Here are a few upcoming Chicago Writers Conference events, lifted from today’s CWC email newsletter.

December 5: The Dissolve’s Entirely Film-Focused Holiday Gift-Giving Guide. The Dissolve’s film critics look back at some of 2014’s best film releases, with an eye toward filling out your holiday shopping list. Tickets are free, but you must RSVP to attend. Limit one free ticket per person.

December 8: CWC Executive Director Mare Swallow reads at Is This a Thing?, hosted by former CWCer Inés Bellina. Free.

December 17: CWC staff member Amanda Claire Buckley performs her live-action cartoon The Out of Tooners at The Annoyance Theatre. Bring a friend and laugh along to a night of clowning, song, and cheeky irreverence. $8.