The 2026 Southern New Mexico Book Festival invites authors, writers, readers and the public to a day devoted to the written word. This free event will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Doña Ana Community College, East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. in the DASR Building in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The purpose of the Southern New Mexico Book Festival is to connect authors, writers, readers, publishers, editors, book lovers, nonprofit organizations and the public, all in one place.
According to SNMBF Chair, Eva Nevarez St. John, “The Inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival was a great success. This year’s festival will be bigger and better. Attendees will meet many new partners and vendors. Award-winning authors from all over New Mexico and West Texas will be sharing their books in a wide variety of genres. Be prepared to spend hours enjoying everything we have to offer.”
Highlights Include:
Partner Organizations for Readers, Writers, and Authors
Children’s Readings and Activities
Authors Selling and Signing Books
Book Giveaways for Adults and Children
Food Vendors
Bookmark this page, as we will be adding more details over the next several weeks under the headings in the jump links above.
The 2026 Southern New Mexico Book Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, the hard work of our Planning Committee, and volunteers.
Want to Volunteer?
Sign up today and help make Southern New Mexico Book Festival a success!
Attendees from out of town can take advantage of group rates at local hotels.
Fairfield Inn – Book your group rate for Southern New Mexico Book Festival 2026
Staybridge Suites – Book your group rate for Southern New Mexico Book Festival 2026
We hope to post more options soon.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/snmbookfestival
Schedules
Author and Reader Panels
DACC Library, Room 203G
| Time | Panel Title | Moderator | Panelists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 am | Nonfiction | Eva Nevarez St. John | Jay Jones Coventina Waterhawk Jim Caso |
| 12:00 pm | Mystery and Suspense | Charmayne Samuelson | Carol Potenza Dita Dow JJ Cagney |
| 1:00 pm | Fantasy and Romance | Jim Tritten | Jeffe Kennedy/Jennifer Lambert Marie Parks Jordyn Kross |
| 2:00 pm | Sci Fi and Time Travel | Ted Rorschalk | Eide Nevets Margret Treiber G.S. Harrington |
| 3:00 pm | Mystery, Thriller and Horror | Frank López | Timothy Hernandez Jeffrey R. Collins Allasandra Buckner |
Go to Author and Reader Panels for information about moderators and panelists
Children’s Readings and Activities
Children’s Room, DASR Room 234
| Time | Author | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Children’s Reading Alliance & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | |
| 10:30 AM | Jan Thomas | Princess the Duck Killer and The Legend of the Peacock |
| 11:00 AM | Mike Hoskins | The Lost Javelina Explores the Organ Mountains |
| 11:30 PM | Children’s Reading Alliance & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | |
| 12:00 PM | Jasmine Tritten | Kato’s Grand Adventure |
| 12:30 PM | Tanishia, Michael & Gabriel Womack | Ted E. Solvit and the Case of the Missing Tiger’s Eye Diamond (Michael), Detective Pecan and the Case of the Missing Banana (Gabriel) |
| 1:00 PM | Children’s Reading Alliance & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | |
| 1:30 PM | Alexis Perez | Don’t Tell Mom! and Don’t Tell Dad! |
| 2:00 PM | Laura Pangallo Fryar | Be Something Epic and Be Something Epic: Aviator |
| 2:30 PM | Children’s Reading Alliance & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | |
| 3:00 PM | Evelyne Perez | Brown y Brillante |
| 3:30 PM | Susan Valencia | Mama: My Favorite Person in the Whole World Has Something Called Dementia |
| 4:00 PM | Children’s Reading Alliance & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | |
Workshops
DASR Room 232
| Time | Topic | Presenter | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Writing Groups | Diego Salazar | Las Cruces Writers |
| 12:00 PM | Book Design | Jordan Jones | New Mexico Book Association |
| 1:00 PM | Build Your Own Mini Bookcase | Phoebe Guskey | Thomas Branigan Memorial Library |
| 2:00 PM | Build Your Own Mini Bookcase | Phoebe Guskey | Thomas Branigan Memorial Library |
| 3:00 PM | Awards & Competitions | Jim Tritten | Military Writers Society of America |
Sponsors
George Pintar
George Pintar helped to resurrect Las Cruces Writers after Covid. In 2024, George encouraged Las Cruces Writers to take over Celebrate Authors when The Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library were unable to continue offering that program. In 2025, he suggested transforming Celebrate Authors into what became the Inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival. He is supporting this year’s Second Annual Southern New Mexico Book Festival by becoming the first sponsor of this year’s Festival. George started writing in his 80s. Since then, he has published thirty-one fictional short stories and four nonfiction books. George is best known for his fictional character Chile Charlie.
