Beacon Hill Reading Series
The first day of the 18th annual festival kicks off with an evening of poetry, featuring readings by Katherine Whitcomb, Kate Lebo and Jenifer Browne Lawrence. Mon, April 11, at 6:30 pm. Free. At Spokane Community College.
Poetry Slam: Teen and College
College students of any age, along with local teens (ages 15-18), take to the mic to perform live poetry in front of an audience and panel of judges. Mon, April 11, at 6:30 pm (register at 6 pm). Free. At the Bartlett.
The Periodic Table of Poetry
A reading by Spokane-area poets who explore personal experiences or memories using an element from the periodic table as inspiration. Tue, April 12, at 6:30 pm. Free. At Spark Center.
Raising Lily Ledbetter
A celebration of the recent anthology, Raising Lilly Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workplace, which commemorates the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that was signed into law in 2009. Featured poets include Carolyne Wright, the collection's editor, along with Kate Lebo, Brooke Matson, Maya Jewell Zeller and Kathryn Smith. Wed, April 13, at 7 pm. Free. At Spark Center.
Author Corinna Nicolaou
A reading, Q&A and book signing with the author, whose book A None's Story: Searching for Meaning Inside Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam examines the growing number of "nones" in America, those without any religious affiliation, like her. Wed, April 13, at 7 pm. Free. At Auntie's Bookstore.
In Conversation with Paul Harding & Nance Van Winckel
A dual reading featuring local writer, poet and artist Nance Van Winckel, who reads from her latest book, Ever Yrs. Paul Harding is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tinkers and he reads from his latest novel, Enon. Thu, April 14, at 7 pm. $15/public; free/students. At the Lincoln Center.
5th Annual Pie & Whiskey Reading
The popular event, hosted by Kate Lebo and Sam Ligon, returns, featuring 13 local writers reading flash fiction, nonfiction and poetry inspired by two selected quotes about pie and whiskey. Thu, April 14, at 9 pm. $5. Ages 21+ only. At the Spokane Woman's Club.
Heavy Edit Zine Reading & Art Show
A reading and showcase of the locally-created zine, which prints its contributors' drafts alongside their finished works to show the meticulousness of the creative process. Established local writers read alongside younger contributors to the zine, for which the third and final issue is released at the reading. Artwork featured in Heavy Edit is also displayed. Fri, April 15, at 8 pm. Free. Ages 21+ only. At The Observatory.
Butcher Paper Book Launch
A celebration of the release of local graphic novelist Simeon Mills' new book, Butcher Paper. He's joined in conversation by Seattle cartoonist Tom Van Deusen in a session moderated by Shawn Vestal. Sat, April 16, at noon. Free. At the Spokane Convention Center, Room 206A.
All We Can Hold: Poetry of Motherhood
A reading by contributors to the collection of poetry on motherhood, published by Sage Hill Press. Featured readers are Laura Read, Connie Wasem Scott, Laurie Klein, Maya Jewell Zeller, Ellen Welcker, Kate Peterson, Beth Cooley and others. Sat, April 16, at noon. Free. Spokane Convention Center, Room 205.
A Reading Public
A community reading hosted by two local writers, who read and then pass the mic to other writers of all ages and experiences who are invited to sign up for the open-mic event. Readers get 3-5 minutes to read their original works. Sat, April 16, at 11:30 am; sign up at 11. Free. Spokane Convention Center, conference theater.
Reading: Julie Riddle & Marc Beaudin
Riddle reads from her memoir The Solace of Stones, which tells of her parents' decision to move their family to a primitive log home in rural Montana. She's joined by poet and playwright Beadin, who reads from his latest collection, Vagabond Song, a travel memoir that blends prose and poetry. Sat, April 16, at 1 pm. Free. Spokane Convention Center, conference theater.
EWU Alumni Reading
An event to showcase writers who have graduated with their MFA from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at EWU. Featured readers include Liz Rognes, Jonathan Frey, Aileen Keown Vaux, Sarah Hauge and David Alasdair. Sat, April 16, at 4 pm. Free. Spokane Convention Center, conference theater.
Reading: Serena Crawford & Richard Fifield
Both writers read from their debut books. Montana-based Fifield reads from his debut novel The Flood Girls and Crawford reads from her short story collection Here Among Strangers. Sat, April 16, at 2 pm. Spokane Convention Center, conference theater.
Diane Cook: Man vs. Nature
The author reads from her award-winning collection of short stories, which explores the boundaries between wilderness and civilization. She'll also answer audience questions and sign copies of her work. Sat, April 16, at 3 pm. Free. Spokane Convention Center, conference theater.
Get Lit! Presents: Garth Stein
One of this year's festival headliners, Stein is the author of the best-selling novel The Art of Racing in the Rain. His latest novel, A Sudden Light, is a tale set around a Seattle mansion that weaves elements of magical realism as it explores one family's complex past and future. Sat, April 16, at 7 pm. $15/public; free/students. At the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.
Lost Horse Press and Lynx House Reading
An event co-hosted by the two local, independent publishers celebrating local poetry and prose writing. Hosted by Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall, featured readers include Rob Carney, Kathleen Flenniken, Piotr Florcyzk, Peter Sears, Katrina Roberts and Bill Tremblay. Sun, April 17, at noon. Free. At the Davenport Hotel's Peacock Room Lounge.
Regional MFA Reading
Graduate students from the University of Idaho, University of Montana, Boise State and EWU share their fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Sun, April 17, at 2 pm. Free. At Barrister Winery.
Inland Northwest Faculty Reading
Creative writing faculty from area colleges and universities read from their new works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction. Hosted by EWU, Natalie Kusz emcees and participating writers include Polly Buckingham, Jeff Dodd, Jonathan Johnson, Claire McQuerry and Rachel Toor. Sun, April 17, at 4:30 pm. Free. At Barrister Winery. ♦
For a complete schedule of events, visit getlitfestival.org
