​This contest is open to unpublished fiction and memoir writers across the U.S. who have completed manuscripts of 95,000 words or less. The winner will receive a full-service professional publishing and national launch package valued at over $11,000, completely free. The winner will also be announced live on stage at the 2026 San Diego Writers Festival.

Submissions are now open and close November 15, 2025, so time is limited.

Just like people, poems deserve a second chance. 

NMBA Member, Andi Penner is available for readings.

William Murray: McFarland Publishing will have my new book in print late this fall or early next year. "On The Scent: A Lifetime with Dogs In the Field" It's filled with stories of my life with stock dogs, gundogs and our family pets.

Casa Urraca Press is putting my next book "Rode Hard and Never Put Up/ An Untamed Life" into print late this fall or early next year. It's filled with stories of a life filled with more adventure than should have been allowed!

William Will Murray

From KSFR: 

​A special episode honoring New Mexico Book Association‘s superb work on behalf of our local writers, book designers and small publishing houses. NMBA’s President, Anna Sochocky joins me with National Endowment for The Arts recipient Deborah Taffa who will be the keynote speaker at NMBA’s Annual Gala on August 21st. Deborah’s celebrated memoir, Whiskey Tender, was a 2024 National Book Award finalist and named a 2024 Top Ten book by Time Magazine.

From Rebecca Borland Reynolds:

I am over-the-moon to announce the publication of the audiobook edition of Thresholds of Change: The Way through Transformational Times, read by me! 
 
When the print edition came out last fall, I was in a bit of shock that it was actually happening…so, while I was elated, I was also slightly numb. But this time, after months of book talks, interviews, teaching, and keynotes, I feel more present to this milestone. And a milestone it is! 
 
Reading Thresholds of Change was always part of my plan. I enjoy reading aloud, and bringing the words to life with my tone and emphasis felt important for Thresholds. The doing of it proved to be sooo much more…
 
I learned valuable lessons like how to care for my voice and the importance of regular short breaks. I got to record in a high-caliber studio, Side 3 in Denver, and collaborate with a top-notch sound engineer and all-around great guy, Lucien Nuciola – both helped me up my game as a narrator. And I experienced a new kind of zone reading for long stretches, my words washing over and through me as waves on a beach. 
 
Working with my book designer and publishing guru, Peter Gloege of Look Design Studios, and musician/composer and professional voice talent, Rob Hochschild, put the proverbial icing on the cake. I am so very happy with this beautiful book in sound.  
 
My consulting and coaching work has always involved deep conversations with my clients, and the way that I speak encourages and ignites their particular genius. So my reading of Thresholds holds the possibility of a truly profound connection with people. I can't wait for you to hear it!

“Free Hugs: Selected and New Poems”
By Jefferson Carter (Coyote Arts). 95 pp. $14.95.

Reading Jefferson Carter’s poems is like having a performance in your head. His voice does perform — or “preform,” as he quips. A poem might start with an observation — “To a narcissist, all/the world’s a mirror” — elaborate for a few lines, and then throw in a goat. You can feel a wry peek at the audience. The back cover calls Carter’s work “direct, clear, accessible, often wise, and always funny.” Couldn’t be righter.
​
“Free Hugs,” retired Pima College writing instructor Carter’s 13th book, includes poems from four previous volumes and 23 new ones. They’re familial (“She ain’t heavy. She’s my wife”), sometimes absurd (“I love my soft palate”), conflicted (“I swore I’d stop writing about liberal guilt”), aging-aware (“Sometimes I feel/like a Family Dollar store/in a dying strip mall”), political (“I’m wondering/ what our cat, will encounter/after the thermonuclear flash-bang”).
All in all, these poems are engaging reflections of an irreverent, expansive, convention-free mind.
— Christine Wald-Hopkins

A HALF CENTURY LATER – From the Sandia foothills of New Mexico, I send greetings to all, and a brief message about the art and craft of reporting. I’m a graduate of Boston University’s 1975 journalism program at what is now the College of Communication (COM).  I’m still standing. Still writing. Still passionate. Still reporting on the Beauty Way paths integral to our land and our lives.

Invitation to submit 

Four Winds Journal invites you to share your thoughts and experiences with our  readers. Full information here: Letters to the Editor and Submission Information 

Winds of Change Press invites you to send us your delicious recipes and the memories  that accompany them for Figs in Winter, a cookbook and memoir honoring family,  friends, and food. Please read our Submission Guidelines. 
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Extended Submission Deadline August 31, 2025