The Seattle Public Library will offer open mics, writing groups, workshops and poetry readings at several locations throughout the city in November.

SCHEDULE

Secrets of Solid Story Structure - Instructor: Brian McDonald. This workshop focuses on three-act structure and theme, and how utilizing these ancient storytelling tools helps writers create more meaningful and compelling tales. You'll learn how to construct acts that build upon each other and propel the story seamlessly forward. Also covered will be how plot and character work in concert to support a story’s theme.

You Wrote a Book, Now What? Understanding Today’s Publishing Choices - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. Instructor: Beth Jusino. This workshop takes an unbiased and unvarnished look at a modern writer’s publishing options, from “Big 5” traditional publishers to small presses to self publishing (with or without the support of service companies) to “hybrid” and other emerging models. Taught by a publishing professional who works on and appreciates both sides of the fence, this class gets past the hype and examines pros and cons of each choice, realistic costs and income potential, as well as scams and pitfalls to avoid. Most importantly, it helps writers seeking publication understand their own goals, strengths, and how to make a decision that's best for them.

Reading Between the Lines - Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 6, Books Spiral 6 Meeting Room, 206-386-4636. A weekly group that reads and discusses poetry. Each week focuses on a different poet selected by group members; poetry selections will be provided.

PoetsWest 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Green Lake Branch, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N., 206-684-7547. A monthly open mic that takes place on the second Saturday of each month, featuring readings of poetry and prose. This month's reading features poets from the PONGO poetry program.

Writers Read 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. A monthly open mic with selected author readings on the second Sunday of each month, presented in partnership with African-American Writers' Alliance.

Interiority: Thoughts and Feelings in Fiction - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 4, Washington Mutual Foundation Meeting Room 1, 206-386-4636. Instructor: Karen Finneyfrock. When and how often should the writer invite the reader to step inside a character's thoughts? Through sample texts and writing exercises, we will examine the work of internality in fiction. This class is best for a fiction writer already working on a novel or short story.

Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the West Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. S.W., 206-684-7444.  A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Jeanine Walker. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.

It's About Time Writers' Reading Series - 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. A monthly series featuring author readings and open mics. The 361st meeting features readings from Lillo Way, Kay Mullen and Kenneth Wagner. Theresa Francomacaro will give a short lecture on the writer's craft.

Writing Effective Scenes - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-4086. Instructor: Gail Folkins. We’ll look at effective scene-setting such as sensory detail, character, dialog and plot. Through examples, discussion and a writing exercise, students will practice using these building blocks to craft their own scenes. Fiction and creative nonfiction writers are welcome.

Representing Race Plus - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711. Instructor: Nisi Shawl. How do you realistically represent characters who are different from you in more than one way? Exercises, examples and discussion help you depict the busy intersections of race and gender, age and ability, and many other diverse backgrounds, showing them in your work’s setting, action, dialogue and relationships.

Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Brett Hamil. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.

Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Fremont Branch, 731 N. 35th St., 206-684-4084.  A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Alma García. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.

Poetry Potluck - 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. Join our informal gathering to listen to and read poetry aloud. Bring a few favorite poems, whether classics or new discoveries, and share them around the table. This is a feast of poetry. (Not a food event.)

MORE INFORMATION

The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.