By Jefferson Beavers, Communication Specialist for the Creative Writing Program
Graduate creative writing students from the Fresno State Master of Fine Arts program will co-headline the “Fresno Writers Live” performances at the 18th annual Rogue Festival, scheduled February 28 through March 9 in Fresno’s Tower District.
Fresno Writers Live will feature the latest poetry and prose from 12 Fresno writers in four storytelling and spoken-word shows. The shows will include four MFA grad students, four alumni authors from the Fresno State Creative Writing Alumni Chapter, and four faculty authors from the Department of English.
All of the Fresno Writers Live shows will be held at Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive Ave. Tickets cost $7 per show, after a one-time purchase of a $3 Rogue Festival wristband. The shows are rated PG-13 and no latecomers will be admitted.
Friday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. — Venita Blackburn, David Campos, and Jer Xiong. Blackburn is an Assistant Professor of English and the author of the story collection “Black Jesus and Other Superheroes.” Campos earned his BA from Fresno State and is the author of the poetry collection “Furious Dusk.” Xiong is a first-year MFA student, studying creative nonfiction.
Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m. — Joseph Cassara, Carole A. Firstman, and Esmeralda Gamez. Cassara is an Assistant Professor of English and the author of the novel “The House of Impossible Beauties.” Firstman earned her MFA from Fresno State and is the author of the memoir “Origins of the Universe and What It All Means.” Gamez is a second-year MFA student, studying poetry.
Sunday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. — Steven Church, Ronald Dzerigian, and Danielle Potter. Church is a Professor of English and the author of the nonfiction book “I’m Just Getting to the Disturbing Part.” Dzerigian earned his MFA from Fresno State and is the author of the poetry collection “Rough Fire.” Potter is a third-year MFA candidate, studying creative nonfiction.
Saturday, March 9 at 4:15 p.m. — Brynn Saito, Ethan Chatagnier, and Kimberly Horg. Saito is an Assistant Professor of English and the author of the poetry collection “Power Made Us Swoon.” Chatagnier earned his BA from Fresno State and is the author of the story collection “Warnings from the Future.” Horg is a third-year MFA candidate, studying creative nonfiction.
Located in the heart of California, the Fresno State Creative Writing Program enjoys a 60-year history of literary excellence. The program features graduate training in the advanced study of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
The Rogue Festival is an annual non-juried fringe festival that celebrates independent artists in theatre, music, dance, film, spoken word, performance art, puppetry, and magic. The event is among the largest cultural arts events in California.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 