The Maui Writers Conference & Retreat, held over the Labor Day weekend, is a beacon for the publishing and film industries. More than 50 top agents and editors and 150 presenters attend, looking for new talent. Despite its name, however, the 2008 conference is "on the road in Honolulu," with headquarters at the Ala Moana Hotel. The conference features prose and screenwriting competitions and a manuscript marketplace, where budding stars can circulate resumes. Best-selling authors, award-winning journalists, and literary and film names will give lectures, consultations and workshops — it's a great forum to find advice from the best in the business. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. For the schedule and list of presenters, visit www.mauiwriters.com.

SPACE

TAKE A TRIP AND LOSE WEIGHT, TOO, IF ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES

Space tourism took a giant leap forward last week when British billionaire Richard Branson unveiled his futuristic mother ship at Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Designed to launch wealthy thrill-seekers on the world's first commercial rocket into space, White Knight Two will carry an eight-person rocket ship on a flight from Earth up to a launch point at 48,000 feet up. There, the rocket will detach and passengers and crew will fly to the edge of space, where they'll experience four minutes of weightlessness. The ship then returns to Earth and lands at an airport like a plane. The mother ship is named Eve for Branson's mother, who attended the unveiling and also will be one of the first passengers. To date, more than 250 people have paid $200,000 for a chance to float weightless in space by the end of this decade.

DELTA INCREASES CHARGE FOR 2ND BAG ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Take note: Delta Air Lines has increased domestic and international baggage fees to help offset the 70 percent to 80 percent increase in jet fuel prices in the last year. These changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel on or after Aug. 5. Delta continues to offer all customers a free first checked bag for domestic travel and two checked bags for international flights. The fee to check a second bag for domestic travel will increase from $25 to $50, and fees for specialty items such as surfboards or ski equipment will increase on domestic and international flights. First Class, BusinessElite and Medallion customers may check up to three bags at no charge. Details at www.delta.com.