Fioravanti's 'Stories on Stage' Debut Featured Gut-Wrenching Fiction

Did you "man up" enough for the stories read at Valerie Fioravanti's "Stories on Stage" debut Friday? Serena Williams said the phrase during her recent Australian Open match, and it just kind of fits Naomi Williams' "Snow Men," read by actor Cynthia Mitchell Speakman, and Jodi Angel's "The Skin from the Muscle," read by actor William Kay, especially Angel's description of gutting a deer. At least one person walked out, which means the other 70 or so didn't. Kirk Parker filmed the event, which was at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th St., Midtown Sacramento. It was standing-room-only, so be on time for next month's event Friday, Feb. 26. Doors open at 7 p.m., with a reception, and the event begins at 7:30 p.m. A $5 donation is asked. It was great to see my fellow Beginning Fiction Writing classmates, and to meet new students of Valerie's. Her classes are listed here.

On Feb. 26, "Stories on Stage" will feature Lori Ostlund, author of The Bigness of the World,
and Adam Russ. More details to be posted soon.

Valerie describes her "Stories on Stage" event as "Sacramento's newest monthly reading series features short fiction by established and emerging writers from Sacramento and surrounding areas, introduced by their authors and read by actors. The series will run on the last Friday of every month. My thanks to The Sacramento Poetry Center for supporting the literary arts across genres." She has calls out for stories, actors and filmmakers.