If you think writers are full of it, this is the event to attend, because rarely does the evening end without at least one writer suffering some form of public humiliation. Tonight, I just hope it’s not me. To read more about the format and the chilling Death Match finale, go here.

Tonight’s Literary Death Match is also a launch party for Issue 8 of Opium Magazine. It’s happening at the Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St. Doors open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7:15.

Who’s in the face-off: Katharine Noel (Halfway House), Eric Puchner (Music Through the Floor), KM Soehnlein (The World of Normal Boys), Jim Nelson (representing Instant City), and yours truly. How it works: there are two rounds in which readers go head to head, followed by the infamous finale: an as-yet-undisclosed non-literary contest between two finalists, often involving feats of physical strength.

Who’s judging: Ayelet Waldman (Bad Mother), Josh Kornbluth (Haiku Tunnel), and Peter Sinn Nachtrieb (T.I.C.–Trenchcoat in Common). How judging works: readers are evaluated on literary merit, style, and intangibles. I do hope Ayelet is judging style, because this woman knows her boots.

Cost: $10 includes an issue of Opium 8. The event is hosted by Todd Zuniga & Alana Conner.