San Francisco Bay Area

• SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 15-17, 2008: The fourth annual conference will feature more than one hundred agents, authors and editors. Keynote speakers are Daisy Maryles and April Sinclair, author of Coffee Will Make You Black. Presenters include Marta Acosta, freelance journalist, Cara Black, author of the Aimee Le Duc mystery series, Robin Carpenter, Edible San Francisco contributor, Rosemary Daniell, Secrets of the Zona Rosa: How Writing (and Sisterhood) Can Change Women's Lives, Constance Hale author of Wired, Sin, and Syntex, Brad Henderson, Andy Jones, Milton Kahn, Kim Wong Keltner, author of The Dim Sum of All Things, Bharti Kirchner, author of Pastries: A Novel of Desserts and Discoveries, Darjeeling, Allen Klein, Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart, D.P. Lyle, author of Forensics for Dummies, Mary Mackey, author of Breaking the Fever, Michael Modzelewski, author of Inside Passage, Raymond Obstfeld, Dan Poynter, author of The Self-Publishing Manual, Douglass Rees, Barbara Santos, author of Maui Tacos, Sheldon Segel, Elisa Southard, author of Break Through the Noise. Editors Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin's Press, Michelle Howry, Touchstone Fireside, Daisy Maryles, Executive Editor at Publishers Weekly, Christine Pride, Random House, Alan Rinzler and Chuck Sambuchino will also appear. Seven literary agents will be on hand. There will be "how to" sessions, workshops, Speed Dating For Editors and Agents (pitching books one on one to New York and California literary agents and editors), and the San Francisco Writers Conference Writing Contest, over forty talks and breakout sessions. Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, Nob Hill; conference rate $142 per night (use code SFWC). To make a reservation call (415) 392-3434, or visit the web site for online registration. Registration cost: $495; after November 1, $595. Speed Dating for agents an additional $45. To register for the 2008 Conference, visit www.SFWriters.org, or call 1-866-862-7392.

• MYSTERY WRITERS CONFERENCE, CORTE MADERA, JUNE 26-JUNE 29, 2008: The four-day Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference has a strong tradition of great authors and teachers. It covers developing ideas and writing skills to finding a publisher. Students work closely with mystery writers, agents, editors, and publishers as well as investigators and crime-fighting professionals. Editors, agents, and publishers tell students what they need to know to get published. Authors offer classes on setting, dialogue, suspense, point of view, and openings. They tell how to write about private eyes, amateur sleuths, and police protagonists, and how to create thrillers and historical mysteries. Panels of detectives, forensic experts, police, and other crime-fighting professionals provide information that allows crime fiction writers to put realism in their work. The collegial atmosphere attracts students and faculty from all over the country. Opportunities for faculty and students to talk and exchange ideas in classes, workshops, panels, and informal lunches. Conference is chaired by mystery writers Sheldon Siegel and Jacqueline Winspear. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Conference Coordinator: Karen West, 1-800-999-7909x238, e-mail: kwest@bookpassage.com; www.bookpassage.com.

• CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS CONFERENCE, CORTE MADERA, JULY 24-27, 2008: This second annual conference covers all aspects of writing for children---from developing ideas and writing skills to finding a publisher. Students work closely with other writers and illustrators, as well as with agents, editors, and publishers. The Conference is designed to meet the differing needs of those who write for different age groups. Students will choose an area of emphasis for the morning sessions, such as picture books, early readers, young adult books, and then work with a teacher in a workshop setting. In the afternoon, students choose from panels of common interest: marketing, promotion, and literary prizes. There will be many opportunities for faculty and students to talk and exchange ideas. The faculty includes many important editors, publishers, agents and authors. The 2007 conference included these great writers, illustrators, agents & publishing professionals: Isabel Allende, author of The House of the Spirits; Oliver Chin, author of The Monster Hunters; Gennifer Choldenko, author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, Newberry Honor Book; Ellen Klages, author of The Green Glass Sea; Frank Portman, author of King Dork; Kelly Sonnack, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Conference Coordinator: Kathryn Petrocelli, 1-800-999-7909x234, e-mail kathryn@bookpassage.com; www.bookpassage.com.

• TRAVEL WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS CONFERENCE, CORTE MADERA, AUGUST 14-17, 2008: 17th annual Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference has a strong reputation among publishers, editors, and writers. The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students. Conference Chair is Donald George, pioneering travel writer and editor, published in the San Francisco Chronicle, Salon.com and Lonely Planet. Photography Chair is Robert Holmes, two-time winner of Travel Photographer of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Conference Coordinator: Karen West, 1-800-999-7909x238, e-mail: kwest@bookpassage.com; www.bookpassage.com.

