Although Litquake is nearing its inevitable end, there are still tons of poets, novelists, essayists, comic book authors and travel and nonfiction writers to be seen before its Saturday night close.

http://www.litquake.org/event-series/litquake-2014

Hot Flash Fiction: Steamy, Sexy, Super-Short Original Fiction by Women Old Enough to Know Better

What: Keepin’ it short and spicy, this large ensemble of veteran female authors are presenting their steamiest pieces of flash fiction. The lineup will include such notable names as the New York Times’ bestselling author Beth Lisick, Litquake co-founder Jane Ganahl, and Anne Buelteman (actress from Les Miserables) reading from the posthumous works of Kathi Kamen Goldmark.

Where: Z Space (21+)

When: October 16^th, Thursday at 7 PM

Cost: $10

Why: Because it’s steamy, sexy, and super-short.

Beyond The Labyrinth of Solitude: A Tribute to Octavio Paz

What: To commemorate the 100^th birthday of famed Mexican poet Octavio Paz, Litquake has invited the Paz scholar Rafael Vargas and a slew of special guests to help celebrate the life and work of this iconoclastic Mexican artist.

Where: The Mexican Art Museum

When: October 17^th, Friday at 6 PM

Cost: FREE

Why: Octavio Paz wrote about everything from sexuality, politics, history, and economics. He’s one of Latin America’s most luminary poets and is a must-read for all.

Shaken and Stirred: An Evening of True-Life Tales Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake

What: Its been 25 years since the Loma Prieta earthquake, but the shockwaves of that catastrophe can still be felt today. Presented by Litquake and the San Francisco magazine, local authors and public figures will be reflecting on where they were, what they were doing and how things changed following that unforgettable tragedy in 1989.

Where: Alfred’s Steakhouse (21+)

When: October 17^th, Friday 4:30 PM

Cost: $15

Why: Because the “next big one” isn’t a matter of if, but when.

Lit Crawl 2014

What: Litquake ends with, what may very well be, “The World’s Largest Literary Pub Crawl!” With a 3 ½ hour runtime, 500 performers and 101 events, the Lit Crawl is the apex of Litquake and – truly – cannot be missed.

Where: The crawl is broken up into 3 phases and begins at Market and Valencia and ends around Mission and 24^th Street.

When: October 18^th, Saturday 6:00-7:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Why: Books, booze, and bites, what more do you need?

Masterclass Mixers

What: Restricted to a 15 student max, these three-hour intensive (cocktail infused) writing seminars occur almost as an afterthought to the literary happenings of Litquake’s nine-days of erudite festivities. Each seminar is led by a different speaker from a different literary field but all are fascinating.

Where: Litquake Offices

When: November 8^th - January 31^st, a more detailed list can be found at: litquake.org/event-series/master-class-mixers

Cost: $100

Why: Cocktails with respected authors divulging the secrets of their craft? Sounds like essential viewing to the aspiring writer.