Literary calendar

Spokane Poetry Slam - Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry. 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. This is loud and raucous, and audience participation is highly encouraged. Content is not censored. Monday, 8 p.m., The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. $5/competitor or audience member. (208) 340-2750.

Get to Know Your Imaginary Friends - Free workshop for young writers in grades 7-12. Great fiction has great characters, but how well do you know the ones in your stories? This workshop will help writers learn ways they can talk to and listen to their characters so that your stories are populated with believable, dynamic, quirky folks (or creatures) with depth and complexity. This workshop is led by Kris Dinnison, author of the forthcoming YA novel, “YOU and Me and Him.” Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Ink Art Space, 228 W. Sprague Ave. Free. Registration is requested. For registration or more information, visit inkspokane.org/register.

Author Phil Kiver - Reading and book signing of “182 Days in Iraq” and “Iraq in Pictures.” After graduating from Eastern Washington University, Kiver joined the Army, serving overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chile, Kyrgyzstan and Germany. While stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Kiver anchored an Army news show on KCEN NBC. During this time, he received a master’s degree in military history from American Military University. Currently, he is working on his doctorate in terrorism studies. He has spoken at the Library of Congress, Ronald Reagan Library and Hillsdale University. Kizer is a disabled veteran and advocate for military suicide awareness and prevention. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library Pageturners Books Club - Discussion of “Atonement” by Ian McEwan. Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

Dragons and Dinosaurs Oh My! Preschool Storytime and Craft - Forget all the frightful things you think you know about dinos and dragons, because the stories you’ll hear at Auntie’s will make you smile. Afterwards, you can make your own dragons. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “A Passage to India” by E.M. Forster. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author J.A. Jance - New York Times best-selling author will launch her newest novel in the popular Joanna Brady series, “Remains of Innocence,” with a reading and book signing. Ticket proceeds will go to the nonprofit “Friends of the Bing” to help cover costs of the venue. Tickets available at Auntie’s Bookstore and at the door the evening of the event. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $3. (509) 838-0206.

Author Linda Hackbarth - Presentation on her book “Trail to Gold: The Pend Oreille Route,” published by the Museum of North Idaho that tells the story of the Oregon & Montana Transportation Co., a subsidiary of Oregon Steam Navigation (OSN). When new gold discoveries were announced in southern British Columbia and western Montana Territory, OSN President John Ainsworth and others made plans to capitalize on trade up the Columbia through northern Idaho Territory by building steamboats on Lake Pend Oreille and the Clark Fork River. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

Moran Prairie Library Book Club - Discussion of “Dear Life: Stories” by Alice Munro. Thursday, 2-4 p.m., Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. Free. (509) 893-8340.

Book Bites Tween-Teenagers - Have you read any good books lately that you want to talk about? Do you just want to hear what others are reading? Come and chat with other teens and tweens about books, along with participating in some fun activities. Thursday, 4-6 p.m., Hillyard Library, 4005 N. Cook St. Free. (509) 444-5380.

Author Annette Drake - Reading and book signing of “Bone Girl.” In this novel, a lonely girl learns to play the trombone. An abused stallion learns to trust. Together, they save their world. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Deby Fredericks - Local fantasy writer will greet the public and sign copies of her four novels. Friday, 2 p.m., Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave., Veradale. (509) 482-5288.

Author Erin Pringle-Toungate - Reading and discussion. She is the author of “The Floating Order” and more than 30 short stories. Friday, 2-3 p.m., Touchmark on South Hill Retirement Community, 2929 S. Waterford Drive. Free. (509) 536-2929.

Spokane Slam Showcase Fundraiser - An evening of Spokane’s best slam poets featuring Chris Cook, Emily Gwinn, Kurt Olson and Katie Schmarr. Snacks and beverages will be sold as well as a hat passed and a percentage of the evening’s sales will be donated to help these great poets on their way to nationals. Come support local talent and have a great evening. The Spokane Slam Team is going to Oakland, and they want to share their poems with you and take one last opportunity to raise funds for the trip. The team will have their group chapbook available for purchase. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, main floor 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Writing from Mystery: The Inner Life of Characters in Poetry/Fiction - Workshop, reading and book signing by authors Claire Davis and Shann Ray. A generative class featuring both poetry and fiction in which students will create pieces and a lively discussion. Workshop takes place from 1-4 p.m. and reading and book signing begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Sandpoint. Workshop and reading are free; registration required. (208) 255-4410.

“Good Night Captain Mama/Buenas Noches Capitan Mama” Storytime and Author Event - In this deeply personal and touching story, meet a young boy who wonders why his mama is dressed in a uniform and leaving for her work on the air base. Mama explains to him what she is doing and how important it is; while reminding him that he is the most important thing to her. Author Graciela Tiscareno-Sato will be at Auntie’s to show a real flight suit with Air Force patches, and read and sign copies of her award-nominated book. Saturday, 10 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Novelists Group - Meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month, noon-4 p.m. Please bring seven to eight copies of a chapter/manuscript of no more than 10 pages each. Review of fiction only, including novels and short stories. Please no memoirs, poetry, children’s books or any form of nonfiction. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. (509) 590-7316.