University of New Mexico Press
Established in 1929 by the Regents of the University of New Mexico, the UNM Press is the fourth largest university press west of the Rocky Mountains in publishing new titles. We produce books of general interest and significance for our state and our region, and we publish scholarly books in the areas of fine arts, Western history, Latin American studies, literature, poetry, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history.
Enchanted Books
Enchanted Books is a small bookshop located at THE BLOCK in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Their store is dedicated to promoting and selling works by local and independent authors, as well as those from boutique publishers. Enchanted Books will be selling the books of the 2026 New Mexico Book Awards winners at the Southern New Mexico Book Festival.
Las Cruces Writers
Las Cruces Writers is a group of published and aspiring writers who gather together to promote literature and its creation. Their tagline is “Writers Helping Writers.” The Group has been in existence off and on for over 27 years. Members range from those who are just thinking about writing to published authors. It is result-oriented. Monthly meetings include a general business session, followed by breakout sessions on the topics of publishing, marketing, book signings, writing, editing, and supporting each other to get writers’ ideas from mind to pen to publication. Las Cruces Writers sponsored the Inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival in 2025.
Planning Committee
Eva Nevarez St. John, Chair
Susan Ansara, Treasurer
Kevin Schulmeister, Venue Coordinator
Partner Liaisons
Liz Vega, Visit Las Cruces
Rosemary Matos, Las Cruces Writers
Amanda Morales, United Way of Southwest New Mexico
Makensie Jones, DACC Library
Cassie McClure, New Mexico Writers
Miguel De La Cruz, New Mexico Book Association
Southwest Word Fiesta, Ted Presler
Selvi Gallegos, Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library
Araceli Solis, Children’s Reading Alliance
Jim Tritten, Military Writers Society of America
At Large
Denise Chávez
Ruth Thaler-Carter
Volunteers
more to come!
Partners
The Second Annual Southern New Mexico Book Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support and participation of many people and organizations, who will be represented at SNMBF.
Visit Las Cruces contributed its expertise and resources to the success of the Inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival in 2025 and continues to do so for this year’s Festival.
Las Cruces Writers created and staffed the committee that put together the Inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival in 2025. LCW members Eva Nevarez St. John, Susan Ansara, and Rosemary Matos continue to serve on the SNMBF Planning Committee. Special thanks to LCW and LCW’s webmaster Mark Davis for hosting the SNMBF webpage. LCW is sponsoring a workshop, and they will have a table with information about their organization.
United Way of Southwest New Mexico is the Fiscal Agent of the Southern New Mexico Book Festival. They handle finances and accounting for SNMBF and host the SNMBF Donation Page at https://uwswnm.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/21258.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program of UWSWNM that will be represented at the SNMBF. DPIL is a free early childhood literacy program that mails a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth – age 5 who live in Dona Ana County. The program is designed to foster a love of reading, strengthen family engagement, and help children build the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. *Families have the opportunity to register to receive bilingual books.
New Mexico Writers participates on the SNMBF Planning Committee. They are hosting their Book Awards Banquet the day before the SNMBF at La Posta in Mesilla. NMW is sponsoring a workshop, they will have a table with information about their organization, and books by NMW award finalists.
NMBA participates on the SNMBF Planning Committee. They are sponsoring a workshop, and they will have a table with information about their organization, and they will sell books by their members.
