize-winning author. She is also a mother of two. "Writing is solitary, and parenting is constantly demanding," she says. "Pen Parentis was founded to help authors who have kids stay on track, creatively, through the support that only an intimate, likeminded group can give."

The Pen Parentis Literary Salons are a free monthly event, open to the public. The Libertine offers a full top shelf bar and small plates at happy hour prices. Borders will have books on hand for signings.

For more information consult the Pen Parentis website at www.penparentis.org.

The Pen Parentis Literary Salon

Description: At an intimate library bar, bestselling author Jennifer Belle (THE SEVEN YEAR BITCH) and literary novelist Marcy Dermansky (BAD MARIE) share the stage with ethnographic memoirist Pang-Mei Natasha Chang (BOUND FEET AND WESTERN DRESS). The authors read from their latest work and discuss how parenting affected their success. Book signings. Networking. Top shelf drinks & light meals available.

Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: The Libertine Library at Gild Hall, second floor. Enter through the elegant lobby of the Gild Hall Hotel, 15 Gold Street (at Platt), Lower Manhattan.

Admission: FREE. All are welcome! (You don't have to be a parent or a writer to enjoy this event!)

Subways: 2/3, 4/5, and J/M at Fulton, A/C at Broadway/Nassau, R at Cortland Street, E or PATH at WTC.

Sponsor: Pen Parentis, founded in 2008, provides resources to authors who are parents. In addition to hosting the most elegant reading salons in Manhattan and a generous writing fellowship for new parents, the organization's goals include public promotion of authors' works, inspirational panel discussions and support groups for authors who feel torn between family and creative genius, grants for child-care, and ultimately, a writing center that partners with groups that provide drop-off children's programming.

Website: www.penparentis.org