San Francisco Bay Area

• PRECONFERENCE INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS, SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 11, 2010: Intimate group half-day or full-day workshops. The San Francisco Writers Conference is sold out, but registrations are still being accepted for these workshops. Cost: $149 for half day, $300 for full day. Top literary agent Donald Maass teaches “Writing the Breakout Novel,” full day, 9:00 a.m.–5:00. Freelance editor Lisa Rector Maass teaches “The Third Draft,” half day, 9:00 a.m.–noon. Literary agent Michael Larsen and editor Alan Rinzler, “How to Write a Book Proposal,” for nonfiction writers, half day, 9:00 a.m.–noon. Julie Salisbury teaches “Dressing Your Book for Success,” half day, 9:00–noon. Literary agent Katharine Sands, “Pitchcraft!” half day, 2:00–5:00. Two best-selling authors, Sheldon Siegel, and Robert Bugoni lead, “Putting the Thrill in Thriller Writing,” half day, 2:00–5:00. Award-winning author Stephanie Chandler teaches “Online Marketing for Authors,” half day, 2:00–5:00. Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, Nob Hill. Visit www.sfwriters.org. To contact the festival, e-mail Sfwriterscon @ aol.com, or write to: San Francisco Writers Conference, 1029 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

• SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 12–14, 2010: OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT. Seventh annual conference features more than one hundred agents, authors and editors. Keynote speakers are Jacquelyn Mitchard, best-selling author of Deep End of the Ocean, and Steve Barry, best-selling author of The Charlemagne Pursuit. Other presenters include nonfiction writers and novelists including Susan Wigg, Fireside; Tamim Ansary, Destiny Disrupted; Michelle Richmond, The Year of Fog; Frances Dinkelspiel, Towers of Gold; Monte Schulz, This Side of Jordan; Herb Gold, Still Alive! A Memoir; and Wendy Tokunaga, Midori by Moonlight. Also presenting are writers Lee Lofland, Jane Ganahl, Victoria Zackheim, Wendy Merrill, Kate Perry, Diane Gedymin, Kemble Scott, Cherie Turner, Dan Pynter, Kevin Smokler, editor Lisa Rector Maass, screenwriter Chris Soth Seven, Barbara Santos, Elisa Southard, Teresa LeYung Ryan, Philippa Burgess, director of the Beat Museum Jerry Camino, Rusty Shelton of Phoenix Publicity, and literary agents. “How to” sessions, workshops, “Speed Dating For Editors and Agents” (pitching books one-on-one to New York and California literary agents and editors), award presentation of the San Francisco Writers Conference Writing Contest, and over forty talks and breakout sessions. Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, Nob Hill; conference rate is $139 per night (use code SFWC). For hotel reservations call (415) 392-3434. Conference registration cost: $595. “Speed Dating” for agents: $50. Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, Nob Hill. To contact the festival, e-mail Sfwriterscon@aol.com, or write to: San Francisco Writers Conference, 1029 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Visit www.sfwriters.org.

• WOW! VOICES NOW: A MORNING OF READINGS AND REFRESHMENT, MARCH 6, 2010, SAN BRUNO: WOW! Women on Writing programs have celebrated International Women’s Day through annual conferences and writing workshops at Skyline College since 2003. On March 6, 2010, from 9:00 a.m.-noon, WOW! Voices Now: A Morning of Readings and Refreshment, will feature Dorothy Bryant and Genny Lim reading from their award winning work in fiction and poetry. Open readings with members of the audience will follow. This is a free program, a give back to the community of readers and writers who have attended and supported WOW! events. Poetry and pizza donations will provide honoraria to guest authors. Student and Community Center, Building 6, Rooms 6202-6204, Skyline College, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, (650) 738-4100. More information online at: www.skylinecollege.edu.

• PLEASANTON POETRY, PROSE & THE ARTS FESTIVAL, APRIL 17–18, 2010, PLEASANTON: Ninth annual festival hosted by Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council and the City of Pleasanton features poetry and prose workshops for adults and youth with poets and writers Susan Browne, Rebecca Foust, Gerald Haslam, Lynne Knight, Alison Luterman, Michael McNevin, Tim Meyers, Ann Parker, Sam Pierstorff, Lee Rossi and Susan Woolridge. Plus a banquet awards ceremony for the Poetry & Prose contest, $1,200 in prizes, fine art exhibits and Literary Row, a place to meet authors. Author, actor, musician Bob Jenkins delivers a talk on “An Artist in the World.” Contest submissions are now being accepted, see website for details, pdf brochure, and applications. Contest entries and early registration for festival must be postmarked March 15. Last date to postmark festival registration: April 9. For forms and more information, visit: www.pleasantonarts.org, or call Michelle Russo, (925) 931-5350.

• MYSTERY WRITERS CONFERENCE, CORTE MADERA, JULY 22-25, 2010: The 17th Annual Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference will feature classes, workshops, panels, and informal lunches. Students work closely with mystery writers, agents, editors, and publishers as well as investigators and crime-fighting professionals. Classes will feature discussions on setting, dialogue, suspense, point of view, and openings, 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. Conference chaired by mystery writers Sheldon Siegel and Jacqueline Winspear. $540, register online at: www.bookpassage.com. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Conference Coordinator: Kathryn Petrocelli, 1-800-999-7909x233, bpconferences @ bookpassage.com.

