James Thurber

What's the secret life of the man behind "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"? Well, James Thurber's life might not be all that scandalous, but it's fascinating -- and it's certainly held the attention of HARRISON KINNEY, who's become something of an expert on the humorist from Columbus, Ohio. Kinney presents "Simply Thurber" for THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY'S FOUNDER'S DAY LECTURE, which celebrates authors from the Ohio Valley region. Thurber, known also as The New Yorker's "Talk of the Town" man, was the subject of Kinney's graduate thesis, and he's parlayed his interest into a publishing career. He most recently compiled and edited last year's The Thurber Letters: The Wit, Wisdom and Surprising Life of James Thurber. Among the discourse are letters to Thurber's fellow Ohio State alums. The book also documents his mostly unpublished words from the Roaring '20s while stationed in Paris. And then there's the proper care and handling of Harold Ross, the notoriously bristly head honcho behind The New Yorker. Kinney, who also penned a biography of Thurber in 1995 and served as editor of McCall's and contributor to The New Yorker, visits The Mercantile at 3 p.m. Friday. Reservations are required. 513-621-0717. ...

Not to knock the quality of the writing groups we have in Cincin-nati, but honestly, we don't have as many as we should. The Cincinnati Writer's Project and Women Writing for (a) Change vitally infuse literary communities with like-minded creative differences to nurture writers. With The Writing Group Book, author LISA ROSENTHAL, who'll appear at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at 1 p.m. Saturday, unearths the basic instruments in creating, maintaining and joining a healthy writing group. To enhance her words, Rosenthal grouped together more than 30 members of writing organizations, keeping an eye on niches such as online groups and women-only establishments. Most significant is what Rosenthal's subjects have gained from clicking with others in the field. Writing doesn't have to come composed of lone wolves -- you can get by with a little help from your friends. 513-396-8960.