A series of readings by University of California, Davis, faculty authors will take place during November on four consecutive Monday evenings at 8 p.m. in Kleiber Hall on the UC Davis campus. The series is intended to put "a selection of the best writing talent we have in the public spotlight," said Jack Hicks, director of the UC Davis creative writing program. "And this is the first time we've done it campuswide to recognize the fact that fine poetry and prose are being written across disciplines, genders and ethnic origins." Faculty members who will read from their works are Max Byrd, John Stewart, Elizabeth Tallent and Jack Forbes. The readings are open to the public and are free. Byrd, a novelist, will open the series Nov. 1 with a presentation and reading on the making of "Jefferson," a historical novel that he spent five years researching and writing. It is based on the life of Thomas Jefferson, narrated by his personal secretary. The rest of the series is as follows: Nov. 8: John Stewart, director of UC Davis' African American and African Studies program, will read from his collection of stories in progress. He is the author of "The Last Cool Days," "Curving Road" and "Drinkers, Drummers and Decent Folk." Nov. 15: Elizabeth Tallent, on the UC Davis creative writing faculty, will read from a new collection of stories, "Honey." Her stories have gained her international recognition and this will be the first time she has read on campus since 1991. Nov. 22: Jack Forbes, Native American poet and director of the Native American Studies department, will read from his works. His books include "Colors From the Earth" and "Middle Continent People." Each reading will be followed by a reception at the Cafe California, 808 G St. The Spotlight series is sponsored by the UC Davis Provost's office, College of Letters and Science, and programs in English, Creative Writing, African American Studies and Native American and African Studies.