• TRAVEL, FOOD, & PHOTOGRAPHY CONFERENCE, CORTE MADERA, AUGUST 12-15, 2010: The Nineteenth Annual Travel Writers & Photographers Conference will now feature food-writing classes and panels in addition to the writing and photography workshops. The conference will also feature panels, discussions, and evening faculty presentations. Conference chair is travel writer and editor Donald George, and photography chair is Robert Holmes. $635, register online at: www.bookpassage.com. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Conference Coordinator: Kathryn Petrocelli, 1-800-999-7909x233, bpconferences @ bookpassage.com.

Northern California

• ESALEN WRITING WORKSHOPS, BIG SUR: January 24–29: The Writing Life, with Ellen Bass, for workshop information e-mail ellen @ ellenbass.com. March 12–14: White Lotus Poetry Workshop with Ellen Bass, for workshop information e-mail ellen @ ellenbass.com. April 9–11: Autobiography for Poets, Fiction and Nonfiction Writers, with Robert Sward. Upon registration, send two–three pages of your work-in-progress, if you have one, to robert @ robertsward.com. July 25–30: Sixth annual Writing & Knowing Poetry Workshop, taught by Ellen Bass, Dorianne Laux, and Joseph Millar. For more information about Esalen and to register visit www.esalen.org, or call (831) 667-3005.

• BETWEEN THE SHEETS, FEBRUARY 6, MURPHYS: Manzanita Writers Press presents Between the Sheets, a day of workshops and readings including lunch and elegant dinner, 9:00 a.m.–4:00, free public reading 5:00–6:30. Workshops: “Writing About Nothing So Much as an Emotion Wished,” with Paula Sheil; “Writing From the Palace of Pleasure,” with Zoe Keithley; “Creative Journaling,” with Conrad Levasseur; “The Joy of Writing Sex,” with Antoinette May; “Romance and the Sonnet,” with Monika Rose; “Capture the Caring: Writing About Friendship,” with Dr. Linda Abbott Trapp. Total cost $100; two workshops and lunch $65; dinner and closing reception $65. Ironstone Vineyards Winery, Sierra Foothills. For reservations, call (209) 728-1251, or e-mail events @ ironstonevineyards.com. More information and directions: www.ironstonevineyards.com.

• HAIKU FESTIVAL & CONTEST, APRIL 18, 2010, UKIAH: The City of Ukiah’s seventh annual celebration includes a Contemporary Haiku contest, judged by noted haiku poet Jane Reichhold, Writing and Enjoying Haiku, and an afternoon devoted to haiku. The ceremony opens with music, keynote address by poet Theresa Whitehill follows. Poets of all ages read their winning poems and receive awards. A reception with refreshments follows, during which audience members will have an opportunity to read poems submitted to the festival, which will be exhibited in the hall. 2:00–4:00, City of Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue. To submit to the contest, submit no more than three submissions per person per category. Enclose a Haiku Submission Form for each separate haiku, available online at: www.ukiahaiku.org/haiku-guidelines.html and at Ukiah Branch Library (105 North Main Street) and Grace Hudson Museum (431 South Main Street). Mail submissions to: ukiaHaiku festival, P.O. Box 865, Ukiah, CA 95482. For further instructions on how to submit to the contest, visit: www.ukiahaiku.org.

• CLIVE MATSON WRITING WORKSHOP, JUNE 20–27, 2010, QUINCY: “Let the Crazy Child Write!,” a writing workshop with Clive Matson, poetry and fiction. Fee: $769. Held at Feather River Art Camp, in Quincy, Plumas County, California. Contact: Karen LeGault, (510) 601-1619, For more information: www.featherriverartcamp.com, www.matsonpoet.com/classes.

• SQUAW VALLEY POETRY WORKSHOP, JULY 17–24, 2010, LAKE TAHOE: The Squaw Valley Community of Writers Poetry Workshop faculty is Kazim Ali, Brenda Hillman, Forrest Gander, Evie Shockley, Dean Young, and special guest poet Lucille Clifton. The program is founded on the belief that when poets gather in a community to write new poems, each poet may well break thorugh old habits and write something stronger and truer than before. Poems are written and presented on a daily basis, afternoon craft conversations. Deadline for application: May 10. For information on applying, visit: www.squawvalleywriters.org, or call (530) 470-8440.

• SQUAW VALLEY WRITING WORKSHOP, FICTION, MEMOIR & NARRATIVE NONFICTION, AUGUST 7–14, 2010, LAKE TAHOE: The Squaw Valley Community of Writers Writing Workshop faculty is Lisa Alvarez, David Bajo, Elise Blackwell, Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Max Byrd, Michael Carlisle, Mark Childress, John Daniel, Gill Dennis, Glen David Gold, Sands Hall, Gerald Haslam, Michael Jaime-Becerra, Louis B. Jones, Teresa Jordan, Michelle Latiolais, Joanne Meschery, ZZ Packer, Martin J. Smith, Luis Urrea, Al Young, plus literary agents, book and magazine editors, and special guests Rhoda Huffey, David Lukas, Malcolm Margolin, Alice Sebold, and Amy Tan. Formal and informal workshops, seminars, panels, readings, and craft talks; participants may have their work critiqued. Financial aid available. Deadline for application: May 10. For information on applying, visit: www.squawvalleywriters.org, or call (530) 470-8440.