The Doña Ana Community College Library is proud to serve on the Southern New Mexico Book Festival Planning Committee. Visit DACC Library’s table during the Festival to celebrate Banned Books Week with engaging activities that highlight intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. While you’re there, learn more about the DACC Library and be sure to stop by their location in DAAR 203 to explore all they have to offer!
The Children’s Reading Alliance is back by popular demand. Every child who attends the SNMBF will receive a book from CRA. Stickers, pencils, bookmarks and other items will also be given away. There will be a raffle for games, puzzles and other goodies. CRA will also be doing readings in the Children’s Room.
The Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library participates on the SNMBF Planning Committee. FTBML will have a table at SNMBF with information about their organization, including membership and copies of their quarterly newsletter. There will be flyers about library programs and the 2026 Library GO Bonds that will be on the General Nov 3 ballot.
The Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) is a nationwide association of authors, poets, and artists drawn together by the common bond of military service. Most of our members are active-duty military, retirees, or military veterans. A few are lifelong civilians who have chosen to honor our military through their writings or their art. Our only core principle is a love of the men and women who defend this nation and a deeply personal understanding of their sacrifice and dedication. MWSA participates on the SNMBF Planning Committee. They are sponsoring a workshop and will have a table with information about their organization, including examples of their published anthologies.
Southwest Word Fiesta participates on the SNMBF Planning Committee. They will have a table at SNMBF with information about their organization.
Las Cruces Nature School is a proposed public charter school where kids will spend their days outside, connecting and learning academics through the land and nature of the Mesilla Valley. They are currently gathering input from the community to shape the school’s design. Their table at SNMBF will have 2 literacy-focused nature-based activities for toddler-preschool-aged children, and a selection of nature-based books for families to read together!
Children’s Readings & Activities
Children’s Readings and Activities will be in Classroom 234 on the second floor.
Activities
The following partners will be in the Children’s Room. They will be available after and between the children’s readings and storytelling.
Children’s Reading Alliance
The Children’s Reading Alliance is back by popular demand. Every child who attends the SNMBF should leave with a book from CRA. Stickers, pencils, bookmarks and other items will also be given away. There will be a raffle for games, puzzles and other goodies.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be signing people up for their free early childhood literacy program that mails a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth – age 5 who live in Dona Ana County. The program is designed to foster a love of reading, strengthen family engagement, and help children build the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. *Families have the opportunity to register to receive bilingual books as well.
Readings
The following authors will be doing readings in the Children’s Room. For more information about readers, click on their name and it will take you to their entry in the Author Vendors section.
Jan Thomas
Jan Thomas will read Princess the Duck Killer and his newest children’s The Legend of the Peacock.
Mike Hoskins
Mike Hoskins will read his colorful, rhyming children’s book, which introduces kids to various plants, animals, and locations within the local mountain range. Inspired by an actual encounter with a lost Javelina, this book is sure to spark interest and excitement in the outdoors for kids from ages 0-8 years old.
Susan Valencia
Susan Valencia will be reading Mama: My Favorite Person in the Whole World Has Something Called Dementia, a children’s picture book inspired by the author’s mother. It is a thoughtful resource for families touched by dementia and Alzheimer’s and encourages meaningful conversations across generations. While written to be accessible for children, the story resonates deeply with adults, caregivers, and families—supporting the entire caregiving team.
Tanishia, Michael and Gabriel Womack
Author Tanishia Womack and her two sons will share their children’s books. 11-year-old Michael is the author of Ted E. Solvit and the Case of the Missing Tiger’s Eye Diamond. 9-year-old Gabriel’s Detective Pecan and the Case of the Missing Banana is the first book in his series.
Alexis Perez
Alexis Perez is a self-proclaimed ‘Awkweird Squirrel’ with an active imagination and child-like spirit, Alexis will be reading her two children’s books: Don’t Tell Mom! and Don’t Tell Dad!
Laura Pangallo Fryar
Laura Fryar is a former AH-64D Apache pilot and the author of the children’s book series, Be Something Epic. Laura will be reading Be Something Epic and Be Something Epic: Aviator.
