Literary Calendar

Authors Jayne Jones and Alicia Long – In the book “Capitol Hell,” Allison Amundson is a small town girl, who lands the job of scheduler to a newly elected and rising star of the U.S. Senate. She quickly learns how dysfunctional the fast track to success can be. Today, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

BootSlam - Performance poetry competition organized by Spokane Poetry Slam. Poets will have three minutes per round to perform their original work, without the aid of costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Five audience judges, chosen at random, score the work, and the poet with the highest score after two rounds wins the $50 grand prize. This event is open to poets and fans of all ages, but Spokane Poetry Slam does not censor for content. Sign-up at 7 p.m. Today, 7:30 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5/competitors; $5/suggested donation for spectators. (509) 703-7223.

Breakfast Preschool Storytime - Pancakes, donuts and muffins! Oh my! Come down for a yummy muffin and stories surrounding the most important meal of the day. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” - Beatrice Bottomwell has never made a mistake … never forgets her homework, never wears mismatched socks, and she always wins the yearly talent show at school. She is perfect, until one day she makes a mistake in a big way. Cookies will follow. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Authors Zafiro and Conway - A reading, discussion and signing of the detective mystery books “Queen of Diamonds” by Frank Zafiro and “A Little Harmless Fun” by Colin Conway. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“Happy Tooth & Sad Tooth” Storytime – Spokane endodontist Dr. Blake McKinley Jr. will read and sign his book on the importance of tooth brushing, flossing and eating healthy food. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“Chick ’n’ Pug Meet the Dude” - He’s taller than the Chrysler Building. He drools more than a teething baby sucking on a piece of Jello. Dog people will recognize him as a Great Dane. Chick and Pug know him only as The Dude. Treats will follow. Saturday, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, including novels and short stories. Bring five to 10 pages to read to the group as well as six to eight copies of your work. Group meets the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at noon. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Author Sam Lien Le - In “The Spirit Stills the Storms,” the author’s gifted storytelling gives you a firsthand glimpse of prison camps and the narrow escape from Vietnam. Saturday, 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.