Northern California

Southern California

Rocky Mountains & The West
(COLORADO • IDAHO • NEVADA)

COLORADO

• TATTERED COVER, DENVER: This famed independent bookstore features author readings almost every night at three locations: Tattered Cover Colfax Avenue, 2526 East Colfax Avenue, (303) 322-7727; Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch, 9315 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch Town Center, (303) 470-7050; and Tattered Cover Historic Lower Downtown (LoDo), 1628 16th Street, (303) 436-1070. Visit www.tatteredcover.com.

• NAROPA UNIVERSITY EXTENDED STUDIES, BOULDER: Evening talks, weekend programs, and public classes. Most talks held at the Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Road, (303) 546-3572, www.naropa.edu.

• BOULDER BOOK STORE: Author appearances and readings. Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, (303) 477-2074, www.boulderbookstore.com.

• UNITY OF BOULDER CHURCH: Unity of Boulder Church, 2855 Folsom Avenue. Tickets $7 at Boulder Book Store, (303) 447-2074.

• BOULDER LIBRARY: Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd., (303) 441-3100.

• ARVADA: Desert in the City "contemplative centering prayer nite" which includes writers on spiritual search and how their writing affects them and the broader community. Writers read their writings aloud. Once each week, Wednesday 7:00-9:00. Preferably seeking senior writers fifty to seventy-five; forty is the minimum age. Visiting writers of any age are welcome. Desert in the City, 5612 Olde Wadsworth; e-mail Dick Lechman: zorrolechman@qwest.net, Grandfather Books (303) 420-7765.

IDAHO & WYOMING

• LOG CABIN LITERARY CENTER, BOISE, IDAHO: Readings & Conversations 2007-2008 at the Egyptian Theatre. Log Cabin Literary Center, 801 South Capitol Blvd, (208) 331-8000, www.thecabinidaho.org.

• REDISCOVERED BOOKS, BOISE, IDAHO: Rediscovered Books, 7079 Overland. T.L. Cooper, (208) 375-8230, tlcooper@tlcooper.com.

NEVADA

• LAS VEGAS LITERARY CALENDAR: For upcoming events, check www.localendar.com/public/VegasPoetry.

• WEST LAS VEGAS ARTS CENTER: "The Poet's Corner," reading hosted by Keith Brantley, third Friday monthly, free, 7:00; 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.

• M & M POETRY, LAS VEGAS: Poetry features and open mike every Tuesday night, 7:00, hosted by Megan Milligan and Mark Snyder. reJAVAnate, 3300 E. Flamingo at Pecos, (702) 253-7721, rejavanatecoffee.com.

The Northwest (OREGON • WASHINGTON)

OREGON

• MOUNTAIN WRITERS SERIES, PORTLAND: Readings held at The Press Club, 2621 S.E. Clinton: Mountain Writers Series (office), 2804 S.E. 27th Avenue, #2, (503) 232-4517, www.mountainwriters.org.

• PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY: Native American Student & Community Center, Room 110; Lori Huskey (503) 725-5666, litac@pdx.edu.

• PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY: Smith Hall, Room 333, PSU, 1825 S.W. Broadway at Mongomery. Lori Huskey (503) 725-5666, litac@pdx.edu.

• BROKEN WORD READING, PORTLAND: Open mike every Tuesday, sign up 6:30, reading 7:00. Blue Monk, 3341 SE Belmont Street, (503) 595-0570, www.bluemonk.com.

• I LOVE MONDAYS, PORTLAND: Dan Raphael hosts a first Mondays monthly reading, 7:00. Borders Books, Mohawk Building, 708 S.W. Third. For information: (503) 220-5911.

• VERSE IN PERSON, PORTLAND: Verse in Person reading series, every fourth Wednesday monthly, 7:00. Northwest Branch of the Multnomah County Library, 2300 N.W. Thurman Street. For information: (503) 988-5560, or visit www.multcolib.org.

• KBOO FM, PORTLAND: Every Monday night, 10:00-11:00, Talking Earth Radio. Streaming live on the web: http://kboo.fm.

• PORTLAND ARTS & LECTURES: Literary Arts presents author readings. Portland Literary Arts, Inc., 219 NW 12th Avenue, (503) 227-2583. For a complete calendar of events or tickets, visit www.literary-arts.org.

