(NW LITERATURE) Matt Briggs's novel Shoot the Buffalo has several things in common with Stacey Levine's novel Frances Johnson, the most apparent being both were published by Clear Cut Press, a Portland-based publishing company run by former Seattleite and novelist Matthew Stadler. The novels also have this in common: Both were written by authors who have a solid reputation and publishing history. The works of Briggs and Levine are central to the real substances and identity of our region's literature. (Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333. 7 pm, free.) CHARLES MUDEDE