Evelyne Perez
Evelyne Pérez will be reading Brown y Brillante, is a Spanglish picture book celebrating Mexican-American pride, familia, and frontera life, reminding every child: your roots are your superpower, and you were made to shine.
Jasmine Tritten
Jasmine Tritten will read from Kato’s Grand Adventure. Kato won 1st place in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, plus five additional awards from the Military Writers Society of America and New Mexico Press Women. The book includes her original artwork and exercises.
Workshops
Writing Groups
Diego Salazar
Las Cruces Writers
Diego is immediate past president of Las Cruces Writers. He will talk about how writers help writers through writing groups. Participants will be given writing prompts to demonstrate one of the ways writing groups inspire writers and help them develop specific skills in the craft
Book Design
Jordan Jones
New Mexico Book Association
What should be on the cover? What should be on the title page? What’s a half-title, and what belongs there?
If you learn these fundamentals, you’ll be able to create a better book design or better assess the quality and completeness of one from a designer. Book design impacts the chances you can place your book in bookstores, improves the odds of your book being recognized in book reviews and competitions, and helps put your book in the hands of readers.
New Mexico Book Association is sponsoring this workshop by Jordan Jones, co-owner, editor, and publisher of Coyote Arts, a literary arts publisher. He has published poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and works in translation in numerous magazines and anthologies and is the author of two books of poetry, Sand & Coal and The Wheel. An award-winning book designer, he has designed more than 50 books for 7 presses. He is past president and current secretary and historian of the New Mexico Book Association, and past chair of NMBA’s Southwest Book Design and Production Award (SWBDA).
Build Your Own Mini Bookcase
Phoebe Guskey
Las Cruces Libraries
We will use Altoid tins as our base and create miniature books, corkboards, and papers, as well as plants, bookshelves, and colored pencils to fill our tiny libraries!
All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own Altoid tin or miniature items that you would like to incorporate into your tiny library. Since this is a short session, you’ll get to take home some items to finish on your own.
Contests and Awards
Jim Tritten
Military Writers Society of America
Contests and awards are an indispensable building block for any serious author. They’re also essential for writers seeking to become published, award-winning authors. Join Jim Tritten as he reveals why all writers should participate in literary contests and seek recognition that will contribute to successful publication submissions and sales.
Military Writers Society of America is sponsoring this workshop by Jim Tritten. Jim has been writing steadily since high school. He has published fourteen books and over four hundred fifty chapters, short stories, essays, articles, and government technical reports. Jim has seen his work translated into Russian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. He is the recipient of ninety-one writing awards, including the Alfred Thayer Mahan Award from the Navy League of the U.S., the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Writer of the Year, and the Parris Award from SouthWest Writers (SWW).
Author and Reader Panels
For more information about moderators and authors, click on their name and it will take you to their entry in the Author Vendors section.
Nonfiction
Moderator
Eva Nevarez St. John is the author of the hybrid memoir/true crime book When Tough Cookies Crumble: A True Story of Friendship, Murder, and Healing.
Author Panel
A Bilagáana Boy among the Navajo is the true story of Jay’s four years as a white kid living on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Window Rock, Arizona.
Coventina Waterhawk is the author of Dually Diagnosed Dually Blessed: From Struggle to Purpose.
James Caso is the author of the Lighting Heaven’s Way Series.
Mystery and Suspense
Moderator
Charmayne Samuelson is an Award-Winning Author who writes in the genres of fiction, non-fiction, biography, children’s books, photography and self-help. Her book Mystery of the Lost Kingdom of Gold: A Place Where There’s No Time or Space is a unique twist on time travel and a romantic treasure hunt for the Puebloan Lost Kingdom of Gold.
Author Panel
Carol Potenza specializes in creating a combination of strong women sleuths, paranormal and murder, mixed with science or, as she likes to call it—Biochem-Mystery.
Dita Dow writes powerful stories filled with mystery, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural.
