Risqué Tips Sure to Embolden—and Empower—the Shy

Take a Poem From Your Heart Featured poets are Jack McCarthy, R. D. Shadowbird, and Brenda Givens, followed by open mike. Bookworm Exchange, 4860 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6633. 7 p.m. Fri. Nov. 17.

Letter XReadings by contributors to this journal, to celebrate a new issue. Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., www.thelocalwriter.com. 9 p.m. Fri. Nov. 17.

PoetsWestMichael Johnsen, Terry McCarty, and Gerry McFarland are featured. Newberry Books, 561 N.E. Ravenna Blvd., 206-682-1268. 4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 18.

Diamond LifeAn open-mike night for jazz artists, dancers, and vocalists as well as word-artists of all kinds. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 206-684-4757, www.diamondlifepresents.com. $5. 7 p.m. Sat. Nov. 18.

Seattle Poetry SlamMichael Dylan Welch is the featured reader, followed by "Haiku d'Etat," a head-to-head competition. ToST, 513 N. 36th St., Space E, www.poetryfestival.org/slam. Signup starts at 8 p.m. Tues. Nov. 21.

Venue Guide

Elliott Bay Book Co. 101 S. Main St., 206-624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com.

Third Place Books 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 206-366-3333, www.thirdplacebooks.com.

University Book Store 4326 University Way N.E., 206-634-3400, www.bookstore.washington.edu.