• THE ATTIC, PORTLAND: The Attic, home of Poetry Northwest literary magazine, offers ongoing workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The Attic, 4232 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., (503) 963-8783. Visit www.atticwritersworkshop.com.

• BAGDAD THEATER, PORTLAND: Bagdad Theater, 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Tickets, $19 includes admission and copy of the book: Ticketmaster.com. Information: www.powells.com.

• POWELL'S BOOKS, PORTLAND: Readings and author appearance. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside, (503) 643-3131, www.powells.com.

• POWELL'S ON HAWTHORNE, PORTLAND: Readings and author appearances. Powell's Books, 3723 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., (503) 228-4651, www.powells.com.

• MARYLHURST UNIVERSITY, MARYLHURST: The Binford Reading Series. All readings at 7:30, free, in the BP John Administration Building, Room 200. 17600 Pacific Highway, one mile south of Lake Oswego on Highway 43. For information: (503) 699-6312, or visit www.marylhurst.edu.

• POWELL'S BOOKS, BEAVERTON: Readings and author appearances. Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton, (503) 228-4651, www.powells.com.

• STAYTON: Poetry reading series brings two poets to perform their work in the small town of Stayton, at the studio of artist Paul Toews, 349 N. 3rd Avenue. Open reading set between poets. Meets second Sundays monthly, except August, 3:00-5:00. Call (503) 859-3045, or e-mail: eberry@wvi.com.

• NYE BEACH WRITERS' SERIES, NEWPORT: Writers On The Edge. Open mike features five minute slots for original work. For information: (541) 574-7708, or www.writersontheedge.org.

• FISHER POETS GATHERING, FEBRUARY, 2008, ASTORIA: Scheduled the last weekend of February, fishing industry folk gather to share their poetry and music. For more information, Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, (503) 325-6311, www.clatsopcc.edu/fisherpoets/about_fpg.html.

WASHINGTON

• WASHINGTON POETS ASSOCIATION: Serves and inspires individuals and communities across the state by supporting the creation, presentation and appreciation of poetry through events, publications, recognition and education. For more information: www.washingtonpoets.org.

• RICHARD HUGO HOUSE, SEATTLE: Sunday, August 31, 2008: Poetry reading by Joyce Jenkins, Poetry Flash editor, and Cynthia Kraman aka Chinas Comidas aka Cynthia Genser, author of Taking on the Local Color (Wesleyan), Club 82, The Mexican Murals, and The Touch, forthcoming from Bob Holman's Bowery Books, in the Cabaret, 7:00. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue, (206) 322-7030, www.hugohouse.org.

• UGLY MUG COFFEE HOUSE, SEATTLE: Ugly Mug Coffee House, 11425 Rainier Avenue S., near Renton. Call (206) 772-3751.

• BOOKWORM EXCHANGE, SEATTLE: Take A Poem From Your Heart and PEN reading series, meets third Friday monthly, open mike sign up 6:45, reading 7:00. Bookworm Exchange, 4860 Rainier Avenue S. Call (206) 722-6633, or e-mail emeraldchris@yahoo.com.

• HOMELAND, ON THE HOUSE, SEATTLE: Featured poets and musicians with open mike, hosted by Tom Ring, every Monday night at 7:30. On the House, 1205 E. Pike Street, (206) 351-1286.

• VERBAL RHYTHMS, SEATTLE: Verbal Rhythms and Diamond Life present guest artists in music, stories, spoken word, drama, with open mike. Every third Saturday. October 20: Sharp Skills, professional lyricist. Open sign up 6:30, show 7:00. Cover $5 . Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Avenue S.. Visit www.melissanoellegreen.com, www.diamondlifepresents.com.

• OPEN AT THE WAYWARD, SEATTLE: Poetry & Music Open Mike every Sunday at 7:00, sign up at 6:30. The Wayward Coffeehouse, 8570 Greenwood Avenue N., (206) 706-3240.

• BAI PAI, SEATTLE: Open mike poetry and music with free Thai buffet at the bar, every Monday, 8:00. Bai Pai Lounge, 2316 N.E. 65th Street, Ravenna district. Contact Jeb medjyers@hotmail.com.

• JACK STRAW PRODUCTIONS, SEATTLE: Subscribe to their free, bi-monthly literary podcasts and hear poetry, fiction, interviews by Northwest writers. For information, call: (206) 634-0919, or visit www.jackstraw.org.

• OPEN BOOKS, SEATTLE: This Poem Emporium presents many poetry readings. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th Street, (206) 633-0811; www.openpoetrybooks.com.