• MENDOCINO COAST WRITERS CONFERENCE, JULY 29–31, 2010, FORT BRAGG: An intimate conference where teacher-writers encourage writers of all ages to find and express their voices and develop their craft while exchanging ideas with authors, editors, literary agents, and writers of many talents, ages, and backgrounds. Registration opens in March. Note that class sizes are limited and applications are processed in the order of the postmarked date. Fees: $495 if received by June 15, and $545 if received after June 15. Take $100 off fee if you are a registered student at the College of the Redwoods Mendocino Campus, or at any Mendocino high school. Take $75 off fee if you live in Mendocino County. Mendocino campus of College of the Redwoods, located near the water at: 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg. For more information, visit: www.mcwc.org/index.html, or contact: info @ mcwc.org.

• CLIVE MATSON WRITING WORKSHOP, AUGUST 6–13, 2010, LEE VINING: “Writing Highway 395,” a writing workshop with Clive Matson, poetry and fiction. Fee: $950. Held at June Lake, in Lee Vining, California. Contact: Heather Heppner, (925) 686-4894, hepyosef @ yahoo.com. For more information: www.matsonpoet.com/classes.

Southern California

• LEFT COAST CRIME MYSTERY CONVENTION, MARCH 11–14, 2010, LA: The 20th Left Coast Crime Mystery Convention: Booked in LA will feature guests of honor Jan Burke and Lee Child. Registration fee is $225, register by mail (with printable form found on Left Coast Crime website) or online. Visit: www.leftcoastcrime.org. Left Coast Crime 2010, P.O. Box 4934, Lancaster, CA 93539. More information, e-mail: leftcoast2010 @ gmail.com

• HORACE MANN UPSTANDERS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD CONFERENCE, JUNE 28, 2010, LA: Sponsored by Antioch University, Los Angeles, the third annual children’s literature conference features numerous presentations and readings by authors Diana Cohn and Paula Yoo. Sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Antioch University, 400 Corporate Pointe, Culver City. Contact J. Cynthia McDermott (310) 578-1080x352. To register, visit: www.upstandersaward.org.

• LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, APRIL 24–25, 2010, LA: 15th annual festival bringing together people who create books with people who love to read them. More than 100 author panels and events are held indoors in lecture halls. In addition, outdoor readings, storytelling and presentations are held on the Target Children’s Stage, the Los Angeles Times Stage, the Culinary Stage, the Etc. Stage, the Hoy Cultural Stage and the Poetry Stage. Booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations sell and promote books and book-related merchandise and distribute related information. Tickets are free and will be available April 19 through ticketmaster.com. They are needed for indoor panels and speaker sessions. Festival will be held at UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue. For general information, call (213) 237-BOOK or e-mail FOBinfo @ latimes.com. More information online at: www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks.

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

COLORADO

• AWP CONFERENCE & BOOKFAIR, APRIL 7–10, 2010, DENVER: Keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, Wonder Boys, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Featured readers include award-winning nature writer Rick Bass, Why I Came West; former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, The Yellow House on the Corner; former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, The Apple Trees at Olema: New and Selected Poems; Etgar Keret, Missing Kissinger; Michael Nava, The Little Death; Achy Obejas, Havana Noir; Barbara Ras, The Last Skin; George Saunders, Pastoralia; Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony, poets Gary Snyder and Anne Waldman; and Terry Tempest Williams, Finding Beauty in a Broken World. This annual national gathering of poets, fiction and nonfiction creative writers, creative writing teachers, and literary publishers features hundreds of panels, discussions, workshops, and readings, over 5,000 participants are expected. Over 400 literary magazines, presses, and organizations exhibit, with more than 300 scheduled events. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver and Colorado Convention Center. Lodging at the Hyatt Regency Denver is sold out, other hotels still have rooms, see www.awpwriter.org for lodging recommendations. To register to attend the conference, $185/$155 nonmember, visit www.awpwriter.org/conference and click on “Registration,” call Associated Writing Programs, (703) 993-4301, or e-mail conference @ awpwriter.org.

• TATTERED COVER, DENVER: This famous independent bookstore features ongoing 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. For event listings, visit www.tatteredcover.com.

• BOULDER BOOK STORE: Weekly events including local and national author readings and book clubs. For event listings, visit www.boulderbookstore.com. Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, (303) 477-2074.

IDAHO & WYOMING

• THE CABIN LITERARY CENTER, BOISE, IDAHO: Drop-in Writers Workshop with poet and critic Norman Weinstein. All are welcome to attend this free, informal community workshop for writers at all levels, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly. 6:30. Log Cabin Literary Center, 801 South Capitol Blvd, (208) 331-8000, www.thecabinidaho.org.

• REDISCOVERED BOOKSHOP, FEBRUARY 24–25, 2010, BOISE, IDAHO: Young Adult author Ellen Hopkins, Glass, appears at four public libraries. Rediscovered Bookshop, 7079 Overland. T.L. Cooper, (208) 376-4229, tlcooper @ tlcooper.com, www.rdbooks.org.

NEVADA

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

• WORD UP! LAS VEGAS: Open mic and features every Tuesday, 7:00–9:00. February 2: Mick Axelrod. Hosted by Mark Snyder, Danna Nordin and Megan Milligan. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 4550 S. Maryland Parkway across the street from UNLV at Harmon Avenue.

