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 ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NMBA author Steven McFadden notes that his nonfiction Odyssey of the 8th Fire is drawing attention now, just as film director Christopher Nolan prepares to release what he says will be this year's summer blockbuster: his film of The Odyssey, the classic tale attributed to Homer.
Like Homer's Odyssey, the nonfiction 8th Fire tale tells the story of a multicultural band of pilgrims on a long journey: a walk from the Eastern Door at the Atlantic toward the Western Gate at the Pacific. As well as the true tale of the pilgrims' travels on foot, Odyssey of the 8th Fire is the essential story of their meetings with dozens of traditional, learned elders of North America. The elders gifted the walkers with messages to deliver to the people of the Americas in this era of transition. Recently updated, Odyssey of the 8th Fire now includes a powerful musical rendition of this true-life Odyssey's Invocation.
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 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 New Mexico Book Association is saddened to learn of the passing of founding member Richard Polese.
As one of the original architects of the NMBA, Richard played a crucial role in shaping the organization into what it is today. We owe him our deepest gratitude for his years of unwavering dedication, support, and passion for literacy. The New Mexico book community has lost a true champion. He will be deeply missed by the NMBA board, staff, and the countless members he inspired. Services will be Friday May 29, 2026. Visitation at 12:00pm at Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light, Funeral Service at 1:00 at Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light.  The New Mexico Book Association regrets to announce that it will not participate in the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books due to logistical constraints.
We sincerely apologize to our members, authors and readers who had hoped to connect with us in Tucson. Please know that we are already making plans to return in 2027, and we look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, we encourage you subscribe to our mailing list and check our website for updates on other book festivals and events where NMBA will be appearing throughout the year.  A wonderful interview with bestselling mystery author Anne Hillerman prior to receiving another award, this time the Richard Harris Award on behalf of her father, legendary author Tony Hillerman. Listen for an especially personal moment when Anne answers the question about whether her Dad knew she would continue his Navajo detective series after his passing. The Richard Harris Award is given by the prestigious New Mexico Book Association who’s president, Anna Sochocky, also joins me to talk about the award, how the Association supports authors and the publishing industry, and the lovely Winter Fiesta which takes place on Thursday, February 12th, 5:30 at Las Campanas Clubhouse.
 In the presentation Michael Gross and Kyle Maxey, both from the Authors Guild, will discuss important clauses in publishing contracts including copyright and copyright registration, rights reversion/grant of rights, royalties, and other important publishing contract information. They will also discuss the Anthropic settlement, foreign rights, and what to look out for in big presses vs. indie/smaller presses.
 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.
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