• SUBTEXT, SEATTLE: First Wednesdays. Donation, 7:30. Chapel Performance Space, Fourth Floor, Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside N.,Wallingford Visit http://subtextreadingseries.blogspot.com.

• CHEAP WINE & POETRY, SEATTLE: A poetry series presented by the From the Ground Up Foundation. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue. Visit www.cheapwineandpoetry.com.

• YOUTH SPEAKS, SEATTLE: A monthly all ages open mike every third Sunday monthly, sign up 6:00, show begins 7:00. Cafe Allegro, 4214 University Way NE, Seattle. Information: www.myspace.com/youthspeaksseattle, or yssinfo@gmail.com, (206) 661-2036.

• SEATTLE POETRY SLAM: Open mike, featured poets, and slams every Wednesday night at ToST. Open mike sign up between 8:00-8:30: show at 9:00, slam at 10:00. Must be twenty-one with ID. For the slam, poets must perform their own original work, three minute tiime limit, no props, costume, or music allowed. ToST, 513 N. 36th Street, Fremont district. Information: slam@poetryfestival.org, or visit www.poetryfestival.org; www.poetryfestival.org/slam.

• THE WRITERS WORKSHOP, SEATTLE: Community and online writing program based in Seattle, specializing in Creative Nonfiction classes: travel writing, nature writing, with some fiction and novel writing workshops. Spring 2008: April 9-May 28: Follow the Story, $500. Summer 2008: July 2-August 6: Stalking the Nonfiction Short Story, $500. Seattle classes are held at Good Shepherd Center in the Wallingford district. Contact: Nicholas O'Connell, (206) 284-7121, or nick@thewritersworkshop.net; www.thewritersworkshop.net.

• RAVENNA THIRD PLACE, SEATTLE: Author readings and musical events. Ravenna Third Place Books, 6504 20th Avenue N.E., (206) 525-2347. Visit www.ravennathirdplace.com.

• WASHINGTON STATE BOOK AWARDS, SEATTLE: Annual awards honor books by Washington authors. Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Central Library, 1000 Fourth Avenue. For information: (206) 386-4636, www.spl.org.

• SEATTLE ARTS & LECTURES LITERARY SERIES, BENAROYA HALL: Benaroya Hall, 200 University. For information: (206) 621-2230, or visit www.lectures.org.

• ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY, SEATTLE: Daily author readings and events. Elliott Bay Open Mike meets last Wednesdays, with emcee P. Dawg, 7:30. Book Group meets first Tuesdays of every month, 6:30. Global Issues & Ethics Book Group meets second Tuesdays of every month, 6:30. Speculations Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Group, third Tuesdays of every month, 6:30. Stages-Elliott Bay Drama Book Group reads and discusses plays, fourth Tuesdays of every month, 6:30. Elliott Bay Books, 101 South Main Street, Pioneer Square, (206) 624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com.

• BOOK-IT, SEATTLE: Literary works performed verbatim. February 8-March 2, 2008: Jane Austen's Persuasion. April 18-May 10, 2008: Jim Lynch's The Highest Tide. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison Street. Call (206) 216-0833, www.book-it.org.

• SEATTLE CENTRAL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Microsoft Auditorium, 7:00. Poetry Group meets every Tuesday at noon for discussion and readings. Central Library, 1000 Fourth Avenue at Spring, downtown. Central Public Library, (206) 386-4636, www.spl.org.

• NEWBERRY BOOKS, SEATTLE: PoetsWest at Newberry Books presents three poets and open mike, third Saturday monthly, 4:00-5:30. Newberry Books, 561 NE Ravenna Blvd. For information: J. Glenn Evans, (206) 682-1268. Visit www.poetswest.com, for information about these and other readings.

• BARNES & NOBLE, WOODINVILLE: PoetsWest presents four poets and open mike on the last Wednesday monthly, 7:00. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 18025 Garden Way N.E. Contact J. Glenn Evans (206) 682-1268, info@poetswest.com, or visit www.poetswest.com.

• THIRD PLACE BOOKS, LAKE FOREST PARK: Book clubs, author events. Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., (206) 366-3333, www.thirdplacebooks.com.

• WIRED & UNPLUGGED INTERNET COFFEEHOUSE, SNOHOMISH: Poetry open mike every Thursday, 7:30; frequent featured poets. Twenty-eight miles northeast of the Space Needle. Contact Kim Longmore, (360) 568-2472, inwiredandunplugged@yahoo.com. Visit www.myspace.com/wiredandunplugged.

