Catch Tim Dorsey, the former Tampa Tribune journalist turned novelist, at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. He’ll discuss his 15 zany, Florida-based mystery novels, answer questions and sign copies of his books.
Wordier Than Thou brings its Storytelling and Prose Open Mic to Tampa's Florida Avenue Brewing Company Wednesday, Nov. 5. Come share your finest prose, or if you’re just in the mood for listening, catch some tales from our area’s talented wordsmiths. This month’s featured reader is Robin Savage, stand-up comic and author. Suggested $5 donation at the door. Readings begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Tampa Bay Book Gala and Award Ceremony will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Ten authors will attend the event with 20 book titles available for purchase. At the end of the night, awards will be given out to the best authors. One book from every author will be donated to the St. Petersburg Library. Entry is free, and there will be free beer, wine and light snacks. This event is organized by Richter Publishing.
Share your poetry, stories and songs at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church’s bi-monthly Poetry and Open Mic night, Wednesday, Nov. 5. The evening kicks off with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. So get there early to sign in and snack; readings and performances begin promptly at 7 p.m.
The St. Petersburg NaNoWriMo group will host a Write-in at Community Café, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The group will meet there every Wednesday in November. The Skyway NaNoWriMo group meets earlier in the day at The Horse and Jockey from 3 to 5 p.m.
Café Hey’s three-time Best Of The Bay-winning weekly Open Mic takes place Thursday, Nov. 6, 6:45 p.m.
Meet author Kris Radish at Inkwood Books Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. In her book Gravel on the Side of the Road, Radish shares stories from her life as a journalist, mother, friend, lover, young girl and sister — to name just a few — and opens up her past in ways that will transport her legion of fans to places familiar, sometimes shocking, but always entertaining.
Stacy Toth and Matt McCarry will discuss their book, Real Life Paleo, at the Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood on Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m.
The Tampa Bay Times’ Craig Pittman will read from and discuss his book, The Scent of the Scandal: Greed, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Beautiful Orchid, at the Largo Public Library, Thursday, Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m. His book tells a fascinating, true story of black market orchid sales, smugglers and scientists. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket to this event at the library.
Want to know more about the art of shell-ing? The St. Petersburg Shell Club and Suncoast Conchologists are hosting a Book Auction, with hundreds of books on shelling from the personal library of deceased member Alice Monroe, a chemistry and biology teacher for 17 years at St. Petersburg College. This auction will take place Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Seminole Recreation Center, in the second floor meeting room. Proceeds from the auction will benefit both clubs, as it was Monroe’s passion for mollusks that led her to be a leader in the local, national and international conchologist societies. Preview is at 1pm. A list of books for auction is posted on the Shell Club Facebook page.
In Growing Up at Sea, Viviane Thereau talks about her first eighteen years. To avoid the Nazi invasion, her father took the family to Martinique. Thereau will discuss her book at the Gulf Beaches Library Saturday, Nov. 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
At the Venture Compound at 7 p.m., musicians, writers and artists will be presenting works inspired by Walt Whitman's seminal work of poetry Leaves of Grass. Admission is a $5 donation. Proceeds will go to raise funds for Jordan Park Community Garden.