NH Writers' Project - Literary Calendar

January 28, Concord: Christina Asquith will discuss her new novel Sisters in War: A Story of Love, Family, and Survival in the New Iraq, chronicling the lives of four women under the American invasion of Iraq, 7 p.m., Gibson's Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

January 28, Stratham: RiverRun Bookstore and the Wiggin Memorial Library present novelist Katharine Weber who will read from her novel True Confections, 6:30 p.m. at RiverRun Bookstore (603-431-2100; 603-772-4346; www.riverrunbookstore.com).

January 28, 2010, Wolfeboro: Poets in the Attic will meet for the first PITA open mike of the year, 7 to 9 p.m. (603-539-4472; poetsintheattic@gmail.com).

January 30, Peterborough: Walt Schnabel will discuss and sign his new book, Blood Club, 11 a.m., Toadstool Bookshop (603-924-3543; www.toadbooks.com).

February 2, Portsmouth: The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire’s Speaker Series and RiverRun Bookstore will present Thomas E. Ricks, best-selling author of Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, which was nominated for a 2007 Pulitzer. Cost is $5 for both members and nonmembers, 7 p.m., Harbor’s Edge Room of the Sheraton Hotel. Please RSVP (603-314-7970; www.wacnh.org; rsvp@wacnh.org).

February 3, 2010, Portsmouth: Poets Steve Luttrell and Donald Wellman will be the featured readers at this month’s Poetry Hoot, hosted by the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program, 7 p.m. at Café Espresso (www.pplp.org).

February 4, Concord: Naturalist Susan Hand Shetterly will discuss her novel Settled in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town, which is set along the rural coast of Maine, 7 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

February 5, Concord: The New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts will hold the 2010 Business in the Arts Awards banquet on May 17 to publicly honor businesses and a business leader that have had significant impact on New Hampshire’s arts and cultural environment. Any artist, organization, or business may nominate themselves or someone else. Nominations are due February 5 (603-224-8300; www.nhbca.org; arts@nhbca.com).

February 6, Concord: Ruth Doan MacDougall, recipient of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project Lifetime Achievement Award, will discuss her novel Mutual Aid. 11 a.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

February 6, Milford: Eric Pinder will discuss his novel Life at the Top: Weather, Wonder and High Cuisine from the Mount Washington Observatory, 11 a.m., Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; www.toadbooks.com).

February 7, Somerville, MA: The Kinship Writers Association will hold an In Session with Lauren E. MacLeod, with a focus on developing picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Armory for the Arts (865-804-3196; www.kinshipwriters.org; kinshipwritersE@gmail.com).

February 8, Portsmouth: Chuck Hogan, acclaimed author, will read from his new fiction novel, Devils in Exile, which is based in the Boston area, 7 p.m., RiverRun Bookstore (603-431-2100; www.riverrunbookstore.com).

February 9, Milford: British author Philip Hoare will discuss The Whale: In Search of the Giants of the Sea, a natural history of whales, 7 p.m., Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; www.toadbooks.com).

February 10, 2010, Hollis: For a murder mystery book discussion series, the library will feature Bellows Falls, 7:30 p.m. at Hollis Social Library (603-465-2411; www.hollis.nh.us/library).

February 11, Concord: Best-seller William D. Cohan, who has appeared on Jim Lehrer’s News Hour, will discuss his new novel, House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street, 7 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

February 12, Exeter: Ed Rowan, author of Mothers of Scouting: Baden-Powell and the Women Who Influenced Him, will discuss his work, 7 p.m., Water Street Bookstore (603-778-9731; www.waterstreetbookstore.com).

February 13, Concord: Kevin and Hannah Salwen, father and daughter authors of The Power of Half, will discuss their departure from the status quo, 2 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

February 13, Exeter: Lee Harper —author and illustrator of SNOW SNOW SNOW! — will read from his new book and demonstrate an illustration how-to. Inspire your aspiring artist at 11 a.m., Water Street Bookstore (603-778-9731; www.waterstreetbookstore.com).

February 13, Exeter: Father and daughter Kevin and Hannah Salwen, coauthors of The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Talking and Start Giving Back, will discuss their recent book and revelations, 6 p.m., Water Street Bookstore (603-778-9731; www.waterstreetbookstore.com).

February 16, 2010, Merrimack: Yankee columnist Edie Clark will share the history of New England’s regional foods and more-famous foodies, including Julia Child, Fannie Farmer, and Hayden Pearson. Clark will also analyze how the changing times of New England have affected the way we eat. At 7 p.m. at Merrimack Public Library (603-424-5084; www.merrimack.lib.nh.us).

February 18, Concord: Joe Hill will present Horns: A Novel, 7 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

February 19, Milford: Joe Hill will sign his supernatural thriller Horns: A Novel, the sequel to his acclaimed debut, Heart-Shaped Box, 6:30 p.m., Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; www.toadbooks.com).

February 20, Exeter: Alison Friend’s watercolor illustrations enliven acclaimed former poet laureate Maxine Kumin’s recent children’s book, What Color is Caesar? Reading at 2 p.m., Water Street Bookstore (603-778-9731; www.waterstreetbookstore.com).

