Book Notes: ‘Moody’ author looking for Spokane stories

Steve Oliver is looking for a few good stories.

Oliver, owner of the late, lamented Dark City Mystery Bookstore, knows a bit about writing. He’s the author of the Spokane-based “Moody” series (“Moody Gets the Blues,” “Moody in Winter,” “Moody Forever”), and the author/publisher of the crime compilation “Spokane Crime Stories 1907.”

He’ll be signing copies of that last book Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Auntie’s Bookstore.

As for his search for stories, Oliver wants to compile an anthology of Spokane-based mystery stories that he hopes to publish in about a year’s time.

“Don’t have a fixed notion of the type of story I will accept,” he wrote, “but I’m inclined toward not overly literary types of straightforward writing by people who know the town and its weird character under the sunny surface.”

Oliver is looking for 15 to 20 stories in the 3,500-word range. He hopes to put the anthology out annually.

Payment, he added, “will be commensurate with our profits, which means it will probably be pretty modest.”

To find out more, e-mail Oliver at darkcitybooks@darkcitybooks.com. Better yet, stop by his signing on Saturday and talk to him in person.

Slam time

Both fans and practitioners of poetry should take interest in the ongoing Spokane Poetry Slam series, which will hold its latest event Thursday at 8 p.m. at Empyrean Coffee House. For a $5 fee, fans can hear poets compete for a $40 prize.

Those competing should show up at Empyrean, 154 S. Madison St., at 7 p.m. For further information, call (509) 838-9819.

Grants galore

A free two-hour workshop titled “How to Build a Strong Grant Application” will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Spokane Art School, 920 N. Howard St.

The workshop, which will be taught by Heather Joy Helbach-Olds, director of programs for Artist Trust, the nonprofit group that awards annual grants to Washington state artists in all disciplines.

For further information, go online at www.artisttrust.org/ events/artist_workshops.

Writing movies

The Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition is accepting entries in its 2008 contest. Founded in 1998 as a way of discovering new movie-writing talent, the contest offers a $10,000 first prize and a chance to get opted by production companies.

Early-bird deadline is Jan. 7 (fee: $40), while regular deadline is March 5 (fee: $45) and final deadline is April 15 (fee: $50). For registration and other information, go online at www.scriptapalooza.com.

“The On Sacred Grounds Writers Club will meet at the bookstore, 12212 E. Palouse Highway, on Thursday at 1 p.m. The group is seeking new members. Call (509) 747-6294.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

Book talk

“Auntie’s Morning Book Group, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington. Potluck meeting will substitute for reading selection. Call (509) 838-0206.

“Auntie’s Evening Book Group (“Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia” by Elizabeth Gilbert), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

The reader board

“Brokenlily James (“The Greatest Caravan of All Time,” “Pine Needle Shoes”), signing, noon-2 p.m. today, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Ross Klatte (“Leaving the Farm”), reading, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Spokane Poetry Slam, 8 p.m. Thursday, Empyrean Coffee House, 154 S. Madison St. Fee: $5. Call (509) 838-9819.

“Michael Weaver, dramatic presentation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Frank Zafiro (“Heroes Often Fail”), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Meghan Nuttall Sayres (“Weaving Tapestry in Rural Ireland”), signing, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Candace Ann Frasher (“A Babe’s Christmas Story: For Women Over Fifty,” “Through the Grapevine: An Illustrated Guide to Wine Grapes”), signing, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Steve Oliver (“Spokane Crime Stories 1907”), signing, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

“Deby Fredericks (“Too Many Princes”), signing, 2 p.m. Saturday, Valley Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave. Call (509) 924-0667.