Chinese novelists were once encouraged to address politics and society through a Communist lens. Now young writers can be as entertaining as they want on the Web.

poets NEWBURYPORT and mdash; Rhina Espaillat believes a poem should welcome readers in, not push them away. Newburyport's best known and most respected poet is the honoree of this year's Newburyport Literary Festival, which kicks off this evening.

ALLEN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Sunny Schick digital close-up and nature photography, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; Fox Island County Park, 7324 Yohne Road; $12 a person; to register, 449-3180.

NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH DEC. 15 for the 2008 Elliott Cades Awards for Literature, for authors — one established, one emerging — either Hawai'i-based or dealing with Hawai'i issues; nomination letter (no formal application form) to Hawai'i Lite

In Curtis Sittenfeld's new novel, "American Wife," Alice Blackwell cringes whenever her husband, President Charlie Blackwell, contemplates his "legacy."