Poetry, author and writing events in Central Oregon this week

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, January 8, 2025

With these cold, dark winter nights, there’s no better way — in my opinion — to pass non-working hours than developing and exploring other creative pursuits. Luckily for local writers and poets, Central Oregon has a wide range of literary events, presentations and meetings this week.

Meet with other writers in the community, share poetry with a welcoming group, gain writing tips and hear a local author discuss their new book.

Unity Event Poetry Palooza

Share spoken word offerings and poetry in a supportive creative environment. This is an open mic-style event hosted by Donna B. Beginners are welcome. Have poems to share or read or just observe.

Friday 6-8 p.m.; free, love offering appreciated; Unity Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend; unitycentraloregon.org or 541-350-8448.

Write Your Way — Creating a Writing System

This class is designed for writers of all genres who want to establish a writing practice and create a system for finishing projects. Presented by Grace Bialecki, a performance poet, novelist and workshop facilitator, the class will explore techniques to use while reading excerpts of essays on creativity. Students are invited to bring an outline of their current approach to writing. They will have the opportunity to share and expand these together.

Bialecki’s work has appeared in various publications including Catapult, Barrelhouse and Epiphany Magazine, where she was a monthly columnist. She has performed her poetry at the KGB Bar, Salmagundi Club and been a featured poet at Paris Lit Up. Grace is the co-founder of the storytelling series Thirst and the author of the novel “Purple Gold.”

Friday noon-2 p.m.; free, register for online access; Zoom, Bend; dpl.libnet.info.

The Pause Button — A Monthly Poetry Gathering

The Pause Button is an informal monthly gathering for poets and poetry enthusiasts. The group will gather around a big table and take a moment for poetry exploration. Bring a poem or two to share. Poems can be written by you or by another poet. Listen, discuss and do a little writing with a writing prompt.

Free and open to writers of all levels of experience. No need to sign up.

Monday 5:30-6:30 p.m.; free; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

”What Happened to the McCrays,” by Tracey Lange

Tracey Lange, born and raised in New York City now residing in Bend, will discuss her new book “What Happened to the McCrays” in conversation with author Kerry Chaput.

After Kyle McCray gets word his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, where he doesn’t expect a warm welcome. Kyle left suddenly two and a half years ago, abandoning people who depended on him: his father, his employees, his friends — not to mention Casey, his wife of sixteen years and a beloved teacher in town.

Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m.; $5 or book purchase; Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Drive, Suite #110, Bend; roundaboutbookshop.com or 541-306-6564.

Central Oregon Writers Guild

Network with fellow writers at monthly workshops and lectures. You can attend this event in person or take part online.

The Central Oregon Writers Guild’s mission is to provide Central Oregon area writers a forum for mutual support and education through meetings, annual events and workshops. Founded in 2002, the guild is a nonprofit organization, run entirely by volunteers.

Guild meetings take place on a monthly basis and feature guest speakers, panels, member readers and small group interaction, with topics of interest to writers at all skill levels. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Tuesday 5:30-7:30 p.m.; free; Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; dpl.libnet.info or 541-617-7050.

Crime Scene to Manuscript — Mastering Police Procedurals

Learn police procedural writing from retired police officer and crime fiction author Frank Zafiro. He will discuss the many considerations — and incorrect stereotypes — involved when writing a police procedural. Topics include the structure of a police department, roles within it, the inner workings of a department, procedural elements of an investigation, terminology and the best resources to get the details right.

Zafiro writes gritty crime fiction from both sides of the badge. He retired as a captain after a 20-year career in Spokane, Washington. Of his more than 50 novels, almost half are police procedurals, including seventeen in his award-winning River City series. He currently resides in Redmond, Oregon.

Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m.; free, registration required; Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; dpl.libnet.info or 541-617-7050.