Literary calendar
Poet Kathleen Flenniken - “The Fabric is Stronger with Women’s Stories: A Look Back at Hanford,” she will deliver the keynote address during WSU’s annual Women’s Recognition and Symposium. She served as poet laureate of Washington state from 2012-14. Her first book, “Famous,” focused on her daily life; then later she wrote exclusively about Hanford and her hometown of Richland. Tickets available at http://womenofdistinction .wsu.edu/formtool/Signup /index.castle?formid=5. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Washington State University, CUB Ballroom, Pullman. $15. (509) 335-8200.
Author Megan Kruse - Reading, discussion and signing of Kruse’s debut novel, “Call Me Home,” the story of a family bent and broken by violence, where each person is desperately trying to somehow grow toward light and liberation. Tuesday, 7 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow, (208) 882-2669; and Wednesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave., (509) 838-0206.
Gonzaga Visiting Writers: Douglas Kearney - Kearney is a poet, performer and librettist. His second, full-length collection of poetry, “The Black Automaton,” was selected for the National Poetry Series. Red Hen Press published Kearney’s third collection, “Patter.” His work has appeared in a number of journals, including Poetry, Nocturnes, Pleiades, Callaloo, Fence, LA Review of Books, the Iowa Review, and the Ninth Letter. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone Ave. (509) 328-4220.
“Please, Mr. Panda” Storytime - An adorable panda will help you remember how important saying “please” and “thank you” can be. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “Atonement” by Ian McEwan. Wednesday, 6 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
Blurt! and Blather Open Mic - All ages open mic hosted by Davy Nguyen. Join in by listening and or reading poetry. This is a safe space for people to share their poetry about anything and everything that they want. Poems and poets will not be censored for content. Thursday, 6 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main. (303) 667-0087.
Author Shawn Vestal - Spokesman-Review columnist will read from his book, “Godforsaken Idaho,” winner of the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize and long listed for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m., Well-Read Moose Bookstore, 2048 N. Main St., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 215-2265.
The Mystery and Thriller Book Club - Discussion of “The Skull Mantra” by Eliot Pattison. Thursday, 6 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
Author Ian Weir - Reading, discussion and signing of “Will Starling,” his newest work. Weir is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. He reignites the fire within romanticism in his novels. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
“The Wolf of Britannia, Part I” - Book signing of historical novel set in first century A.D. Britain, and the historical prequel to the best-selling, “The Sign of the Eagle.” Saturday, 11 a.m., Spokane Valley Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave. (509) 922-4104.
Author Presentation and Signing - Jan Foland, retired Spokane teacher and founder of Off Broadway Family Outreach in West Central, is the author of “Tork’s Hope Journey.” Therese Marszalek, ordained minister, is the author of recently released “40 Days,” “40 Days Devotional Journal” and four other inspirational books that will also be available. The Father’s LoveLine, a heavenly greeting card line with sketches by Jan Foland, will also be on display. A book signing and open house will follow the presentations. Saturday, 11 a.m., Kaufer’s Religious Supplies, 907 W. Boone Ave., (509) 326-7073. Foland will also have a signing on Friday, 5-8 p.m., Shadle Hastings, 1704 W. Wellesley Ave. (509) 327-6008.
“Red” Storytime – A blue crayon with a red wrapper is the main character in this story about acceptance. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
Spokane Novelists Group – A writers’ support/critique group, open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc.) Meets the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, noon-4 p.m. Participants should bring five to 10 pages to read aloud and six to eight copies for others to read along and critique. Saturday, noon, Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. (509) 590-7316.
Author Jean Flanigen - Signing of “Hannah, the Lighthouse Keeper,” a work of historical fiction based on the true stories of female lighthouse keepers. Saturday, 1-3 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.
The Writers Competition - The Coeur d’Alene Library is looking for writers of fiction and nonfiction prose to submit up to two entries of up to 2,000 words for its 27th Writers Competition. Entry forms, rules and a guide to creating an entry are available by visiting the library, by email to dtownsend@cdalibrary.org, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Writers Competition, Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814-4012. The deadline for entries is March 31. For more information, contact (208) 769-2315, ext. 426, or dtownsend@cdalibrary.org.