And as the title suggests, the focus of the event, slated for 8 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Modified, is a live, para-theatrical performance. It isn't a "reading" in the usual sense, but an evening of full-on recitals by the writers of memorized passages of their works, or works in progress.
On the bill is Los Angeles writer, community activist and self-described "professional troublemaker" Larry Fondation, author of the L.A.-set novel Angry Nights, winner of the 1994 FC2/Illinois State University National Fiction competition. The L.A. Times says the book "shimmers with real heat."
Also appearing is Bett Williams, whose Girl Walking Backwards, often described as an "anti-coming-of-age" novel, concerns a Southern California high school girl coming to terms with her sexuality, and with the miseries inflicted on her by her homophobic New Agey mother. The Santa Fe-based writer's debut work has been highly praised for its humor, and for its freewheeling disinterest in political correctness.
Transplanted Scotsman turned gung-ho Arizonan Barry Graham also performs in "Penny Dreadfuls." The former New Times columnist's numerous fiction works include Before and The Book of Man; his nonfiction has appeared in a variety of newspapers and magazines. Rounding out the evening are two other Phoenix-based writers: Amy Graham, who completed her first novel recently, and Karen Reed, who performs passages from her current work in progress.
Admission is $5. For details call 602-252-7664.