• ISLAND COFFEE HOUSE, LANGLEY: Friday night poetry. 7:00. Island Coffee House & Books, 124 Second Street, Langley, South Whidbey Island., (360) 221-2414. Visit http://islandcoffeehouseandbooks.org.

• SOULFOOD POETRY, REDMOND: SoulFood Books Poetry Reading Series, usually the third Thursday monthly, free, 7:00-9:00. Open mike follows featured readings. SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way, (425) 881-5309, www.soulfoodbooks.com.

• STRIPED WATER POETS, AUBURN: The Striped Water Poets continue their round table critique group, every Tuesday, 7:00-9:00. Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Conference Room #2 upstairs (doors lock at 7:30 so don't be late). Contact: McBreenpost@aol.com.

• ZIPPY'S, EVERETT: Open mike with poetry and music hosted by Garrett Rutledge, sign up 7:00. Selected Thursdays, all ages, free. Zippy's Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Avenue, Suite 100; Garrett, poemforadog@hotmail.com, or Marilyn, (425) 737-6105.

• FIELD'S END, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND: Writers' Roundtables held on the third Tuesday of each month, free, 7:00-8:30. Bainbridge Public Library. For information on events: (206) 842-4162, or www.fieldsend.org.

• JEWEL BOX, POULSBO: Jewel Box Poets Sunday Reading Series every third Sunday, 3:00, featured readers and open mike. The Jewel Box Theater, 225 Iverson. Information: Jenifer Lawrence, jewelboxpoets@comcast.net.

• POULSBOHEMIAN COFFEE HOUSE, POULSBO: Armchair Poetry Series features two featured poets and open mike, first Saturdays monthly, 7:00, open mike begins 9:00; e-mail rosealleypress@juno.com. Poulsbohemian Coffee House, 19003 Front Street, (360) 779-9199.

• KING'S BOOKS, TACOMA: Puget Sound Poetry Connections's Distinguished Writers Series and open mike on second Fridays monthly, sponsored by the Puget Sound Poetry Connection, free, 7:00, sign up 6:30. King's Books, 218 St. Helens Avenue.

• VILLAGE BOOKS, BELLINGHAM: Readings and author appearances. Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Street, (360) 671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

• FAIRHAVEN LIBRARY, BELLINGHAM: Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th Street. Sponsored by Village Books, (360) 671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

• P&G SPEAKEASY CAFE, DUVALL: Featured poets and open mike fourth Mondays, beginning 6:30. P&G Speakeasy Cafe, 15614 Main Street, katherine@katherinegracebond.com.

• OLYMPIA POETRY NETWORK: Reading series every third Wednesday, 6:30-8:30. Open mike and featured reader. Traditions Café and World Folk Art, 5th and Water Street. Juniper White: halcyonmist@hotmail.com. Visit www.thurston.com/~yake/opn.html.

• FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY: Poetry workshop on first Thursdays, monthly drop-in, led by local poets, 7:00. Vancouver Community Library, 1007 East Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, (360) 695-1561. Plus Book Discussion Groups at various branches in the Fort Vancouver Library system. Visit www.fvrl.org/events/books.cfm.

• COVER TO COVER BOOKS, VANCOUVER: Open mike poetry hosted by Christopher Luna, second Thursdays, 7:00. Cover to Cover Books, 1817 Main Street, at McLoughlin Blvd. For more information: (360) 514-0358, or (360) 694-9653, christopherluna@earthlink.net.

• LIVE POETS SOCIETY WORKSHOP & READING, VANCOUVER: Open reading on second Wednesdays, 7:00, hosted by Rivkah Loewus; poetry workshop on first Thursdays, 7:00. Fort Vancouver Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., (360) 695-1566.

• POETRY DISCUSSION, VANCOUVER: Jim Martin hosts a discussion of poems, open to all, third Mondays monthly, 6:00-9:00. Three Creeks Branch Library, 800-C N.E. Tenney Road, (360) 695-1566.

• NORTHWIND ARTS CENTER, PORT TOWNSEND: Northwind Arts Alliance and Minotaur Press sponsor poetry readings on the second Thursday monthly, 7:00, 2409 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend. Contact: Bill Mawhinney, mawhinneyw_w@msn.com.

• LEHANI'S COFFEE HOUSE, PORT TOWNSEND: Open poetry reading every Monday at 7:00. Sponsored by Minotaur Press and Lehani's Coffee House, 221 Taylor Street. Contact: JimWGove@GMail.com.

