The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The festival was an immediate success and has become the largest and most prestigious book festival in the country, attracting more than 130,000 book lovers each year.

Amy Wallen, author of the Los Angeles Times best-selling novel Moon Pies and Movie Stars, teaches creative writing at UC San Diego Extension. She hosts the monthly open-mic prose reading sponsored by San Diego Writers Ink and also serves on its advisory board.

Sarah Dunn is the author of Official Slacker Handbook and the novels The Big Love and Secrets to Happiness. Dunn was the executive story editor for "Spin City" and is now a full-time novelist. She lives in California.

Merrill Markoe is an Emmy award-winning author of humorous essays and novels. She has worked as a radio host and a TV correspondent, and has written for television, movies and an assortment of publications. Her newest novel is Nose Down, Eyes Up

Bill Scheft was head writer for "The Late Show with David Letterman" and was nominated for 13 Emmys. Scheft has also written for the New York Times and other publications. Everything Hurts is his first novel.

Maria Semple has written for several hit TV shows including "Arrested Development," "Mad About You" and "Ellen." Her first novel is titled This One is Mine.