Amon is trekking through the forest, seeking solitude as he nears the end of his guilt-ridden life. A hunter who has lost his family and crippled him through a landslide, he is spiritually broken thinking that he could have changed the course of events. He comes across a wounded wolf - a mortal enemy of his village - and decides to help the wolf recover. Amon and the wolf, Kwewu, build trust and mutual respect over the weeks as Amon tells the wolf stories of his culture and traditions while the wolf heals. Problems arise when the villagers discover the wolf. Amon and Kwewu provide meaningful lessons for the villagers as they transcend to become twin stars in the night sky. At its core, Twin Stars is a story about what we owe to one another, and to the world we share with all living things. It asks whether mercy is a luxury we can afford only in times of plenty, or whether it is precisely in our darkest moments that compassion becomes most essential. It explores the idea that healing is not a solitary act but a shared journey, and that sometimes the broken must recognize their own reflection in another's suffering before they can begin to mend.We invite you to walk with Amon and Kwewu through the high country, to sit with them in the aspen clearing, and to witness their ascension into something greater than themselves. May you find in their story a reflection of your own journey, the wounds you carry, the bridges you've built, and the light that enters through the cracks.

The Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing's Summer Writers' Conference offers a deep dive into fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction with award-winning poets and authors. The conference includes generative seminars, evening readings, panel discussions, and individualized manuscript sessions. 
MVICW is committed to supporting writers from all backgrounds, abilities, and genres. Our Fellowships are aimed to support BIPOC writers, LGBTQIA+ writers, parent-writers, teachers & educators, caregivers, and emerging poets and authors. Full fellowships include registration, lodging, and a manuscript session at the MVICW 2026 Summer Writers' Conference.

IBPA Publishing University, the premier learning and networking event for indie publishers, will take place in Portland, OR, from May 14-16, 2026. In addition to three keynote speakers, there will be 15 breakout tracks dedicated to Established Publishers, Newer Publishers (including Author-Publishers) and Industry Hot Topics, all led by fellow publishers and publishing experts. Make sure to register by January 31, 2026 to get the lowest rate (and save up to $186).  https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

​NMBA members Mari Angulo and Lisa Madison of Mango Moon Media have published a timely blog post warning authors about the rise of AI-generated scams circulating in the publishing world. Their new article breaks down how these scams work, why authors are being targeted, and the red flags every writer should watch for. It’s an important read for anyone navigating book marketing, reviews, and online outreach. Read the full post on their blog to learn how to protect your work and stay informed.