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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Literary calendar

Free Comic Book Weekend - Each person can choose two free comic books from the selections, free sketches for kids, get your picture taken with famous characters from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free comics from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Today, Merlyn’s, 19 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 624-0957.

BootSlam - Presented by Spokane Poetry Slam, this is competitive performance poetry open to competitors of all skill levels. Poets have three minutes per round to present their original work, which is judged by five audience members chosen at random. The poet with the highest cumulative score after two rounds wins the $50 prize. Content is not censored. Sign-ups at 7 p.m.; slam at 7:30 p.m. Today, Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5/to compete and suggested audience donation. (509) 703-7223.

Author Sharma Shields - Reading from her book, “The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac.” Tuesday, 7 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. (208) 882-2669.

Poetry Scribes of Spokane - Wholesome poetry for ages 18 and older. Bring a favorite poem to read. Wednesday, 1 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. (509) 796-2180.

Authors Tim and Becky Hattenburg - Hosting a discussion about their nonfiction work, “Death Ride: A Little Boy’s Night of Terror,” the story of Larry Kuntz, who in 1937, at the age of 5, witnessed the murder of his parents before being beaten and left for dead in the family’s car. Wednesday, 7 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. (509) 893-8350.

Author Jeri McGuire - Reading, discussion and signing of “Clarkston,” the most recent in the popular national series “Images of America.” Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Local Authors Night - Jim Roloff will be signing copies of “Mending God’s Creatures,” a work about how the life of a veterinarian can be a real adventure; Carrie Stuart Parks presents her suspense fiction book “Cry from the Dust”; and Michael Cover presents “Behind the Badge,” a policeman’s true life stories of the gritty underbelly of society. Friday, 6:30 p.m., Well-Read Moose Bookstore, 2048 N. Main St., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 215-2265.

Living an Open-Hearted Life - Local authors Russell Kolts, professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University, and the Venerable Thubten Chodron of Sravasti Abbey, present lectures, discussions and contemplations on how to develop open-hearted compassion for others in daily life. The authors will work from the book “An Open Hearted Life.” Texts will be available during the day. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive. Admission by donation; bring a sack lunch. (509) 447-5549.

Writing Workshop Webinar: Developing Character with Editor Elizabeth Law - Elizabeth Law, former associate publisher at Viking, Frederick Warne and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, leads a webinar on crafting memorable characters. Advance registration is required at http://inlandnw.scbwi.org. Saturday, 9:30-11 a.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. $45. (509) 838-5371.

Spokane Novelists Group - Writers’ support/critique group, open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction or poetry). Participants should bring five to 10 pages to read aloud and six to eight copies for others to read along and critique. Meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month, noon-4 p.m., Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. (509) 590-7316.

Author Donna Petersen - Signing of her self-help book “Wise, Strong Women.” Saturday, 1 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Joe O’Neill - Signing of the author’s “Red Hand Adventures” series. Set in Morocco and filled with adventure, suspense, history and a bit of gore, this is the perfect combination to entice young readers. Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

The Wordwright’s Workshop - A poetry, writing, performance and spoken word workshop open to poets and writers of all backgrounds and skill levels, presented by Spokane Poetry Slam. Workshop leaders provide writing prompts and a supportive environment to help you grow as a writer, reader, and performer. Content and language are not censored. Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Chris Hoke - Reading, discussion and signing of “Wanted: A Spiritual Pursuit Through Jail, Among Outlaws, and Across Borders.” Hoke was a prison chaplain who spent years working with men behind bars. Saturday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.