Colorado authors and poets will be in the spotlight this week at ceremonies, readings and head-to-head competitions, proving that diversity is alive and well in our state's literary community. Take a look at what Colorado has to offer at these three very different events.

See also: Bogged Down: Peter May at the Tattered Cover

SEA SALT a poem by David Mason from Motionpoems on Vimeo.

Colorado Poet Laureate Announcement Colorado State Capitol, West Steps 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, September 9 Tickets free, by reservation

Why have a poet laureate? In Colorado, the title calls for an ambassador -- a wordsmith willing to spread the word to his or her constituency through readings and appearances all over the state. Dave Mason of Colorado College has been filling that bill for the last four years, but it's time for him to step aside and make way for a new voice. Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book and Colorado Creative Industries, with help from Governor Hickenlooper, will announce Mason's replacement Tuesday morning at the State Capitol Building, with attendant hoopla and, we can hope, a reading or two.

Continue reading for more book and poetry events.

Laird Hunt, Neverhome

Boulder Book Store 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 11 $5 voucher required for entry

Tattered Cover Colfax Avenue 7 p.m. Friday, September 12 Free

University of Denver professor Laird Hunt will introduce his new novel, Neverhome (Little, Brown, $26), which tells the story of a female soldier who leaves her husband behind at home to fight in the Civil War, at two events in the Denver area this week. After an appearance in Boulder on Thursday, Hunt will be at the Tattered Cover on Colfax for a Q&A with Ryan Warner of Colorado Matters.

Slam Nuba IWPS Slam Off Crossroads Theater 8 p.m. Friday, September 12 $5 to $10

Slam poets across the U.S. are always in training, 24/7, as they prepare for one major competition after another. This month, they're working toward the Individual World Poetry Slam, which takes place a month from now in Phoenix. Denver's Slam Nuba poets are always strong contenders, and on Friday night, you can watch the best of the best in a slam-off to determine who will represent Slam Nuba at IWPS. But that's not all: Nationally ranked featured poets Tova Charles and Zai Sadler of Austin will also show their stuff as part of Slam Nuba's monthly showcase.

What's on the next page in Denver's literary world? Visit Westword's Literary Event listings for this week.

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