/— in Harlem, served as senior editor of the Columbia Law Review and was a Harlem Fiske Stone Scholar. "I had a law school professor who said, 'Look at the front page of the newspaper on any day, pick out any story and you'll find lawyers involved with it, — Meltzer recalled as he dis- cussed the current interest in legal \_ thrillers. "The more the public comes to understand the way the legal system works, the more they want to know and the more they're going to want to see the way lawyers move into posi- tions of power." Although Meltzer loves the law, writing is his passion. "Each book became like the prac- and making sure everything goes right. "One of the scenes in an early draft had Sara going into a restroom and splashing water on her face to calm down. When my wife read it, she said, `Obviously, you've never worn make- up,' and I realized that women don't do that." Being cast in a Woody Allen film, not yet released, seemed like a fringe benefit for his writing. The novelist was an extra in a scene that sought actual authors as party guests. A fringe benefit for readers and nonreaders of Meltzer's books is a charita- ble founda- tion WHERE TO GO! WHAT TO DO! WHOM TO SEE! Find out in this week's JN Entertainment section. /- "N13 AUTHENTIC SZECHUAN COOKING " . that receives a percent- age of his writing pro- ceeds. Funds are donat- ed to a variety of organi- zations including the United Jewish Appeal. "We're trying to make [the foundation] grow so it can stand on its own," Meltzer said. "We want to amass enough funds so it can continue forever. I believe so Brad Meltzer: "The more the public comes to understand much in giving back to the community." the way the legal system works, the more they want to Meltzer, who returns know and the more they're going to want to see the way to Ann Arbor to see his lawyers move into positions of power." brother-in law, junior Adam Flam, has begun Inset: "Dead Even" follows Meltzer's hit debut novel work on a third novel. "The Tenth Justice." As he goes on his book- signing tour, he takes along a computer. tice of law," he said. "I do very heavy "I can't talk about [the new book] research. For The Tenth Justice, I got because I want to keep it a secret until into the Supreme Court and found it's done," he said. "But it will involve out how that works. For this book, a lawyers, and there's no question that friend working in a district attorney's I'm going to try to have that Michigan office let me follow him around. I had reference." ❑ to play the reporter to be the writer later." Brad Meltzer will sign books 7 Meltzer's wife is his first editor. p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Borders, "Nothing goes out the door unless I 31150 Southfield Road, can get it past Cori," he said. "She is Birmingham. (248) 644-1515. very good at catching the little details A HAPPY & HEALTHY PASSOVER TO ALL! • fresh Seafood • Cocktails • .)—lome of General Tso's Chicken • 'AA() MSG on all dishes • 'vegetarian Dishes • ':Daily Specials 39450 14 Mile Rd. (corner of Haggerty in the Newberry Square Plaza) (248) 960-7666 Original location: 29215 5 Mile Rd. at Middlebelt-Livonia Not good with any ot er offer 1 coupon per table • with coupon Expires 6/15/98 SHANGRI-LA FEATURING Authentic HONG KONG Style Cooking Wonderful traditional favorites... superb variety of dining specialties Tim Sum lunch specials 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Live fish, lobster and crab in our tanks, cooked to order • 'Banquet jacilities • 'Business Lunches 6407 Orchard Lake Road • In The Orchard Mall (248) 626-8585 6/5 1998 101