Literary calendar

Palouse Country Cowboy Poets - Fall roundup with performances by poets Orvil Sears, Darleane Norskog, J.B. Barber and Dave Nordquist along with musicians Dave Fulfs, Lee Hadwiger, Donna Gwinn and Bodie Dominguez. Today, 2 p.m., Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way, Uniontown, Wash. $8. (509) 229-3414.

Planning Your Novel - Got an idea for a novel, but don’t know what your first step should be? Join local authors Kris Dinnison, Sharma Shields and Kelly Milner Halls as they share their best tips on how to plan your novel. Monday, 7 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney. (509) 893-8280; Wednesday, 7 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. (509) 893-8350. Free.

Auntie’s Morning Book Group - Discussion of “Swamplandia!” by Karen Russell. Tuesday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Auntie’s Evening Book Group - Discussion of “Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Silly, Poetry Is Lots of Fun Storytime and Craft - These poems will make you laugh and giggle, until you have to hold your middle. Come join the fun and create your own poem. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

An Evening of Prose and Poetry - Beacon Hill Reading Series with authors Kathryn Smith, Shann Ray and Ellen Welcker. Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Spokane Community College, Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities, 1810 N. Greene St. Free. (509) 533-7000.

Inland Northwest Writer’s Guild - Discussion of small presses and the modern writer. New writers and published authors are all encouraged to attend. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“Protest Songs That Changed History” - Local children’s author Claire Rudolf Murphy will give a presentation on her new book “My Country Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of Civil Rights.” Her slide talk will feature protest movements and events from American history set against the background of this iconic song with verses recorded by the EWU choir, directed by Kristina Ploeger. Presented by EWU Women’s Studies. Thursday, noon-12:50 p.m., Eastern Washington University, JFK Library Atrium, Cheney. Free. (509) 359-2898.

Author Karen Russell - Sponsored by Spokane is Reading, she will read from her book “Swamplandia!,” set in the weird world of southern Florida where, among the mosquitoes, there is a strange mingling of ghosts, gators and three siblings whose lives are a bit adrift. Thursday, 1 p.m., Spokane Valley Event Center, 10514 E. Sprague Ave. Free. (509) 893-8205; and 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. Free. (509) 893-8205.

Bedtime Stories - Inspired by the theme, “Bump in the Night,” short readings by Gonzaga University English professor Tod Marshall, 2014-16 Washington state Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen and award-winning authors Jamie Ford and Sharma Shields. Gary Stokes of KSPS Public Television will emcee the event. Also, that evening, the 2014 Humanities Washington Award will be presented to Liz Burroughs for her achievement in the public humanities. Reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. $75, tickets available through Monday by phone or email to kaylee@humanities.org. Friday, Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. (206) 682-1770.

Friends of the Medical Lake Library Book Sale - Proceeds from book sales support various library programs, activities and services. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake. (509) 893-8330.

Author Mary Davies - Davies, author of “The Ultimate Guide to Dating for Women,” will host a single ladies night with skin and makeup specials at Beautiful Grounds at 5:30 p.m.; coffee specials and mingling with the Dating Doctor at 6:30 p.m.; and a workshop and cake at 7 p.m. Friday, 5:30-9 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Shop Talk: “Is Your Manuscript Ready to Submit?” - Mary Cronk Farrell, author of “Pure Grit,” will provide tools you can apply to your manuscript to determine whether your voice, characterization and plot development are ready. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. $15. (509) 838-5371.

Let’s Celebrate National Ivy & Bean Day - Reserve a spot for a very special celebration. If you’re an Ivy and Bean fan, you won’t want to miss this. There will be crafts, trivia, games, prizes and more. Head down for some stories that will bring out the artist in you. For ages 7 and older. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen - Join state Poet Laureate Austen for a free, hands-on poetry workshop designed to engage participants’ imaginations, life histories and sense of empathy through language. The class includes close reading of a few contemporary poems, then using one as a model for writing your own first draft. No writing experience is needed. Saturday, 1-3 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Esther J. Hildahl - Signing of her children’s book, “Mr. Inky: Spider With an Attitude.” The book tells the story of a lovable talking spider with bad grammar and an attitude who’s come to live in Vicki Wyatt’s bedroom and refuses to leave, telling her that it’s his home, too. Saturday, 2 p.m., Hastings Spokane Valley, 15312 E. Sprague Ave. (509) 924-0667.

Authors Elizabeth Austen and Chris Howell - Washington Poet Laureate Austen will be interviewing EWU MFA professor Chris Howell and then reading from her collection of poetry, “Every Dress a Decision.” Howell will read from his works. Saturday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.