With these cold, dark winter nights, there’s no better way — in my opinion — to pass non-working hours than developing and exploring other creative pursuits. Luckily for local writers and poets, Central has a wide range of literary events, presentations and meetings this week, including one with a local author.

Meet with other writers in the community, share poetry with a welcoming group, gain writing tips and hear a local author discuss their new book.

Mastering Police Procedurals

Learn police procedural writing from retired police officer and crime fiction author Frank Zafiro. He will discuss the many considerations — and incorrect stereotypes — involved when writing a police procedural. Topics include the structure of a police department, roles within it, the inner workings of a department, procedural elements of an investigation, terminology and the best resources to get the details right.

Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m.; free, registration required; Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; dpl.libnet.info or 541-617-7050.