Patty Friedmann, the New Orleans-based author who captures the unique of the Big Easy better than anyone else has a new novel out, A Little Bit Ruined, set during Hurricane Katrina. Friedmann writes brilliant, funny novels set in New Orleans. Of course, there wasn't much funny about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. It will be interesting to see how a skilled satirist deals with this tragedy.
She also contributed a story to a new collection of short fiction, New Orleans Noir, edited by Julie Smith. Apparently, all the authors have donated their royalties to Katrina relief.