February 20, Milford: Joe Smiga will sign his military thriller Behind the Lies, 3 p.m., Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; www.toadbooks.com).

February 25, Concord: The recent recipient of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project’s Outstanding Award for a Children’s Book, Joe Monninger will discuss his latest adult novel, Eternal on the Water, at 7 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore (603-224 -0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

March 3, 2010, Portsmouth: Poets C. S. Leaf and S Stephanie will be the featured readers at this month’s Poetry Hoot, sponsored by the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program, 7 p.m. at Café Espresso (www.pplp.org).

March 3, Post Mills, VT: The authors of Bloodroot Literary Magazine will read from their selection of poetry or prose, 7 p.m., Peabody Library (802-333-9724).

March 4, 2010, Durham: Victor LaValle, PEN / Faulkner Award finalist for his novel The Ecstatic, will read from his work. Free and open to the public. At 5 p.m., MUB Theater 1, University of New Hampshire (603-862-1313; www.unh.edu).

March 8, Exeter: Joe Hill, author of Horns: A Novel, will read from his new novel at his hometown bookstore. Please contact Water Street Bookstore if you are unable to attend, but would like a signed copy. At 7 p.m., Water Street Bookstore (603-778-9731; www.waterstreetbookstore.com).

March 11, Chester: Sharon Olds, author of One Secret Thing, will read from and discuss her work, 6 p.m. in Powers 29 (603-887-7407; www.chestercollege.edu).

March 14, Somerville, MA: The Kinship Writers Association will hold an In Session with agent Lauren E. MacLeod, with a focus on adult fiction, nonfiction, and memoir from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Armory for the Arts (865-804-3196; www.kinshipswriters.org; kinshipwritersE@gmail.com).

March 17, Concord: Poet Tim Mayo, author of The Kingdom of Possibilities, and former New Hampshire poet laureate Pat Fargnoli, author of Then, Something, will read from and sign their recent collections, 7 p.m., Gibson's Bookstore (603-224-0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com).

March 31, 2010, Portsmouth: As part of the Writers on a New England Stage series, best-selling author Jodi Picoult will discuss her latest work of fiction, House Rules. Tickets are $13. At 7:30 p.m. at the Music Hall (603-436-2400; www.themusichall.org).

ONGOING

Berlin, Every Thursday: Children’s Story Hour, 10-11 a.m. at Berlin Public Library (752-5210; inez@ncia).

Center Harbor, First Friday of the Month: Book discussion group held at Bayswater Book Company, 9:30 a.m. Open membership to anyone interested (253-8858; bayswaterbookgroup@gmail.com).

Concord, Every Tuesday: Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore (224-0564; www.gibsonsbookstore.com)

Concord, Every Wednesday: Open mike at the Green Martini, 7 p.m. (Isaac Harris, xheartlessnothingx@yahoo.com).

Concord, Third Wednesday of the Month: Featured authors read, followed by an open mike at Borders Books, 7 p.m. (frisella@worldpath.net).

Deerfield, Fourth Tuesday of the Month: Open mike at The Lion Café, 463-7374, on Rt. 107, 7 - 9 pm except December (lindseycoombs@gmail.com or 463-7226).

Derry, Every Friday: Lunch Bunch story time outside the Derry Public Library, 11:30 a.m. (432-6140; derrylib@derrypl.org).

Dover, Every Fourth Wednesday: Poetry hoot hosted by Matt Gallant and John-Michael Albert, 7 p.m. at Café on the Corner (749-4711).

Dublin, Sundays: Fall and spring readings followed by an open mike at Del Rossi's Trattoria, 2:30 p.m. (563-7195).

Effingham, Third Thursday of the Month: Writer’s Night with featured readers followed by an open mike, 7 p.m. at the Effingham Public Library (539-1537; katiemccarthy@adelphia.net).

Exeter, One Sunday a Month: Water Street Bookstore hosts a book group discussion held at the Loaf and Ladle. For more information and current book selection call 778-9731.

Exeter, Every Monday: Tina Bruce hosts story time and leads children in a craft project. Free and open to the public, children from preschoolers on up are welcome, 10 a.m. at Time of Wonder Bookstore (778-9731).

Haverill, MA, Second Thursday of the Month: Open mike in the Crescent Dragon Café, 8 p.m. (978-372-5441).

Kittery, ME, First Tuesday of the Month: Enjoy an open mike, tea, and coffee at the Rice Public Library, 7–9 p.m. (207-439-0199).

Lawrence, MA, Second Tuesday of the Month: Poetry Hoot sponsored by the Frost Foundation of Lawrence, 7-9 p.m. Venue varies so call ahead. (978-725-8828).

Manchester, Every Tuesday: Summer story time for all ages in the Winchell Room at Manchester City Library, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Contact the Children’s Room for more information (624-6550).

Manchester, Every Other Friday: Open mike and featured reading or slam hosted by Russian Roulette Productions at the Bridge Street Café, 7pm (647-9991 or bridgepoetry@gmail.com).

