I know — it's ugly and wrong. The only times I post on here is when I'm promoting a talk for "Knowing Pains." I'm sure this will send me straight to writer hell. I'll take that risk.

I'll be joining the editor of and other contributors to  "Knowing Pains" as well as the editor of and contributors to "Writin' on Empty" for a reading/signing in San Rafael. Here's the official press release:

Ladies Night at the Library

  If you are facing the big “4-0” or dreading the time when your child leaves the nest or just craving some candor from real people facing life changes, you are ready for a night out with the ladies. San Rafael Public Library is sponsoring an evening of readings from two collections of honest, personal accounts with a good dose of laughter about the ups and downs of life. The event will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at the library, 1100 E Street.

Molly Rosen, Vicki Larson, and Elaine Hamill will read from Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s. As editor Molly Rosen says, “We are old enough to know better, and young enough to do something about it.” All sales of Knowing Pains benefit Breast Cancer Action.

Also reading will be Risa Nye, Ransom Stephens, and Julie Renalds, contributors to Writin’ on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything in Between When Children Leave the Nest. Each essay in both books is like a lively conversation with a friend. Books will be available for purchase.

Although this event is billed as “Ladies Night at the Library,” men will not be turned away; one will even read about his colorful experiences as a single dad. For more information, call 485-3321.