Upcoming events with Philip Shirley, Kevin Brockmeier, Patrick McGrath, Ann B. Ross, Nevada Barr and Ace Atkins.

The 15^th Oxford Conference for the Book, April 3-5, is dedicated to writer, folklorist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston is one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century. Her major works include THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD, MULES AND MEN, her autobiography DUST TRACKS ON THE ROAD, plus children's books and essays. Hurston was closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance and influenced such writers as Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. On Saturday, April 5, Off Square Books hosts an all-Conference book signing. The official Hurston website is www.zoranealehurston.com and the schedule and slate of participants for the conference can be found at www.oxfordconferenceforthebook.com.

The International Edible Book Festival is a yearly event on April 1 throughout the world. This event unites bibliophiles, book artists and food lovers to celebrate the ingestion of culture and its fulfilling nourishment. Curious? Check it out at www.colophon.com/ediblebooks.

For die-hard Grisham fans: Author John Grisham has generously donated two items for auction on eBay, in support of the St. Anne's-Belfield School, the school his children attended in Charlottesville, Virginia. The two items are available on eBay's offering for nonprofits, "Giving Works," powered by Mission Fish. The yellow and blue ribbon tells you that the listing benefits a nonprofit organization. The auctions will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 31 and will run until 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 7.

• The Complete Works of John Grisham Signed by the Author

The complete set includes all 21 books written by the best-selling author. The books are all hardcover Doubleday editions. The winning bidder will receive the books signed by the author with personalization at their direction. Starting Bid: $100

• Immortalize your name in John Grisham's Next Novel

You could be a character in the worldwide best-selling author John Grisham's next novel. Celebrate a child, spouse, client, or friend by giving them a permanent place in literary history. John will use the name of your choice for a character in his next novel to be published in early 2009. Submitted name subject to approval by the author. The character will not necessarily be a major one, or a minor one, or a saint, or a sinner. Will you become a character? A hero? You and millions of others will have to read to find out. The name must be submitted by July 31, 2008. Starting Bid: $5,000

We have signed copies available of The Reserve by Russell Banks; Our Story Begins by Tobias Wolff; Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice; and The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters.