​Author and religious scholar Reza Aslan is used to answering questions. He's a frequent guest on public radio, "The Daily Show," "Real Time with Bill Maher" and countless other shows.

Now he'll be the one asking the questions as the host of a new monthly series of literary talks called The Writers Room. Aslan points out that as a creative city, the written word is celebrated in Los Angeles, though perhaps without the self-seriousness of other cities.

The inaugural guest is B.J. Novak, known for his acting in "The Office" and "Inglorious Basterds." He's also a television writer and last year published a bestselling collection of short stories, "One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories."

The series will be held at DBA in West Hollywood. Tickets and information is available at their website.