Literary calendar

Literary/Poetry

Author Michael Koep - He will hold a book signing and discussion on his new novel “The Invasion of Heaven,” a psychological thriller that takes the reader from Italy to Idaho. Today, 11 a.m., Elkins Resort, 404 Elkins Road, Priest River. Free. (509) 443-2432.

“Being Realistic About the Politics and Economics of Climate Change” - Christian Parenti is an investigative journalist and award-winning author of many books, including “Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change & the New Geography of Violence,” and “Lockdown America: Police and Prisons in the Age of Crisis.” He also received a 2009 Emmy nomination for the documentary “Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi.” Proceeds benefit KYRS. Today, 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $15. (509) 747-3012.

Spokane Poetry Slam - Poets have three minutes to present their original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Audience judges chosen at random score the poem and the highest cumulative score after two rounds of poetry wins the $50 grand prize. Age 21 and older. Content is not censored. Today, 9 p.m., Lantern Tap House, 1004 S Perry St. $5/competitors and suggested audience donation. (509) 315-9531.

Kids Explore & Discover Club - Join Kelly Milner Halls, author of “Dinosaur Mummies” and “Dinosaur Travel Guides,” and learn about dinosaurs. You will also create a dinosaur artifact of your own. Monday, 4 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, (509) 893-8350; Tuesday, 4 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards, (509) 893-8390. Free.

Author Steven Jimenez - Reading, discussion and book signing of “The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard.” . Over the course of a 13-year investigation, Jimenez traveled extensively and interviewed more than a 100 sources to find out who Matthew Shepard was and the true circumstances of his brutal murder. Monday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author N.D. Wilson - Signing his book of “Empire of Bones,” the third in the Ashtown Burials series. Cyrus and Antigone Smith’s next adventure will take them deep into the caves below Ashtown, where they will look for help from those imprisoned in one of Ashtown’s oldest tombs. Wilson is also the author of Leepike Ridge and the 100 Cupboards trilogy. Tuesday, 5-7 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. (208) 882-2669.

WSU Visiting Writer Kathleen Flenniken – The Washington State poet laureate will read and discuss her work. Free and open to the public. Tuesday, 7 p.m., WSU Museum of Art, Wilson Road, Pullman. (509) 335-6812.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library Pageturners Books Club – Discussion of “The Majic Bus: An American Odyssey,” a work of nonfiction by Douglas Brinkley. Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

Spiders and Bats Preschool Storytime – Come hear some creepy-crawly stories just in time for Halloween. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“The School of Essential Ingredients” - North Idaho Reads selection presented by author Erica Bauermeister. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 769-2315; Thursday, 2 p.m., Priest River Library, 118 Main St., Priest River, (208) 448-2207; 7 p.m., Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Sandpoint, (208) 263-6930; Friday, 2 p.m., Post Falls Library, 812 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, (208) 773-1506; 7 p.m., Hayden Public Library, 8385 Government Way, Hayden, (208) 772-5612. Free.

Panel of Poet Laureates - Washington state poet laureate Kathleen Flenniken, Boise poet laureate Diane Raptosh, U.S. children’ poet laureate Kenn Nesbitt, and the newly crowned Spokane poet laureate Thom Caraway will discuss and read poetry. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Lisa Olstein - Part of the Gonzaga University Visiting Writers Series. Her poems have appeared in many journals and anthologies, including The Nation, The Iowa Review, American Letters & Commentary, and New Voices. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Gonzaga University, Wolff Auditorium, 502 E. Boone Ave. Free. (509) 328-4220.

Whiting Fellow Poet Tyehimba Jess – Reading and signing by the slam poet. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., University of Idaho, College of Law Courtroom, Menard Law Building, Moscow. (208) 885-7251.

Author Diane Raptosh –The College of Idaho professor and alumna and winner of the Idaho Commission on the Arts writer in residence will share her works of poetry. Thursday, 4 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 769-2315; 7 p.m., Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls, (208) 457-8950. Free.

Auntie’s Book Club Fandango - Lots of food, fun, free books and great suggestions. Book clubs are asked to register in advance. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“How to Write a Novel in Only 30 Years” - Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau presents award-winning author, Shawn Wong. His first novel, “Homebase,” was published when he was 30. Wong will discuss the “creative process” and explore how a work of fiction is made. Thursday, 7 p.m., Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, Civic Center Auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St., Moses Lake. Free. (509) 764-3830.

Author Laurie Frankel - Reading, discussion and book signing of “Goodbye for Now,” a love story about a software engineer who invents a way for people to email with their dead loved ones; and “The Atlas of Love,” a love story about three friends who raise a baby together. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Halloween Storytime - Trick or treat! Put on your costume and come listen to some spooky books. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short stories. Bring five to 10 pages to read to the group and six to eight copies. Group meets second and fourth Saturdays of the month; noon. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Author Melissa Lowdon - She will sign copies of her book “Trial and Error … Then Repeat.” In her heartening and humorous memoir, Lowdon seeks out her identity and realizes that it is necessary to make mistakes, even big ones. Saturday, noon-3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.