“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.”–F. Scott Fitzgerald

Thanks to Jasper (manager of Piano’s) for this head’s up–NPR just ran a piece on ‘Great American Writers and Their Cocktails’. It also includes a list of writers and their favorite drinks. What are some of One Story authors’ favorite cocktails?

Calvin Baker–Dark & Stormy
Patrick Somerville–Highball
Alix Ohlin–Vodka Tonic
Scott Snyder–Gin & Tonic
Pauls Toutonghi–Seven & Seven

So next time you’re in the mood for erudation & libation, come to the One Story Reading & Cocktail Hour at Piano’s. Next month, on Friday, January 12th we are hosting THE NEWLYWEDS: Tom Hopkins and his new bride, the talented Emily Barton.

Tonight from 5-7 some of the biggest names in short fiction (and reviews, and other features) are hosting a holiday party at Mercury Lounge. The first round of drinks is free, and there will be readings by Mike Albo, Molly Jong-Fast, and Sam Lipsyte, as well as raffles of first-edition books by Gary Shteyngart, Neil Freudenberger, Edward P. Jones, Jennifer Egan, and Tom Franklin. The event is hosted by One Story, Post Road, Fence, Open City, A Public Space, and Tin House.

This party is 21+ and you can find Mercury Lounge at 217 E Houston and Avenue A.

Tomorrow, December 12, from 6 to 730 PM, Anna Solomon of One Story #73 is reading as part of the “Periodically Speaking” series sponsored by CLMP, NYSCA and the New York Public Library. Each reading features new writers from a well-respected publication, and the lineup this time is Anna representing Georgia Review, John Hennessey with Harvard Review, and Meredith Hall with Creative Nonfiction.

There will be refreshments afterwards, as well as conversation with the various writers and editors of these fine publications, so it’s sure to be a great event. The reading will be held in DeWitt Wallace Periodicals Room, The New York Public Library, Humanities and Social Sciences Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd. The event is free.

Join One Story magazine, author Dani Shapiro (One Story issue #69) and host Antonio Sersale for the first annual Sirenland Writers Conference to be held March 18-23, 2007. This conference will offer an advanced fiction and memoir workshop in an intimate, supportive environment at one of the most beautiful five star luxury hotels in the world—Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy.

Participation is the Sirenland Writers Conference will be limited to twelve students to ensure individual attention and create a close, friendly community. Each day will feature an intensive, small group workshop with acclaimed writer Dani Shaprio, as well as private time for writing, relaxing and excursions to nearby Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. Evenings will include talks on publishing and living the writers’ life with Dani Shapiro and Hannah Tinti (editor of One Story), student and instructor readings, and fantastic meals overlooking the Islands of Li Galli, formerly called the “Island of the Sirens.” For more information, visit the Sirenland website.

A huge thanks to Calvin for a great reading from his latest novel “Dominion” last Friday–and thanks to everyone who made it out. The excerpt involved a trading excursion into lower Manhattan and a really unique “look” into another period of an area we are all familiar with.

Click here or on the image to check out some photos–summaries to come.