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NMBA member Carla Chung Mattix has written a new book, National Parks and the Supreme Court: Groundbreaking Legal Battles (University of Nevada Press, America’s National Parks Series, August 11, 2026). The book examines five pivotal cases about the Supreme Court’s influence on national parks. Carla provided legal advice to the National Park Service for twenty-five years. Collected Works Bookstore hosted her book launch on August 18, 2026.
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U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze talks about the importance of New Mexico Book Association gala in Santa Fe to raise funds to support books and authors in the state. The gala is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Las Campanas, Club Room.
Susan Morée:
Arthur, it's so exciting to be able to talk to the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate. Tell us about the New Mexico Book Association, where you're going to be a special guest.
Susan Morée:
Arthur, it's so exciting to be able to talk to the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate. Tell us about the New Mexico Book Association, where you're going to be a special guest.
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193 poets. 366 days. One state.
This long-awaited anthology of New Mexico poetry is finally here. It officially comes out on September 15—but we are celebrating early.
We invite you to join us for a slate of incredible readings featuring some of the greatest poets in the state, alongside debut poets and other acclaimed writers publishing their poetry for the first time.
Can’t make a reading in person? You can still preorder your copy now, and we will ship it well before the publication date. It’s your own personal sneak peek.
Albuquerque. Santa Fe. El Rito. Details below for all of these—beginning next week on August 13 and 15.
First, though, check out the contributor list. Holy smokes, pinch us.
This long-awaited anthology of New Mexico poetry is finally here. It officially comes out on September 15—but we are celebrating early.
We invite you to join us for a slate of incredible readings featuring some of the greatest poets in the state, alongside debut poets and other acclaimed writers publishing their poetry for the first time.
Can’t make a reading in person? You can still preorder your copy now, and we will ship it well before the publication date. It’s your own personal sneak peek.
Albuquerque. Santa Fe. El Rito. Details below for all of these—beginning next week on August 13 and 15.
First, though, check out the contributor list. Holy smokes, pinch us.
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For years, Alex Scott could only survive. Now she’s ready to live.
As Alex plans a lavish birthday party for her abusive boss, the celebration is a cover. She’s part of an operation to steal JT’s plans and take him down from the inside. But standing up to the powerful billionaire means confronting more than just a man. It means breaking the lifelong pattern that kept her small.
As Alex carries out her mission, the inner voice that once kept her quiet begins to fight for its survival. And beyond her, something darker is stirring. A shadow force is gathering strength, feeding on fear, shame, and human separation.
To break free, Alex must face not only JT, but the part of herself that learned to survive by disappearing.
What begins as an act of defiance becomes something deeper: a psychological reckoning with the unseen forces inside and out that shape our lives.
The Journey Home is the fourth novel in the Mind Monsters series, blending contemporary fiction with psychological and visionary storytelling about trauma, healing, and personal transformation. Can be read as a standalone.
As Alex plans a lavish birthday party for her abusive boss, the celebration is a cover. She’s part of an operation to steal JT’s plans and take him down from the inside. But standing up to the powerful billionaire means confronting more than just a man. It means breaking the lifelong pattern that kept her small.
As Alex carries out her mission, the inner voice that once kept her quiet begins to fight for its survival. And beyond her, something darker is stirring. A shadow force is gathering strength, feeding on fear, shame, and human separation.
To break free, Alex must face not only JT, but the part of herself that learned to survive by disappearing.
What begins as an act of defiance becomes something deeper: a psychological reckoning with the unseen forces inside and out that shape our lives.
The Journey Home is the fourth novel in the Mind Monsters series, blending contemporary fiction with psychological and visionary storytelling about trauma, healing, and personal transformation. Can be read as a standalone.
Reviews
“Inventive, emotionally rich, and boldly original, The Journey Home is a triumphant finale that rewards loyal readers drawn to the enduring power of hope, healing, and self-discovery.” - 5 Stars, Highly Recommended, The International Review of Books
“…engaging and holds one's attention from beginning to end” - Recommended, The US Review of Books
“A work of visionary fiction cemented by a proactive, creative main character whose likeable force drives a blend of psychological thriller and paranormal suspense.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“The Journey Home uses humorous, hyperbolic satire to address real-life issues that affect people on a daily basis. The over-the-top portrayals hammers home how deeply these problems are entwined with our culture and give a fascinating, fresh way of seeing the issues.” – Independent Book Review
Continue the Adventure with The Mind Monsters Series
Follow Alex's path from disconnection to remembrance across all four books.
Book 1: Rock Gods & Messy Monsters, a #1 Amazon Hot New Release 3 categories and Eric Hoffer Award First Runner-Up.
Book 2: Fallen Spirits
Book 3: The Light of Wounds
Join the Journey — The Mind Monsters Series
New to Alex's world? Start with a free short story prequel at dianehatz.com., then follow her path across all four books.
“Inventive, emotionally rich, and boldly original, The Journey Home is a triumphant finale that rewards loyal readers drawn to the enduring power of hope, healing, and self-discovery.” - 5 Stars, Highly Recommended, The International Review of Books
“…engaging and holds one's attention from beginning to end” - Recommended, The US Review of Books
“A work of visionary fiction cemented by a proactive, creative main character whose likeable force drives a blend of psychological thriller and paranormal suspense.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“The Journey Home uses humorous, hyperbolic satire to address real-life issues that affect people on a daily basis. The over-the-top portrayals hammers home how deeply these problems are entwined with our culture and give a fascinating, fresh way of seeing the issues.” – Independent Book Review
Continue the Adventure with The Mind Monsters Series
Follow Alex's path from disconnection to remembrance across all four books.
Book 1: Rock Gods & Messy Monsters, a #1 Amazon Hot New Release 3 categories and Eric Hoffer Award First Runner-Up.
Book 2: Fallen Spirits
Book 3: The Light of Wounds
Join the Journey — The Mind Monsters Series
New to Alex's world? Start with a free short story prequel at dianehatz.com., then follow her path across all four books.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.