LILAC CITY FAIRY TALES
Sept. 25
If Spokane was the setting of a fairy tale, who would its heroes and heroines be? Perhaps our fair city is weaving its own magical story, inspired by the talents of local artists, musicians and writers, including those being featured at this inaugural literary arts event. Basing their work on the theme "magic is normal," seven accomplished local writers and five musicians — all women — are set to present and perform, with the majority of event proceeds benefiting the new educational arts hub, INK Art Space. Spearheaded by local author Sharma Shields, other featured writers are Kris Dinnison, Nance Van Winckel, Laura Read, Brooke Matson, Maya Jewell Zeller and Ellen Welcker. Mama Doll, the all-women indie folk group, and singer-songwriter Liz Rognes round out the program, in addition to a panel discussion on the evolving Spokane arts scene. (CS) Bing Crosby Theater, $15, 7 pm
NORTH IDAHO DISTINGUISHED HUMANITIES LECTURE FEATURING JESS WALTER
Oct. 2
Sometimes it seems there's just not enough Jess Walter to go around. The bestselling author and Spokane native lends his talents to Idaho Humanities Council's 11th annual Distinguished Humanities Lecture and Dinner. The Edgar Allan Poe award-winner and National Book Award finalist's latest novel Beautiful Ruins reached No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and the guy also knows how to entertain an audience. Tickets are $50, but shell out a little more and you'll get the chance to meet Walter at a pre-dinner reception in addition to securing up-close-and-personal seats for the lecture. (CV) The Coeur d'Alene Resort, $50-$100, 7 pm
SPOKANE IS READING
Oct. 16
Start reading now and you should have no problem finishing Swamplandia! in time for this year's Spokane is Reading presentation by award-winning author Karen Russell. A mesmerizing story about a quirky family of alligator wrestlers who call the Florida coast's swampy Ten Thousand Islands home, Swamplandia! was short-listed for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize — the ironic year when no winner was chosen. The debut novel by the now-33-year-old author has earned her an impressive list of other awards, including a 2013 MacArthur Foundation "Genius Grant." Awards aside, Russell's Swamplandia! is a riveting, spectacularly written book about love, loss, ghosts and gators. (CS) Spokane Valley Event Center at 1 pm; Bing Crosby Theater at 7 pm; both events free
BEDTIME STORIES
Oct. 17
Inspired by the theme "Bump in the Night," four celebrated Northwest authors will debut original short works. The evening, paired with food and wine, will feature Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen along with Jamie Ford, Tod Marshall and Sharma Shields. As a fundraiser, the event benefits Humanities Washington and its mission to nurture conversation and critical thinking in communities. As part of the evening, Liz Burroughs, a Spokane contributor to the humanities, will be honored with the 2014 Humanities Washington Award. (JM) Spokane Club, $75, 6 pm
ELIZABETH AUSTEN READING
Oct. 18
The Washington State Poet Laureate for 2014-16 visits Spokane for a Q & A session, signing and reading of her poetry at Auntie's Bookstore. Reading along with Austen will be Christopher Howell, professor of English at EWU and director of Willow Springs Editions. Austen will return to Auntie's on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 1-3 pm for a free poetry workshop. No epic writing skills are necessary; the workshop is geared toward inexperienced writers who will use a contemporary poem as a model for writing their own first draft. (JM) Auntie's Bookstore, free, 7 pm