A literary journal is a writer's publication, a platform for new fiction and poetry, often challenging but definitely not competition for Esquire.

For 17 years, the Pittsburgh-based Creative Nonfiction Journal served that purpose for essayists, memoir writers and writers in a variety of journalistic forms.

This month, the quarterly journal has been transformed into a quarterly magazine, expanding its table of contents with author profiles and writing advice from professionals.

The change will be celebrated with a party tonight at 7 at Alto Lounge, 728 Copeland St., Shadyside. Everyone's invited to hear Rebecca Skloot, author of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," read from the recently published book at 7:30 p.m., followed by food and music from Vipers Soul Club.

"We are trying to follow the lead of Poets & Writers magazine," said Hattie Fletcher, managing editor, "with columns by Phillip Lopate, Richard Rodriguez and Heidi Julavits of The Believer. There's also a feature on Dave Eggers."

(P&W is aimed at poets, fiction writers and academic creative writing programs.)

Mr. Eggers, a writer of fiction and nonfiction, is the founder of the independent publisher McSweney's and supporter of The Believer, a literary journal.

The magazine will feature essays by Bill McKibben and Carolyn Forche, among others. Conversations with writers and editors are also planned.

The new publication costs $10 on the newsstand and $32 for an annual subscription. Details at www.creativenonfiction.org.

"Bob Hoover's Book Club" is available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.