We told you the Mercantile Library Winter Author Series would be hot, hot, hot. And it is.

        It starts this week with a sold-out appearance by E.L. Doctorow (6:30 p.m. Wednesday ), continues with Margot Livesey (6:30 p.m. Feb. 21) and ends with another sell-out, John Updike (6:30 p.m. April 18).

        Series tickets are sold out but individual tickets are available for Ms. Livesey at $15 for members; $18 for nonmembers. The readings will be at the library, 414 Walnut St., downtown. 621-0717.

        But you have not missed your chance to hear Mr. Doctorow. He is giving a free lecture at 8 p.m. today in Room 127 of McMicken Hall at the University of Cincinnati. The topic: Realms of Literary Conscience.

        The lecture is part of the English department's Ropes Lecture Series, which also will feature Christopher Hitchens, Bruce Robbins, Wilson Moses and Francine Prose. Information: 556-2560 or the English department's home page: http://ucaswww.mcm.uc.edu/english/events.html.

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