Distinguished writers, poets, playwrights, short story writers, and people who scribble on cocktail napkins will step up to the mic from 7-9 p.m. Friday as part of the Distinguished Writer Series and Open Mic at King's Books. Lucas Smiraldo - a local poet who has worked in solo performance and spoken word for many years in Tacoma, as well as an online film series called Slam Town, a piece called Voice of the Americas focused on post-9/11 America and other projects that take spoken word and give it a dramatic flair - will be the featured poet Friday night. He is currently collaborating with two photographers to publish his first book titled Practice, which will launch in 2014. Smiraldo describes his poetry style as "dramatic that's driven by the issues," always striving to engage audience members and provide food for thought. He encourages other people - young and old - to not be afraid to invest themselves in a form of creative expression. "Spoken word offers you a chance to know and speak who you are," Smiraldo told the Volcano several years ago. "I'm on a journey that is driven by spoken word but can't be defined by it." Bring your voice Friday night.

DISTINGUISHED WRITER SERIES, 7-9 p.m. King's Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, no cover, 253.272.8801