Literary Calendar

Spokane Poetry Slam – Special guest is Stephen Meads. Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry. Poets have three minutes to present original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Audience judges chosen at random score the poem and the highest cumulative score after two rounds of poetry wins the $50 grand prize. This is loud and raucous, and audience participation is highly encouraged. Content is not censored. Monday, 8 p.m., The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. $5. (208) 340-2750.

“Who Pooped in the Forest Near My Library?” – Spokane County libraries will help kids in kindergarten through fifth grade learn about wild animals, plants and habitats. Kelly Clark of Exploring Families will read the story “Who Pooped in the Northwoods?” written by Gary D. Robson. Learn more about identifying animals by what they leave behind. Tuesday, 4 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards, (509) 893-8390; Wednesday, 4 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney, (509) 893-8280; Friday, 4 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, (509) 893-8350; Saturday, 10 a.m., Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrom St., Airway Heights, (509) 893-8250. Free.

Learn to Comic Workshop – In this class students will look at the basics of storytelling and how to break down a plot into a simple three-act structure. Basic scripting techniques for comics will also be taught so that students can feel confident creating works of varying lengths. Thumbnailing and page layout will also be taught so that students will better understand how presentation can aid in clarity. This workshop is designed for ages 14-18. Tuesday, 5-6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Angela Jensen – Reading, discussion and signing of “Raven’s Tale.” Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Gonzaga Visiting Authors: Marilynne Robinson – Robinson received a 2012 National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama, for “her grace and intelligence in writing.” She is the author of “Gilead,” winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Award. She also wrote “Home,” winner of the Orange Prize and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and a finalist for the National Book Award. Her first novel, “Housekeeping,” won the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award. Robinson’s nonfiction books include “When I was a Child I Read Books,” “Absence of Mind,” “The Death of Adam,” and “Mother Country,” which was nominated for a National Book Award. She teaches at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Iowa City. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone Ave., (509) 328-4220; Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave., (509) 838-0206. Free.

“Sam and Dave Dig a Hole” Storytime and Craft – Enjoy an exciting and silly story about two boys who dig and dig. Stop by and see what happens to Sam and Dave. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“The Call of the Wild” – Read the book and gather with fellow book lovers to interact with the text more deeply through discussion. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Inland Northwest Writer’s Guild – Beginning and accomplished writers are invited to attend this presentation/discussion group for lots of great information. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Idaho Writers League – Tana Essary and Shelley Martin will lead a workshop on pitching followed by pitch practice. Members enjoy writing in a wide variety of styles and genres, but the main purpose is to share work and get helpful feedback. Every meeting features a speaker on the subject of writing and small group critique. Thursday, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 262-4833.

EWU Visiting Writers Series: Emily Rapp – Reading, discussion and book signing of “The Still Point of the Turning World.” Presented by the Inland Northwest Center for Writers MFA Program at Eastern Washington University and Get Lit! Programs. Friday, 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

The Round #5 – Songwriters, slam poets and visual artists will share the stage and create while the audience sits only a few feet away. Featuring musicians Tyler Aker, Cold Mt. Yeti and Ruth Henrickson. Featured poet will be Devin Devine and featured visual artist is Jesse Pierpoint. Friday, 8 p.m., 228 W. Sprague Ave. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. (509) 747-2174.

“Tea Party Rules” Storytime and Craft – A tea party goes awry for a poor bear cub who really only wants a cookie. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Jim Noren – Book signing of “Waiting on a Miracle,” as well as the local author’s second Christian religious book. Saturday, 1-3 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Authors Tim and Becky Hattenburg – Reading, discussion and signing of “Death Ride: A Little Boy’s Night of Terror.” The book is the true story of Larry Kuntz, a Spokane resident, who survived the brutal murder of both his mother and father in the family car in 1937. Saturday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.