Lisa Montanaro is part no-nonsense Italian American New Yorker and part sunny Californian. She has a unique background as a performer, teacher of deaf students, lawyer, executive coach, productivity consultant, professional speaker, and author. Her debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True, released January 2025 by Red Adept Publishing. It was awarded first place for LGBTQ Fiction from the International Firebird Book Awards, and Honorable Mention for General Fiction from the Los Angeles Book Festival. Lisa is also the author of The Ultimate Life Organizer, and contributed the chapter “The Brand Called You” in the anthology Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book. She serves as webinar host for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and facilitates the Retro COLAGE group for adult children of LGBTQ parents. When not writing, Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking with her veterinarian husband, tending to her garden, and chasing after their rescue dog. Lisa has enjoyed living snow-free since 2012 in the Davis-Woodland area, where she’s made it her mission to sample the wines of NorCal.
Lori Russo will read the excerpt from Everything We Thought Was True, by Lisa Montanaro. Lori is an acclaimed AEA and SAG-AFTRA member with over 30 years of experience spanning acting, directing, singing, choreography, and teaching. A respected alumna of the USC BFA program, her impressive career includes performing in the Broadway National tours of 42nd St. and Meet Me in St. Louis, as well as tours with Andy Williams and Elvis Lives. Regionally and in NYC/Off-Broadway, her notable roles have included Arkadina in The Seagull, Masha in Vanya, Sonia Masha & Spike, and Amanda in The Glass Menagerie. Locally in Sacramento, she has earned numerous accolades, including BroadwayWorld’s Best Actress award for Mothers and Sons at STC and the Elly Best Actress award for Love, Isadora at California Stage. She was also a recent BroadwayWorld nominee for Best Actress as Stevie in The Goat. Beyond performing, Lori shares her extensive expertise by teaching Scene Study and Viola Spolin Improvisation and works as a casting associate with Forcier Casting. She is professionally represented by JE Talent.
Fallon O’Neill burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel Geist Prelude, earning acclaim as “the urban fantasy writer to watch.” At just 24, this Irish-American author has crafted an immersive dark fantasy world that readers have compared to beloved classics likeStar Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings—while delivering something entirely his own.
Set in the forbidding nightmare city of Holy Gothica, Geist Prelude follows college student Victor Roland and his friends as they’re transported into a world where steampunk aesthetics meet psychological drama. O’Neill’s fresh approach to magic and symbolism—weaving in tarot cards, gaming dice, and Celtic mythology—has captivated readers who appreciate both classic saga storytelling and innovative world-building.
Critics have praised O’Neill’s vivid, cinematic descriptions, his fast-paced narrative style, and his memorable characters—particularly the fearless, motorcycle-riding Beatrice. Readers consistently note his feminist sensibilities and the respect with which he writes complex, multidimensional characters across gender lines.
With his unique blend of gothic atmosphere, coming-of-age themes, and genre-bending imagination, Fallon O’Neill represents an exciting new voice in contemporary fantasy fiction. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Geist series.
Ian Hopps will read “Leper Errant,” by Fallon O’Neill. Ian is happy to be back at Stories on Stage to celebrate great writing and the authors behind it. Ian is a member of Actor’s Equity and has performed in the region with Davis Shakespeare Festival, Big Idea Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, and most recently at Capital Stage in their production of King James. He’s grateful to be here with fellow humans, lending his voice to the written word — cheers to stories!