Milford, Second Thursday of the Month: Teen Galley Group, a reading group where teens become the critics! Discuss free books, make friends, enjoy refreshments. Please sign up to reserve your place. At 7 p.m. at Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; http://toadbooks.com).

Milford, Third Thursday of the Month: The Classics Group, a reading and discuss group. New readers are always welcome. Please contact us for information about current and future reading selections. At 7 p.m. at Toadstool Bookshop (603-673-1734; http://toadbooks.com ).

Milford, Last Thursday of the Month: Book Buzz for Kids! A book club for children encourages critical thinking while making reading fun and exciting. Snacks will be offered, sign-up required. At 7 – 8 p.m. at Toadstool Bookshop (673-1734; http://toadbooks.com).

Milford, Every Second and Fourth Friday of the Month: Deep Thoughts writing group meets to share work and offer feedback, 7 p.m. at Toadstool Bookshop (673-1734).

Moultonborough, First Tuesday of the Month: Featured authors read, followed by an open mike, in the Moultonborough Public Library, 7:30 p.m. (476-8895).

Nashua, Sundays: Sunday Family Storytime-each week tales from different countries and cultures are featured, followed by a puppet show in the Children's Room, Nashua Public Library, 2 p.m. (589-4610 or carol.eyman@nashua.lib.nh.us).

Nashua, Second Friday of the Month: Poets Corner featured readers followed by an open mike at Unitarian Universalist Church, 8 p.m. (saffronmuse@msn.com).

Nashua, Fourth Saturday of the Month: A multi-disciplinary open mike featuring music, spoken word, etc. Performer sign-up is at 7:45 p.m. event begins at 8 p.m. at Studio 99 (www.studio99nashua.com/open-mic/).

New London, Wednesdays: In September 2008, the Writers Lounge will open its doors. A place to gather, write, think or just be with other writers, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at New London Writers Studio (526-7755).

Newmarket, Every Second Tuesday of the Month: Poets Matt and Ayanna Gallant will be feature at Zion Hill Reading with an open mike to follow, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Stone Church (zionhillpoetry@gmail.com).

Newmarket, Second Thursday of the Month: Open mike (no invited readers) at Crackskulls Books from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (659-8181).

Peterborough, Third Saturday of the Month: Monadnock Writers' Group Speakers Series, 9:45 a.m. at Peterborough Town Library (lindaj.thomas@verizon.net, 547-2781).

Plaistow, Third Monday of each month: Poetry reading with one featured reader, followed by an open mike, 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Plaistow Public Library (Matthew Gallant at 887-0151; matthewp.gallant@gmail.com).

Plymouth, Second Wednesday of Each Month: Open mike, 7 p.m. at Mandarin Taste restaurant (535-2492).

Portland, ME, Every Tuesday: Spoken Word Hip Hop Night followed by an open mike at Acoustic Coffee, 7-10 p.m. (207-774-0404).

Portland, ME, Second Tuesday of the Month: Slam poetry at Acoustic Coffee, 7–10 p.m. (207-774-0404).

Portland, ME, First, Third and Fifth Thursday of the Month: Poetry Group at Borders South Portland, 7 p.m. (207-775-6110).

Portland, ME, Last Thursday of the Month: Open poetry reading at Geno’s, 8:30 p.m. (207-772-7891).

Portsmouth, First Wednesday of the Month: Poetry Hoot sponsored by Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program in Café Espresso, 7 p.m. Does not meet July and August (772-4345).

Portsmouth, Second Monday of the Month: The “Stone Pigeon” poetry readings are held at Breaking New Grounds followed by an open mike, 7–9 p.m. (Gary Widger, gmofo@hotmail.com).

Portsmouth, Third Thursday of the Month: "Beat Night" at the Press Room, 7-9 p.m. (431-5186).

Rochester, Every Friday: Open mike hosted by Mike White at The Governor’s Inn Café, 7 p.m. (332-0107).

Rollinsford, Every Other Sunday: Starting August 30, 2009, The Writers’ Circle meets at the Workshop, 7 p.m. (http://theseacoastwriterscircle.blogspot.com; seacoastwriters@gmail.com).

Rye, Every Wednesday: Preschool/kindergarten story time, 11 a.m. at the Rye Public Library (964-8401; contact@ryepubliclibrary.org).

Warner, Last Sunday of the Month: Book Discussion group held at Main Street Bookends, 3 p.m. Call Jen to sign up (465-3021).

Warner, Wednesdays: Storytelling by the Fireplace with Simonds teachers at MainStreet BookEnds, 6:30 p.m.

Wolfeboro, Fourth Thursday of the Month: Poets in the Attic will read, followed by an open mike, 7-9 p.m. at The Country Bookseller (Gordon or Cheryl Lang, 539-4472 or glang11@earthlink.net).

WSCA-LPFM Radio, Wednesdays: Deidre Randall hosts "Writers in the Round," a showcase of songwriters and poets, 7-8 p.m. (listen at 106.1FM. Interested readers should contact Deidre at www.witrhome.org or talk@witrhome.org for booking.