• SELDOM SEEN POETS, HENDERSON: Open mic poetry every Wednesday, 7:00–9:00. Hosted by Hannah Marisahl and Kari O’Connor. All ages, no cover. Sunrise Coffee Company, 3130 East Sunset Road, between Pecos and Eastern, Suite A, (702) 433-3304.

• POETRY NIGHT, LAS VEGAS: Open mic every Friday night, 8:00–11:00. ReJAVAnate, 3300 E. Flamingo, at Pecos, (702) 253-7721, rejavanatecoffee.com.

• STAFFORD BIRTHDAY READING, CARSON CITY: Friends of William Stafford sponsor annual Stafford Birthday Commemorative Readings in celebration of famed Oregon poet William Stafford (1914–1993). Readings feature four or five readers, each reading a Stafford poem their own written in the spirit of Stafford’s writing. After the featured readings, members of the audience are invited to read a favorite Stafford poem. January 26, 2:30: Facilitated by Shaun Griffin, Northern Nevada Correctional Center, Carson City, NV. More information at: www.williamstafford.org.

The Northwest (OREGON • WASHINGTON)

OREGON

• STAFFORD COMMEMORATIVE READINGS: Friends of William Stafford again sponsors its annual Stafford Birthday Commemorative Readings in celebration of lliam Stafford (1914–1993), Oregon’s most famous poet. His birthday is January 17. This year, FWS sponsors 54 poetry readings and presentations in towns and cities throughout Oregon, Washington, Ohio, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Vermont, Texas, Nevada, New York, and one in Sapporo, Japan. The readings will feature four or five readers, each reading a Stafford poem and one of their own written in the spirit of Stafford’s writing. After the featured reading, members of the audience are invited to read a favorite Stafford poem. PORTLAND METRO EVENTS: January 28, 7:00: Hosted by Joanna Rose, Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway. January 28, 7:00: Branford P. Millar Library, Portland State University, 1875 Park Avenue. January 30, 4:00: Hosted by Robin Bagai and Willa Schneberg, Looking Glass Bookstore, 7983 SE 13th Avenue. January 30, 2:00: Hosted by Deb Stone, Oregon City Library 362 Warner Milne Road, Oregon City. January 31, 2:00: Hosted by FWS board member Joseph Soldati, Multnomah Central Library, US Bank Room, 801 SW 10th Avenue. January 31, 2:00: Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro. OREGON EVENTS: January 26, 6:30: Hosted by Clemens Starck, Longview Public Library, 1390 Waverly Drive SE, Albany. January 27, 7:00: Hosted by Neil Browne and John Martin, COCC Library, Second Floor Reading Room, Central Oregon Community College, Bend. January 28, 7:00: Hosted by Pam Steele, Blue Mountain Community College, 980 SE Columbia Drive, Hermiston. January 31, 12:30: Beginning with a one-hour workshop led by hosts Linda Gelbrich and Ann Staley, Corvallis-Benton County Library, Corvallis. More information at: www.williamstafford.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) 236-0615. Visit www.atticwritersworkshop.com.

• MOUNTAIN WRITERS SERIES, PORTLAND: Evening readings held on the third Wednesday of the month and at other times for special events. Requested donation $5. Events: The Press Club, 2621 S.E. Clinton. Office: Mountain Writers Series, 2804 S.E. 27th Avenue, #2, (503) 232-4517, www.mountainwriters.org.

• POWELL’S BOOKS, PORTLAND: Powell’s hosts two off-site ticketed events in January at the Baghdad Theater, 7:00. January 25: Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love, reads from her new novel Committed. January 26: Rocker and poet Patti Smith reads from her coming-of-age memoir Just Kids, on her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. Tickets: $27, includes copy of book, available at Baghdad Theater, the Crystal Ballroom, and online with Ticketmaster. The Baghdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd. For other readings and author appearances at or hosted by Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside, (503) 643-3131, visit ww.powells.com.

• TIN HOUSE SUMMER WRITERS WORKSHOP, JULY 11–18, 2010, PORTLAND: Reed College hosts a weeklong intensive of workshops, seminars, panels, and readings with the editors of Tin House magazine, Tin House Books and their guests, prominent poets and writers of fiction, nonfiction. The program combines morning workshops with afternoon craft seminars and career panels. Evenings feature author readings. To apply, submit up to twenty pages of fiction or nonfiction, ten pages of poetry. Submitted manuscripts should be unpublished works in progress and must be double-spaced with one-inch margins. Your name should be on each page. Do not send newspaper articles, genre fiction, or children’s or young adult literature. Registrations postmarked on or before May 1, $1,000, registrations postmarked on or before July 10: $1,100. Application fee of $40 must accompany application form. Scholarship applications are available and must be postmarked by March 15. Make checks out to Tin House Summer Writers Workshop or pay by phone using Visa/MasterCard (503) 219-0622. All applications can be found online at: www.tinhouse.com/workshop/index.htm. Send applications to: Tin House Summer Workshop, P.O. Box 10500, Portland, OR 97210.

• POWELL’S BOOKS, BEAVERTON: Readings and author appearances. Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton.

• BINFORD READING SERIES, MARYLHURST UNIVERSITY, MARYLHURST: February 18: Fiction writer Debra Spark reads from her new novel. April 29: Fiction writer David Shields reads from his new novel. Readings at 7:30, free. Villa Maria, Marylhurt University, 17600 Pacific Highway (Highway 43). For information: (503) 636-8141, or visit www.marylhurst.edu.

