The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, hosts ANNE BYRN, author of "The Cake Mix Doctor Returns!", Nov. 18, 7 p.m.; DAVID KRANES reads from "The National Tree," Nov. 19, 7 p.m. (801-484-9100).

Ken Sanders Rare Books,268 S. 200 East, is pleased to announce a special holiday party hosted by cartoonist PAT BAGLEY and DOTTIE DIXON of "The Mormon Kama Sutra"; there will be readings and book signings, Nov. 20, 6-9 p.m. (801-521-3819).

JASON WRIGHT, author, will sign his latest book, "Christmas Jars Reunion and Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle," Nov. 16, noon, Fort Union Deseret Book, 1110 E. Fort Union Blvd. (801-561-8777); also Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m., Layton Hills Mall Deseret Book, 1200 N. Hillfield Road, Layton (801-546-3391); also Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., University Village Deseret Book, 1076 S. 750 East, Orem (801-224-0055)

The Guest Writers Series, sponsored by the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City Arts Council, will present readings by fiction writer ANTONYA NELSON and poet KATHRYN COWLES on Thursday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. at the Salt Lake Main Library, 210 E. 400 South; the public is invited to join in a lunchtime conversation with Nelson and Cowles Friday, Nov. 20, noon, at the Art Barn, 1340 E. 100 South; both events are free.

JOSI KILPACK and JULIE WRIGHT will have a book signing Nov. 21, noon-1:30 p.m., Cedar City Deseret Book, 1166 S. Sage Drive, No. 1, Cedar City (435-865-1253)

KATHI PETERSON, author of "An Angel on Main Street," will be signing books Nov. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Layton Hills Mall Deseret Book, 1200 N. Hillfield Road, Layton (801-546-3391)

Salt City Indie Arts will host a cash prize poetry slam competition Nov. 30, 8-11 p.m.; contact Michael Dimitry (607-339-1357 or michaeldimitry@rocketmail .com) before Nov. 20 to reserve a performance spot. The top five performance poets will represent Salt Lake City at the Poetry Slam Nationals in August 2010.