• AUNTIE'S, SPOKANE: Readings and author appearances. Auntie's Bookstore, 402 West Main, (509) 838-0206, www.auntiesbooks.com.

The Southwest (ARIZONA • NEW MEXICO)

ARIZONA

• NORAZ POETS, NORTHERN ARIZONA: A great guide to poetry, open readings, and slams in the region. Visit http://norazpoets.org, or call the Events Hotline: (866) 698-8790.

• ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, ARIZONA: New Mexico poet and author Gary Glazner founded this compelling project to read poetry one-on-one to those suffering from late stages of Alzheimer's disease. A number of facilities across Arizona from Flagstaff to Tucson have participated. Information: www.alzpoetry.com. http://norazpoets.org.

• POETIC MEDICINE WRITING RETREAT, MAY 23-30, 2008, CANYON DE CHELLY: Institute for Poetic Medicine Writing Retreat, led by John Fox, Certified Poetry Therapist, Lisa DeVuono, Tad Gielow, and Jon and Lupita McClanahan. Hiking, camping, poetry writing in Arizona's scenic Canyon de Chelly. Projected fee is $1,100. For information or to register: www.poeticmedicine.org.

• NORTHERN ARIZONA POETRY SOCIETY, FLAGSTAFF: Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 12:30. Bring poems for reading and copies to share; optional critiquing; 425 E. Hutcheson Drive. Call (928) 774-7661.

• FLAGSLAM, FLAGSTAFF: Every Wednesday night, the first successful weekly slam in northern Arizona, prizes and a featured poet every week, sign up for poets who wish to compete at 7:30, slam begins 8:00. Applesauce Tea House, 213 South San Francisco Street, norazpoets.org.

• CREATIVE WRITING CIRCLE, FLAGSTAFF: The Writing Circle uses free writing exercises and sharing in an atmosphere of safety and support, peer facilitated. All levels of experience welcome. Please bring paper and pen or pencil. Please don't bring previous writings. Third Sundays, 5:00-8:00, free. Bookman's, just off Milton Street in the shopping center to the left of Target, 1520 S. Riordan Ranch Rd., (928) 774-0005.

• POETRY OPEN MIC, SEDONA: First and third Tuesdays, free, 8:00. Open to all. Szechuan Martini Bar at Old Marketplace, 1350 West Highway 89A, next to New Frontiers. Visit www.GumptionFest.com.

• NORAZ POETRY SALON, SEDONA: Weekly salon, read your work, and share writing exercises, give positive feedback, and challenge each other with creative writing assignments, with poet Rebekah Crisp. Bring poems to share. Every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00, free. Well Red Coyote Bookstore, 3190 W. Highway 89A, at the northwest corner of Dry Creek Road and 89-A, west Sedona, (928) 282-2284, www.wellredcoyote.com.

• WELL RED COYOTE BOOKS, SEDONA: Well Red Coyote Bookstore, 3190 W. Highway 89A, at the northwest corner of Dry Creek Road and 89-A, west Sedona, (928) 282-2284, www.wellredcoyote.com.

• PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF PRESCOTT: Fourth Wednesday of the month except November, December, and sometimes February, networking 6:00, speaker 7:00. Prescott Public Library, Founders Suite, 215 W. Goodwin Street, downtown Prescott. Call (928) 445-4218, or visit www.prescottwriters.com.

• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN WRITERS, SCOTTSDALE: Cafe Carumba, 7303 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. For information, contact Patricia L. Brooks, Scottsdale Chapter President, patricia@plbrooks.com or (480) 250-5556.

• CHYRO POETRY SLAM, SCOTTSDALE: Slam on the first and third Wednesdays, 8:00 signup and 8:30 start. It blends a competitive slam with an open mike component; cash prizes awarded in the slam. Chyro Arts, 1330 N. Scottsdale Road, $5. Visit www.anthology.org/Event_SlamChyro.html.

• PIPER CENTER, ASU, TEMPE: Distinguished Visiting Writers Series presented by the Piper Center for Creative Writing. Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Arizona State University, (480) 965-6018, www.asu.edu/clas/pipercwcenter.

• CHANGING HANDS, TEMPE: Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year, 2007. Events at 7:00 unless otherwise noted. Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, (480) 730-0205, www.changinghands.com.

• SLAM, ROCKY'S EASTSIDE, PHOENIX: Sign up to slam 8:00-9:00, slam begins 9:00. Winner receives $50. Admission $5. Rocky's Eastside, 4030 N. 24th Street, (602) 957-3024.

• SLAM, FAIR TRADE, PHOENIX: Downtown Poetry Slam, every second and fourth Thursdays, 8:00-10:00. Three rounds of open poetry slam. Grand prize of $25 to the highest scoring poet. Sign up before 8:00. Admission $5. The Fair Trade Cafe, 1020 N 1st Avenue, behind Trinity Cathedral, free parking in garage, (602) 354-8150.

• PAPER HEART, PHOENIX: P A I N T Spoken Word Conscience, , hosted by a weekly guest host, music by DJ Seduce, every Tuesday, 8:00, $3 before 10:00/$5 after, all ages, bar with ID. Poetry slam features ten poets, hosted by Bob Nelson, last Wednesday monthly, $5, 8:00. To compete, contact host Bob Nelson at last four weeks in advance, with your name, contact phone, bio, when you will be in the area if from out of town, web site or other way to see or hear your poetry: bob@anthology.com. Paper Heart Gallery, 750 N.W. Grand Avenue, (602) 262-2020, www.thepaperheart.com.

• POETRY IN THE PARK, PHOENIX: Every fourth Tuesday of the month, 7:30, open mike and featured poetry, hosted by award-winning improvisational poet Theodore Christ, and directed by Carol Hogan. Poetry in the Park, 2505 N. 15th Avenue. Information, (602) 942-3060, carolhogan@cox.net.

• POETRY IN THE ROUND, GLENDALE: Jonathan Standifird hosts an informal poetry share every Sunday, 6:00-8:00. Hang out, talk about poetry, get feedback. A Shot of Java, 7008 N. 58 Avenue (rear), just north of Glendale Avenue, brick alley between Mad Hatter's and Old Roma's Pizza.

• UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA POETRY CENTER, TUCSON: Events are held at the Poetry Center unless otherwise noted; free and open to the public. The Poetry Center, Helen S. Schaefer Building, 1508 E. Helen Street, (520) 626-3765 or e-mai poetry@u.arizona.edu. Visit www.poetrycenter.arizona.edu.

• UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA PROSE SERIES, TUCSON: Dorothy Rubel Humanities Seminar Room, University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 East Helen Street. Visit http://uaproseseries.blogspot.com.

• UA POETRY CENTER WORKSHOPS, TUCSON: The Poetry Center, Helen S. Schaefer Building, 1508 E. Helen Street, www.poetrycenter.arizona.edu.

• BLACK ROSE CAFFE, TUCSON: The Tucson Writers Group meets on the fourth Tuesday monthly, 7:00-9:00. Black Rose Caffe, 1800 N. Stone Avenue, Suite 1101, (520) 777-3079, www.blackrosecaffe.com.

• WORKSHOPS, TUCSON: Classes in fiction and poetry meet for ten weeks, taught by Eleanor Kedney, The Aurora Foundation, 48 N. Tucson Blvd., Suite 106. Visit www.writerstudio.com.

• POG, TUCSON: Poetry in Action reading series. Readings at 7:00, $5/$3 students. Stone Avenue Gallery, 2007 N. Stone Avenue. For information call Chax Press, (520) 620-1626, e-mail chax@theriver.com, or visit www.gopog.org.

• CUSHING STREET POETRY, TUCSON: Co-sponsored by Chax Press, and POG, part of an ongoing "second Tuesday" of the month series. Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant, on the patio, 198 W. Cushing Street. For information call Chax Press, (520) 620-1626, e-mail chax@theriver.com, or visit www.gopog.org.

• CASA LIBRE, TUCSON: Casa Libre en la Solana, a non-profit community resource center and library for writers, offers self-directed residences, readings, workshops. Contact the WIP coordinators by e-mail: Brett Applegate, beapple@hotmail.com, and Patrick Burns, burnspjp@gmail.com. Casa Libre en la Solana, 228 N. Fourth Avenue #2, (520) 325-9145, www.casalibre.org.

• EPIC CAFE, TUCSON: Open Mike Night, hosted by Zalman, every Thursday, 8:30-11:00. Epic Cafe, 745 N. 4th Avenue, (520) 624-6844, www.epic-cafe.com.

• LAMPLIGHT, TUCSON: Lamplight Reading Series features poets, performance artists, and an open mike, the first Sunday of every month, free, 4:00-6:00. El Ojito Springs Center for Creativity, 340 N. Fourth Avenue, 490-2002. For information: (520) 490-2002, www.thefunktionaladix.com.

• CENTRAL SCHOOL PROJECT, BISBEE: The Poet's Voice, Visiting Poets Series: April 18, 2008: Triptych, three local poets and presenters read, Chris Dietz, David Chorlton, and Dick Bakken. Central School Project, 43 Howell Avenue, old Bisbee. Readings 7:30, $6/$4 students with ID. For information (520) 255-3008, or visit www.centralschoolproject.net.

NEW MEXICO

• NEW MEXICO POETRY CALENDAR: Visit "The Ultimate Online New Mexico Poetry Calendar!" at www.poetz.com/nm/index.htm.

• LANNAN READINGS & CONVERSATIONS, SANTA FE: May 7, 2008: Elizabeth Kolbert, staff writer for The New Yorker, and author of a new book on global warming, with Sam Howe Verhovek, former correspondent for the New York Times, curent correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, and author. June 4: Annie Proulx, novelist and short story writer, with Michael Silverblatt, host of the literary talkshow Bookworm for KCRW-FM, which he founded in 1989. All readings at 7:00. General admission $6/$3 seniors, students. For information call (505) 986-6160x102, or visit www.lannan.org.

• COLLECTED WORKS, SANTA FE: Collected Works Bookstore, 208B West San Francisco, (505) 988-4226, www.collectedworksbookstore.com.

• SOUTHWEST LITERARY CENTER, SANTA FE: Writers Reading Series and workshops held in the Writers' Room of the Southwest Literary Center, 826 Camino de Monte Rey, www.recursos.org/wrs.html.

• OPEN 3-MINUTE MIKE, SANTA FE: Second Tuesdays of each month, 7:00-10:00, sign up 6:30. Steepings, 112 W. San Francisco Street. Sponsored by the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA). Visit www.poetz.com/nm.

• TAOS POETRY SLAM: Third Fridays, $4/$3 to compete. Taos Poetry Slam and Open Mike, an ongoing competition for team placement to send a Taos Slam Team to the National Poetry Slam in August. Open mike, followed by Poetry Slam, 7:00, sign up 6:30. Western Sky Café, 1398 Weimer Rd., www.poetz.com/nm.

• CENTRAL AVENUE, ALBUQUERQUE: First Thursdays, 7:00-9:00. Dale Harris of Central Avenue, a monthly literary magazine, hosts the reading to celebrate each month's issue. Winning's Coffee Company, just south of Central on Harvard. Visit www.poetz.com/nm.

• HUNAB HOOKAH, ALBUQUERQUE: Mondays, 9:00-11:00. Open mike. Hunab Hooka Lounge, 3400 Constitution N.E., (505) 232-0223, www.hunabhookah.com, www.poetz.com/nm.

• WORDSPACE, ALBUQUERQUE: Wordspace Poetry Series: Friday, November 9: Anne Waldman reads, 7:30. Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd., S.E., (505) 268-0044, mail@outpostspace.org. For updates, visit www.poetz.com/nm.

• SPOKEN WORD HOUR, ALBUQUERQUE: KUNM 89.9 FM features the only radio show in New Mexico dedicated to Spoken Word. Every Sunday evening, 8:00-9:00. Hosts: Don McIver, Elaine Baumgartel, and the Subliminal Guild. Visit www.poetz.com/nm, or www.abqslams.org.

• POETRY & BEER, ALBUQUERQUE: Longest running poetry series in Albuquerque, open mike, qualifying slam, and poetry feature, hosted by Don McIver, Jessica Lopez, Eric B. First Wednesdays., 8:00, sign up at 7:00, twenty-one and over. The District, 115 4th Street, N.W., www.abqslams.org.

• MAS POETRY, ALBUQUERQUE: All ages slam, supportive venue, open mike, third Wednesdays, sign up 7:00. Winning's Coffee Company, 111 Harvard SE, (505) 266-0000, www.abqslams.org. Information, host Kenn Rodriguez, (505) 767-9941.

• HOWLIN' COYOTE OPEN MIKE, LAS CRUCES: Music/poetry open mike, meets every two weeks, Fridays, 7:30: October 19, November 2, 16. Mastery in Life Center Church of Religious Science, 75 North Main Street, downtown. 575 North Main Street. Call first at (505) 523-4847.

• BORDER BOOK FESTIVAL, APRIL 18-20, 2008, MESILLA: The 14th annual Border Book Festival features a theme of "Return." Readings, workshops, panels. Libro y Más book trade show features local, national, and international authors and presses, Mesilla Plaza, 10:00 a.m.-5:00. Visit www.borderbookfestival.org.