This was my first Litquake, and it definitely won't be my last. It's nice to know that literature is still alive and thriving—you read enough news alone with your blog and you feel like no one reads anymore.

But they do! Boy, do they ever. Whether it was at LDM on Monday, hearing U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan and others (including Dan Bellm) in Grace Cathedral, or the reading I attended at the Hemlock Pub, there's no questions that thousands of people in this city are still passionate about books.

Especially when there's drinking involved.

I can't wait until Litquake next year —I'll be clearing my schedule far in advance this time.

Sky and Todd were our fabulous hosts.

Two Thumbs Up for LDM! (and beer)

Tom Corwin reads about Bob. Poor Bob.

Katherine Taylor reads us something new!

The judges: Last year’s LDM Litquake champ, Daniel Handler, hilartiste Debi Durst, and Believer managing editor Andrew Leland.

Daniel Consults: The Aeneid, Tome of Wisdom

Daniel Presents: The Aeneid, Bearer of Booze

Daniel Implores: DRINK! It is on this battlefield that Literary Death Matches are truly won and lost.

Congratulations to Eric Puchner, this LitQuake's reigning Literary Death Match Champ!