• NYE BEACH WRITERS’ SERIES, NEWPORT: Sponsored by Writers On The Edge. February 20, 7:00: Marc Acito reads from his novel, How I Paid for College. March 20, 7:00: Jon Raymond reads from his short stories, Livability. Open mic follows, $5, students free. Newport Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Drive. For information Writers On The Edge events: (541) 574-7708, www.writersontheedge.org.

• FISHER POETS GATHERING, ASTORIA, FEBRUARY 26–28, 2010: Annual gathering of fishing industry folk to share their poetry and music, onsite poem contest. For information and a listing of 2010 participants, visit: www.clatsopcollege.com/fisherpoets/index.html.

WASHINGTON

• WASHINGTON POETS ASSOCIATION, SEATTLE: Seattle Open Mic every Wednesday. Sign up 8:00–8:30. Featured poet and a poetry slam competition judged by random members of the crowd. Poets in the slam compete for opportunities to represent Seattle on the national level. Spitfire, 2219 4th Avenue. For more weekly listings, visit: www.washingtonpoets.org.

• ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY, SEATTLE: Daily author readings and events. January 29, 7:00: Northwest poet, writer, Empty Bowl Press editor/publisher and translator of Chinese literature Mike O’Connor reads from Unnecessary Talking: The Montesano Stories. February 2: poet Mary Jo Bang. February 4: nature writer Brenda Peterson. February 5: Amalio Madueno and Paul Nelson. February 6: James B. Swan. February 12: Kevin Sampsell. February 13: Greg Nokes. February 13: poet Ed Skoog. February 17: Jedediah Berry. February 17: Heidi Durrow. February 19: Ralph Nader. February 19: Kayrna McGlynn and Tod Shimoda. February 22: Deborah Blum. February 23: Rachel Kramer. February 23: Jim Wallis. February 24: Peter Hessler. February 25: Shari Storm and Karen Burns. February 26: Mark Spragg and Laura Bell. February 27: African American Writers Alliance group reading. Book Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 6:30. Global Issues & Ethics Book Group meets second Tuesday monthly, 6:30. Speculations Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Group, third Tuesday monthly, 6:30. Stages-Elliott Bay Drama Book Group reads and discusses plays, fourth Tuesday monthly, 6:30. (Elliott Bay Books is moving to 10th Avenue between Pike and Pine in spring 2010.) Elliott Bay Books, 101 South Main Street, Pioneer Square, (206) 624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com.

• OPEN BOOKS, SEATTLE: Poetry readings at Open Books: A Poem Emporium, devoted to poetry books. January 24, 3:00: Paul Nelson, A Time Before Slaughter. January 28, 7:30: Olena Kalytiak Davis, On the Kitchen Table From Which Everything Has Been Hastily Removed and Kary Wayson, American Husband. February 14, 3:00: Friends of Crysta Casey read from Green Cammie. February 18, 7:30: Sharon Bryan, Sharp Stars. Open Books, A Poem Emporium, 2414 N. 45th Street, (206) 633-0811, www.openpoetrybooks.com.

• RICHARD HUGO HOUSE, SEATTLE: “Cheap Beer & Prose” 2010 reading series presented by From the Ground Up Foundation, following on 2009’s “Cheap Wine & Poetry.” January 28, 7:00: Matthew Simmons, Maria Semple, Midge Raymond, Rory Douglas and crisp Pabst Blue Ribbon. Hugo Literary Series features new writing and music from local and national writers and musicians. February 19, 7:30: “Gods and Monsters” with Linda Bierds, Terrance Hayes and Garth Stein, featuring new music by BloodHag. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue, www.hugohouse.org.

• SEATTLE POETRY SLAM: The Slam is moving to a new venue, Re-bar at 1114 Howell Street, and a new night: Tuesdays. Each week showcases an open mic, featured poet, and a slam. Sign up 8:00. Must be twenty-one with ID. For the slam, poets must perform their own original work, three-minute time limit, no props, costume, or music allowed. For more information, www.seattlepoetryslam.org.

• 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. Follow the Story, $525, runs January 13–February 17, Wednesdays (and two more Mondays), 7:00 to 9:00. Seattle classes are at Good Shepherd Center in the Wallingford district (4649 Sunnyside Avenue North). Contact: Nicholas O’Connell, (206) 284-7121, or nick @ thewritersworkshop.net. For more workshops, visit: www.thewritersworkshop.net.

• SEATTLE ARTS & LECTURES POETRY SERIES, BENAROYA HALL: February 26: Mark Doty. March 25: Linda Gregg. April 17: Sharon Olds. May 13: Rita Dove. All Poetry Series events 7:30, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall, 200 University. For information and tickets: www.lectures.org, (206) 621-2230.

• TOWN HALL, SEATTLE: February 4, 7:00: Tribute to master poet W.S. Merwin, with Copper Canyon Press poets of the younger generation, Ben Lerner, Matthew Zapruder, Erin Belieu, and Valzhyna Mort, with a reading by Merwin himself. Advance tickets $15/$10 students at www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006. Visit www.coppercanyonpress.org for more information. April 20, 7:30: Bill McKibben, Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet, nature writer. Great Hall, on the corner of 8th and Seneca, enter on 8th Avenue, www.townhallseattle.org.

• LITTLE RED STUDIO, SEATTLE: Open mic poetry night every Sunday at 6:30, free. Read up to six minutes of original poetry, prose, also comedy, music. LRD Upper Jeff Hengst Studio, 1506 Franklin Avenue East, www.littleredstudioseattle.com.

• SEATTLE MOBILE EXPRESSO: Open mic every second and fourth Sunday monthly, 4:00. Seattle Mobile Expresso, corner of 130th and Linden Avenue North.

• NORTHEND FORUM AT BAI PAI, SEATTLE: Open mic every first Monday monthly. Jed Myers hosts, no sign ups or set structure. Poets, monologists, and musicians are invited to grab the mic for five to six minutes. Not quite free, expect to buy a drink or food. Bai Pai Lounge, 2316 NE 65th Street, Ravenna area.

• BALLARD IT’S ABOUT TIME READING SERIES, SEATTLE: Second Thursday monthly, 6:00–8:00. Featured reading, a writing tip or idea shared by well-known teachers and writers, and open mic, free. Seattle Public Library, 5416 22nd Avenue NW. E-mail: eahelfgott2 @ comcast.net.

• EL DIABLO COFFEEHOUSE, SEATTLE: Open mic at an independent coffee shop. Sign up at 6:15 and read for five minutes, first seven or eight who sign up usually read twice. Hosted by Margaret Roncone and Lainne Dexter. Readings begin at 6:30, free. El Diablo Coffee Co., 1811 Queen Anne Avenue North, (206) 285-0693. E-mail: margaretroncone @ yahoo.com.

• DOBBIE’S POETS & WRITERS SERIES, SEATTLE: Listen to poets (and sometimes essayists, journalists, and novelists) every third Tuesday, 7:00. Hosted by Dobbie Norris. Free, though attendees are expected to buy a beverage or more. Seattle Mobile Espresso, 13000 Linden Avenue North #106, Bitter Lake area. E-mail: dobbie_ankh @ comcast.net.

• ZIPPY’S JAVA LOUNGE, EVERETT: Open mic and featured writers every Thursday, 8:00–9:30. Sign up at 7:30, be there early to read. Free, though attendees are expected to buy a beverage or more. Zippy’s Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Avenue (one block west of Everett Event Center).

• SOULFOOD BOOKS, REDMOND: SoulFood Poetry Night reading series, every third Thursday monthly, 7:00–9:15. One featured reader chooses his/her own co-feature, promoting a spirit of community. Open mic reading follows. Curated and hosted by Michael Dylan Welch and Lana Hechtman Ayers. Free, but buy a beverage or more. SoulFood books, 15748 Redmond Way. Lana Hechtman Ayers: moonlit.cloud @ yahoo.com.

• PARK PLACE BOOKS, KIRKLAND: PEN and Take a Poem From Your Heart present two featured poets and open mic every second Wednesday monthly, 7:00, free. Park Place Books, 348 Parkplace Center. Chris Jarmick: emeraldchris @ yahoo.com.

• STRIPED WATER POETS, AUBURN: Every Tuesday, 7:00–9:00, the Striped Water Poets present the Living Room weekly writer’s critique circle. Bring a piece to workshop or read. Doors close at 7:30. Free, donations welcome. Conference Room 2 upstairs, Auburn City Hall, 25 W Main Street. Contact Gerald McBreen, mcbreenpost @ aol.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.

• POULSBOHEMIAN COFFEE HOUSE, POULSBO: Armchair Poetry Series features two local poets and open mic on first Saturday monthly, 7:00, open mic 9:00. Weekly Prose Writing Workshop, Mondays, 7:00. See www.poulsbohemian.com. E-mail: emmj @ centurytel.net. Poulsbohemian Coffee House, 19003 Front Street, (360) 779-9199.

• KING’S BOOKS, TACOMA: Puget Sound Poetry Connection’s Distinguished Writers Series and open mic, second Friday monthly, 7:00–9:00. Open mic sign up 6:30. Free admission. King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Avenue, www.kingsbookstore.com.

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

• OLYMPIA POETRY NETWORK: Reading series every third Wednesday, 6:30–8:30. Open mic and featured reader. Traditions Café and World Folk Art, 5th and Water Street, Olympia. Visit http://home.comcast.net/~yake//opn.html.

• TRADITIONS FAIR TRADE CAFE, OLYMPIA: Every third Wednesday, The Olympic Poetry Network meets for featured reader and open mic at 6:30. Fair Trade Café, 5th and Water Street. Juniper White: halcyonmist @ hotmail.com.

• FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY: Poetry workshop, first Thursday monthly, 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: Poetry Mic featured poet hosted by Christopher Luna every second Thursday, 6:30. All ages. Cover to Cover Books, 1817 Main Street, at McLoughlin Blvd., (360) 694-9653, www.covertocoverbooks.net, or e-mail christopherjluna @ gmail.com.

• LIVE POETS SOCIETY WORKSHOP & READING, VANCOUVER: Workshops on first Thursday monthly, 7:00. Readings on second Wednesday monthly, 7:00. Fort Vancouver Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., (360) 695-1566.

• BARNES & NOBLE, VANCOUVER: February 10: Poetry Group welcomes Frances Payne Adler, poet and editor of Fire and Ink: An Anthology of Social Action Writing, open mic, 7:00. Barnes & Noble Vancouver, 7700 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., 98662, www.bn.com/events.

• 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.

