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Local Lit @ LOTTA brings local authors together with the general public in a unique event for all participants. New Haven area writers read their own short stories, whether fiction, memoir, or nonfiction. Then a facilitator leads a lively discussion of the piece with the audience, while the author listens. Finished writing is often easy to access. At Local Lit @ LOTTA, literary fans can hear new works that have never been read aloud before the event. In turn, the authors get the rare opportunity to hear feedback on their stories from people outside of their immediate circles. On Tuesday, August 6th, Local Lit @ LOTTA  will feature a trio of stories about characters leaving their comfort zones, from the minds of New Haven area writers: MICHAEL W. TENNEY is currently an MFA candidate in creative writing at Southern Connecticut State University. Tenney teaches children how to read and write, and shares wisdom with young people about the terrific dinosaurs that once inhabited this planet. He will present his short work of fiction: "Brown Dragon."

ROBERT WECHSLER is a long-time resident of North Haven. He is Publisher of Catbird Press and author of books including "Performing Without a Stage: The Art of Literary Translation," "Local Government Ethics Programs," and the novel "Sandra Ives, Thomas Ives." He is also the translator (from the Czech) of Alexandr Kliment's book "Living Parallel." His piece, "Taxed," will be read by event founder and facilitator Rebekah Fraser. LISA GAUDIO currently lives in New Haven, CT. She is pursuing her MFA in fiction writing at Southern CT State University. Her work has been published in the Hartford Courant and Helix Magazine, and in 2015 she represented Central CT State University as a poet in the CT Poetry Circuit.  She will read, "Babe," a nonfiction piece about an awakening.