Writing with Intent, Ho Ho Hoedown Bingo and more this week

Our ‘Best Bets’

Monday, Dec. 10

Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Mary’s annual holiday office party gets underway at 8 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Tuesday, Dec. 11

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Ho Ho Hoedown is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious, Kimora Layou and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

The Lohan Experience presents “How the Lohan Stole Christmas,” an ABC (Anything But Clothes) party, so make your ensemble out of holiday materials. Dylan Michaels performs; Celeste Holmes hosts. Party at 9 p.m., show at 11 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/UDXFIZ

Thursday, Dec. 13

Sample bites from LGBT and ally chefs at “Out in the Kitchen: An AGLCC Holiday Affair,” a new holiday event from the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 6-9 p.m. at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 866 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantagaychamber.org

The LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party and the Stonewall Democrats gather for a Holiday Party at 6 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/WH7ZNX

United4Safety, which works to end LGBT intimate partner violence, hosts a Holiday Cookie Contest. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.united4safety.org

“The one and many voices” of Jimmy James come to Backstage at Mixx Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

It’s “Silent Night, Deadly Night” as Goth Night returns with a special holiday edition. 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Inspired by Beats and Traxx Atlanta present Tribal Thursdays, spinning house music (deep, underground and tribal) starting at 10 p.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.excessultralounge.com

Join judges Barry Brandon, JL Rodriguez, Michael Robinson and special guest judge Catherine Giel for the live auditions for “Sing for Your Life,” a new vocal competition that debuts Jan. 10 and continues for 12 weeks. Some 25 singers from video submissions will be narrowed to 12 contestants at the live auditions. 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.singforyourlifeATL.com

Friday, Dec. 14

Congregation Bet Haverim, Atlanta’s LGBT-founded Reconstructionist synagogue, hosts Festival of Lights, including a latke dinner, community menorah lighting, Shabbat service, Hanukkah songs, Texas Hold ‘Em Dreidel and more. 6 p.m. at Central Congregational UCC, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.congregationbethaverim.org

Lesbian social network Fourth Tuesday hosts a December Happy Hour at 6 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta

Southern Bears, for hirsute gay men and their admirers, host a potluck Christmas Party. 7 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.southernbears.org

Tonight is the “Winter Prom” party at OTP gay bar LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Friday, Dec. 14 – Saturday, Dec. 15

OurSong, Atlanta’s lesbian and gay chorus, performs “Twisted Holiday.” 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Emory University’s Canon Chapel; 8:15 p.m. at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall. www.oursongatlanta.org