• HEDGEBROOK, LANGLEY: Hedgebrook women writers retreat offers the opportunity to spend seven days learning and sharing with other writers under the guidance of Theresa Rebeck or Carolyn Forché. Each week-long session includes: ten hours of workshops over five days with Theresa Rebeck (February 2–9) or Carolyn Forché (March 7–14), instructor-led group feedback sessions, one-on-one sessions with the instructor and two additional days of retreat time. Space is limited to six writers per session. For application, contact Executive Director Amy Wheeler: amywheeler @ hedgebrook.org, (360) 321-4786, www.hedgebrook.org.

• 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.

• GET LIT! LITERARY FESTIVAL, APRIL 14–21, 2010, SPOKANE: Sponsored by Eastern Washington University Press and EWU’s Department of Creative Writing, the Get Lit! Festival, a weeklong celebration of reading and writing, offers events for all ages including lectures, readings, book signings, workshops, panel discussions, visits by festival authors to local colleges/universities, poetry slams, and youth events. Various locations. Get Lit! 534 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. Suite 203. For information, call (509) 368-6590, e-mail getlit @ ewu.edu, or visit www.outreach.ewu.edu/getlit.

The Southwest (ARIZONA • NEW MEXICO)

ARIZONA

• WELL RED COYOTE, SEDONA: Author events and workshops. The Well Red Coyote, 3190 W. State Route 89A (at Dry Creek Road in West Sedona), Suite #400 (behind D’Lish Restaurant), (928) 282-2284, www.thewellredcoyote.com.

• PIPER CENTER, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE: Spring Events: January 28, 7:30: Reading and Q&A with visiting Canadian Fulbright Rishma Dunlop, University Club. February 3, noon: Public talk and Q&A with poet R. Dwayne Betts, Armstrong Hall, Room 105. The Piper Writers Studio offers in-person and online classes and workshops for writers of all levels. Experienced writers and teachers lead courses and all spring classes culminate with a reading and celebration at Piper Writers House. Eight-week sessions meet Mondays from 6:30–8:30, February 15–April 5. Spring 2010 Courses: “Ekphrasis: Conversation Among Arts,” with Mark Haunschild: Focused on generating and revising poems in response to local art in the Phoenix area, this class will also look at the origins of the ekphrastic tradition, from Horace to Keats. “Eight Weeks, Eight Elements of Story Telling” with Mary-Rose Hayes: This fiction/nonfiction class features discussions on storytelling with a roundtable workshop. “Fits and Starts” with Andrea Decker: fiction class. Cost of eight-week sessions: $400. February 20, 9:00 a.m.–3:30: One-day workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, $100. Online poetry and fiction courses, February 15–March 8, $200, are accessed at ASU Blackboard, which has a discussion board, assignment submission, voice tools and chat rooms. Class materials available anytime. In-person courses take place at the Piper Writers House on the ASU Tempe Campus. Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Arizona State University, (480) 965-6018. To register for spring courses or more information, visit: www.asu.edu/piper.

• CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE, TEMPE: Author events and workshops. January 26, 6:30–8:30: Writer’s Block: Myth, Truth, & Strategies Workshop. Former NYU professor and author of Selkie Girl, Laurie Brooks, takes on writer’s block. Discussion and writing exercises tackle getting started, getting un-stuck, finishing, and sending in your manuscript, $25. Registration and pre-payment required at (480) 730-0205. Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S McClintock Drive.

• 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 CAFÉ GALLERY, PHOENIX: Downtown Poetry Slam, every first, third, and fourth Wednesday of the month, 8:00–10:00. Three rounds of open poetry slam. Grand prize of $25 goes to the highest-scoring poet. Sign up before 8:00, $5. The Fair Trade Café Gallery, 1020 N. First Avenue, behind Trinity Cathedral, free parking in garage, (602) 354-8150.

• UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA POETRY CENTER, TUCSON: Spring 2010 Readings & Lectures: January 25, 6:00: Shop Talk on the work of David Jones, whose classic work The Anathemata was regarded by W. H. Auden as the most important long poem of the twentieth century. Shop Talks begin with a mini-lecture on the featured poet, followed by conversation about the poet and the work. A study packet containing biographical information, excerpts, and criticism is made available for each event; no advance knowledge of the poet or works discussed is required. Shop Talks are held in the Poetry Center’s Michael and Helen Dobrich Library. For Shop Talk information, e-mail Rodney Phillips: melville @ email.arizona.edu. University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 East Helen Street, at Vine Avenue, (520) 626-3765, poetry @ email.arizona.edu.

• TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, MARCH 13–14, 2010, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CAMPUS, TUCSON: The festival includes poetry readings, panel discussions, and other events on the campus mall and the Union Kiva in the main student union. Speakers include poets and writers Charles Bernstein, Barbara Henning, Tenney Nathanson, Kim Addonizio, Dennis Cooper, D.A. Powell, Becca Klaver, and many more. Find a complete list of events on the Festival’s website: www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.

• POG, TUCSON: Poetry in Action reading series. January 30, 7:30: Chax Press Poetry & Concert features Ron Silliman and pianist Marilyn Crispell in an evening of poetry and improvised music, $10 tickets at Bentley’s or Antigone Books, $8 from Chax Press (if purchased from Chax Press before the night of the event), $15 at the door. Recital Hall, Pima Center for the Arts, Pima Community College West Campus, 2202 West Anklam. For information contact: Chax Press, (520) 620-1626, e-mail chax @ theriver.com, www.gopog.org.

