The Pen Parentis Literary Salon hosts Darin Strauss and Jennifer Egan 9/14

What do celebrated authors Jennifer Egan (A Visit from the Goon Squad) and Darin Strauss (More than it Hurts You) have in common besides Guggenheim Fellowships? They each also managed to write their latest acclaimed novel while caring for little ones at home. On Tuesday, September 14th at 6:30 pm during happy hour in the handsomely appointed Libertine Library at Gild Hall (15 Gold Street at Platt in Lower Manhattan) these literary luminaries share the stage to read from these highly anticipated newest works, then the distinguished pair will present the first ever Pen Parentis Writing Fellowship for New Parents to exciting newcomer, Brooklyn resident Abby Sher.

Sher's short story was chosen from among nearly a hundred entries from as far away as Hawaii and France. As Fellow, she will receive $1000 in prize money to use for child care and will share the stage with Egan and Strauss to present her winning short, "MRI." Pen Parentis, the sponsor of the fellowship as well as of this open arts event, is a professional organization for authors who are also parents. After the readings, all three authors will sign books and answer questions about creativity, career, and childrearing.

Pen Parentis executive director M. M. De Voe is a local resident and prize-winning author. She is also a mother of two. "So many authors are raising kids around here," De Voe says, referring not only to downtown, but also to Brooklyn, "Writing is solitary, and parenting is constantly demanding. Pen Parentis was founded to help authors who have kids stay on track, creatively, through the support that only other author/parents 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.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 6:30 pm

WHERE: The Libertine Library at Gild Hall.
15 Gold Street (2nd floor), Lower Manhattan.

Admission: FREE.

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