FRI-2

CHARLENE SPRETNAK--Spretnak's 1997 book, The Resurgence of the Real mused on the need for context and gave an eloquent critique of modernism. She reads today for the paperback release. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.


SAT-3

*GELING YAN--Yan is a writer who's about to hit the big time, and you can get in on the ground flamesoor at this reading: a story from her collection, White Snake and Other Stories is being made into a movie with Joan Chen. Yan is a sensual, exquisite writer, one of the most respected in Chinese literature today. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 3 pm, free.

INGA MUSCIO--You might learn something from Muscio, the purveyor of female sexuality and author of Cunt: A Declaration of Independence. Joan Jett says, "Cunt touched me deeply." Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.


MON-5

LAURA KALPAKIAN--Kalpakian, primo teacher (at WWU) and consummate writer, presents her newest family-centered free-fall, Steps and Exes, a search for romance in the confines of modernity. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.


TUES-6

*BARRY LOPEZ--What can be said about Lopez that has not been said on his many visits here? He remains one of the most eloquent nature essayists at work today, and much of his writing has affected perceptions of our local surroundings. His latest book is About This Life: Journeys on the Threshold of Memory. Third Place Books, 1717 Bothell Way, 366-3320, 7 pm, free.

SUE MULLER HACKING--Hacking is Boatless in Seattle, and shows you ways to get wet without ownership. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.

GREG BEAR--One of the big names in science fiction, Northwest resident Bear has just published Foundation and Chaos, inspired by the work of Isaac Asimov. He reads tonight from current work, at a benefit for Clarion West. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, $4.

MARTIN CRUZ SMITH--Big-seller Smith re-thrills his fans with Havana Bay, in which his "bankable series hero, Arkady Renko" (Gorky Park) lands in a seamy, steamy Cuba. Seattle Public Library, Lee Auditorium, 1000 4th Ave, 386-4184, 7 pm, free.


WED-7

*FORREST GANDER, CAROL MOLDAW, ARTHUR SZE, C.D. WRIGHT--See Calendar Box. Seattle Public Library, Lee Auditorium, 1000 4th Ave, 386-4636, 7 pm, free.

*BARRY LOPEZ--See Tues July 6 Listing. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 8 pm, free.

ROBERT CRAIS--Elvis Cole cracks wise in Crais' eighth novel L.A. Requiem, another literary mystery. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.


OPEN MIC

Note to regularly programmed open mics: The Stranger will list events only if we receive an announcement--regular listings will be dropped unless we are notified that the events are in fact ongoing.


THURS-1

THE PEARL--Turn irritation into beauty: bring fiction, poetry, film, or drama. Every first Thursday celebrates Dead Poets. The Pearl, 4215 University Way NE, 547-3326, 8 pm, free.


SUN-4

RED SKY POETRY THEATER--Continuing its 18th season of readings, spotlighting local writers plus an open mic. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th off Pine, 633-5647, 7 pm, free.


MON-5

LIVINGROOM--Every Monday about this time, people read and rant and play music. Tonight features James D. Newman. Habitat Espresso, 222 Broadway E, 689-8661, 7:30 pm, free.


TUES-6

HOMELAND--The homiest of open mics, with readers and espresso chocolate chip cookies. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave (at Pine), 324-8815, 7:30 pm, free.


WED-7

COFFEE MESSIAH--Come to confess your sins, stay for a cookie. Open mic for poetry, stories, music, rants, and more. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377, 8:30 pm, free.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS:

WORDSCAPE--The Stranger recommends that you pick up Wordscape, Seattle's free monthly guide to literary events, to find a complete listing of opportunities for writers. Wordscape has an outstanding listing of contests, grants, and calls for writing, which we can only envy. Pick it up at most local bookstores and libraries!