• CASA LIBRE, GROUP RESIDENCY, FEBRUARY 25–28, 2010, TUCSON: A new Group Residency Poetry Weekend featuring classes, workshops, and readings. Group residency features guest faculty Camille Dungy, residents housed at The Historic Hotel Congress. Cost: $395, scholarship applications and registration form at: www.casalibre.org. E-mail casakeepers @ casalibre.org for discount rate information. Casa Libre, (520) 325-9145.

• CASA LIBRE, TUCSON: Casa Libre en la Solana, a non-profit community resource center and library for writers, offers self-directed residences, readings, and workshops. January 20, 7:30: Edge Reading Series of Emerging and Younger Writers features Heather Nagami, Will Pewittt, and Pacer Stacktrane, $5. WIP (Works in Progress) University of Arizona Writing MFA Reading Series occurs twice a month on Fridays at 7:00 in Casa’s library, free and open to the public. For WIP information, contact: Kirk Wisland wisland @ email.arizona.edu or Jennie Ziegler jziegler @ email.arizona.edu. Casa Libre en la Solana, 228 N. Fourth Avenue #2, (520) 325-9145, www.casalibre.org.

• INSTITUTE FOR POETIC MEDICINE, TUCSON: Workshops led by John Fox, Certified Poetry Therapist, offer a “healing space,” especially to individuals living with life altering illnesses. Upcoming events: March 17, 1:00–4:00, $45: “An Inservice for Healthcare Providers and Those in Helping Professions, Finding the Words to Say It: The Healing Art of Written Expression.” Upcoming workshops: March 19, 7:00–9:30, $25: “Introduction to Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making.” March 20, 9:00 a.m.–4:00, $95: “Poetic Medicine: A Writing Workshop.” To register, download the registration form and contact Barbara Stahura at (520) 575-9650, or e-mail barbara @ barbarastahura.com. Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation 3182 N. Swan Road. For forms and information: www.poeticmedicine.org.

NEW MEXICO

• TAOS SUMMER WRITERS’ CONFERENCE, JULY 11–18, 2010, TAOS: 12th Annual Conference features weeklong and master class workshops in novel writing, yoga and writing, memoir, advanced fiction, multi-genre, nonfiction, prose-style, poetry, and short story, as well as weekend craft workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and memoir. The exciting faculty includes Dorothy Allison, Jane Ciabattari, Jon David, Annie Dawid, Joy Harjo, Pam Houston, and many others. 2010 Keynote Speaker is journalist and novelist Cristina Garcia. Conference participants need to make their own arrangements in Taos. Conference is held at the Sagebrush Inn Conference Center. Registration is open at www.unm.edu/~taosconf. For information: (505) 277-5572, or taosconf @ unm.edu.

• TRUTH & BEAUTY, MAY 31–JUNE 5, 2011, TAOS: A Poetry Workshop with Ellen Bass and Marie Howe, Mabel Dodge Luhan Inn. For more information, e-mail ellen @ ellenbass.com.

• LANNAN READINGS & CONVERSATIONS, SANTA FE: January 20: Novelist Nicholson Baker reading and in conversation with Michael Silverblatt. February 17: Environmental writer Maude Barlow with Avi Lewis. March 3: Poet August Kleinzahler with Kate Moses. March 24: Novelist and political writer Arundhati Roy with Avi Lewis. April 21: Political writer Andrew Bacevich with David Barsamian. April 28: Novelist Don DeLillo with Mark Danner. May 12: Novelist Yiyun Li with Brigid Hughes. June 16: Poet Adrienne Rich with Carolyn Forché. Purchase tickets in person at Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 West San Francisco Street, by phone: (505) 988-1234, or online: www.lensic.com. Readings at 7:00, doors open for seating at 6:30. Admission: $6/$3 seniors, students with ID. For information: (505) 986-8160x102, or www.lannan.org.

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

• POETRY & BEER, ALBUQUERQUE: Longest running poetry series in Albuquerque featuring an open mic, qualifying slam, and poetry feature. Hosted by Christian Drake, Don McIver, Jessica Lopez and Eric Bodwell. First Wednesday monthly, sign up 7:30, show time 8:00. Blackbird Buvette, 509 Central Avenue NW, (505) 243-0878, www.abqslams.org.

• MAS POETRY & FINAL FRIDAY, ALBUQUERQUE: MAS, New Mexico’s longest running slam, hosted by Kenn Rodriguez meets every third Wednesday monthly. Open mic follows, hosted by members of the DCYCP. Albuquerque’s newest all-ages slam, final Friday monthly, hosted by Jasmine Cuffee. Both events: sign up 6:30, show 7:00. Winning’s Coffee Company, 111 Harvard SE, (505) 266-0000, www.abqslams.org.

• SLAM AZTLAN, ALBUQUERQUE: Under-21 poetry slam and all-ages open mic. Hosted this month by Joe Romero. Music by DJ Smartiepant. Second Saturday monthly, sign up 6:30, show 7:00. Warehouse 508, 508 First Street NW, www.abqslams.org.

• SPOKEN WORD HOUR, ALBUQUERQUE: KUNM 89.9 FM: 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, www.poetz.com/nm.

• BORDER BOOK FESTIVAL, APRIL 23–24, 2010, MESILLA: 16th annual Border Book Festival has a different format this year. Now focusing on smaller venues featuring author readings, panels, and workshops. Visit: www.borderbookfestival.org.