Author Signed: “Max Golly,” s comic novel...

Author Signed: “Max Golly,” s comic novel written by a Davis piano teacher, has been selected as the first book to be published by Quixote Press of Costa Mesa, a student-run publishing house specializing in the work of first-time novelists.

The novel by Rick Drager, 39, a member of the creative writing program at UC Davis, was selected from 40 manuscripts. Quixote Press is a class project for students enrolled in writing instructor Ray Obstfeld’s new Orange Coast College course called “How to Publish.”

Drager, who has written several unpublished short stories, says his book is a “light, pop novel” about an unemployed middle-aged man who becomes a cult figure after he pretends to be the author of a best-selling science fiction novel that becomes a hit movie.

“It’s very funny,” said Alexis Brown, who is editing Drager’s manuscript, which is expected to be in print by December. Quixote Press, meanwhile, is conducting a cover design contest through college and high school art departments in the county. For more information call (714) 968-5215.

Award Winner: Mary E. Kinn of San Clemente was among three writers to share Writer of the Year honors given by Los Escribientes, a south Orange County professional writers critique group. Kinn was recognized for three books published this year: “Medical Terminology Review Challenge (DelMar Publishers), “The Administrative Medical Assistant” (W.B. Saunders Co.), and “The Medical Assistant: Administrative and Clinical” (W.B. Saunders Co.), which she co-authored with Eleanor Derge. All are textbooks used at the community college level. As previously noted in Bookends, the other two honored members of Los Escribientes are Robert Wenkham of Irvine and Sherilyn Mentes of San Clemente.

Book Signings: Mystery writers Les Roberts (“Pepper Pike”) and Gar Haywood (“The Fear of the Dark”) will sign copies of their books from 1 to 3 p.m. today at Book Carnival, 870 N. Tustin Ave., Orange. . . . Tom Coat, San Diego Union sailing columnist, will autograph copies of his new book, “A Cup of Controversy,” from 1 to 3 .m. today at Brentano’s bookstore in South Coast Plaza. . . . On Sunday, Sept. 25, T. Jefferson Parker will sign and read from his new novel, “Little Saigon” from 2 to 4 p.m. at Fahrenheit 451 Books, 509 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. . . . And on Friday, Sept. 30, James Elroy will sign copies of “The Big Nowhere” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Book Carnival.

Kid Stuff: Children’s illustrator and author J.J. Smith-Moore (“Abigail’s Alphabet”) will present “The Making of a Book” at 1 p.m. today at the Discovery Museum of Orange County, 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana. Copies of Smith-Moore’s books will be available for signing following the 30-minute presentation.

Catch 22: Author Joseph Heller (“Catch 22, “Good as Gold”) will speak at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Chapman College in Orange. Tickets are $3 for general admission and $2 for students and senior citizens.