J.J. Cagney is the author of the six book Cici Mystery Series.
Fantasy and Romance
Moderator
Jim Tritten is an award-winning fantasy and romance author. His fantasy pieces have been recognized with awards from the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, SouthWest Writers, and the New Mexico Press Women (NMPW). He and Sandi Hoover garnered a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and 1st Place from NMPW for their book Love and Lies: Call Me Eve. https://redpenguinbooks.com/love-and-lies-call-me-eve-by-sandi-hoover-and-jim-tritten/
Author Panel
Marie Parks is an LGBTQIA+ fantasy author and founder of Sandia Starforgers writing retreats for speculative fiction writers. She coauthored The Grigori Cycle supernatural thriller series.
Jordyn Kross is an unapologetically naughty, award-winning romance writer with a passion for writing sexy, boundary-stretching happily-ever-afters.
Jeffe Kennedy/Jennifer K Lambert
Jeffe Kennedy is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author, primarily in epic fantasy romance. She also writes as Jennifer K. Lambert.
Science Fiction and Time Travel
Moderator
Ted Rorschalk is a fan of science fiction. He is also the author of the sci-fi novel Big Banging Black Holes: CERN, Sex, GOD & Zombies, about the creation of an alternative universe and an ephemeral monster. His other books include coming of age novels and alternate history non-fiction books.
Author Panel
Eide S. Nevets has published eight books on science fiction, alternate history and time travel.
Margret Treiber is an author of sci-fi with bite: brutal, brilliant, and deeply human (according to Readers’ Favorite). She’s also editor-in-chief of Sci-Fi Lampoon, a speculative humor mag.
G.S. Harrington describes her genre-bending YA sci-fi novel What We Have Tamed as Noah’s Ark in Space.
Mystery, Thriller, and Horror
Moderator
Although Frank does not write in this genre, he does enjoy reading it: “I love the power of words and stories. It’s amazing how a simple story can take us into a world we’ve never imagined filled with twists and turns. This is especially true of a good mystery or thriller.”
Author Panel
Timothy writes historical fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, and dramedy.
Jeffrey R. Collins writes dark fiction about obedience, systems, and the quiet violence of control.
Allasandra writes psychological thriller, romantic suspense, and dark romances.
Author Vendors
This year we have an impressive number of award-winning authors in a wide range of genres who will be selling and signing their books. Check out their websites to learn more about them and what they have to offer.
Denise Chávez
Denise Chávez is a nationally recognized award-winning author who focuses on the Latino/a experience in her short stories and fiction. https://www.abebooks.com/casa-camino-real-las-cruces-nm/55655980/sf
Eva Nevarez St. John
Eva Nevarez St. John is the author of the hybrid memoir/true crime book When Tough Cookies Crumble: A True Story of Friendship, Murder, and Healing about her life in the Army with her best friend Janice Starr, her murder, and the healing process of writing the book. https://enchantedspiritjourneys.com/
Charmayne Samuelson
Charmayne Samuelson is an Award-Winning Author. She writes in the genres of fiction, non-fiction, biography, children’s books, photography and self-help, and has published 11 titles. https://woodduckpublishers.com/.
Alexis Perez
A self proclaimed ‘Awkweird Squirrel’ with an active imagination and child-like spirit, Alexis is the author of two children’s books: Don’t Tell Mom! and Don’t Tell Dad!
Susan Valencia
Mama: My Favorite Person in the Whole World Has Something Called Dementia is a children’s picture book inspired by the author’s mother. https://www.instagram.com/susanvalencia_author/
Timothy Hernandez
When a health condition shattered his world, Timothy found solace in writing, weaving together his storytelling techniques with raw, honest insights about how unexpected life changes reshape our journey. Timothy writes historical fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, and dramedy. https://timothyhernandezau.wixsite.com/timothy-hernandez-bo
Laura Pangallo Fryar
Laura Fryar is a former AH-64D Apache pilot and the author of the children’s book series, Be Something Epic. Laura is fueled by a passion for empowering the next generation. https://www.epickidspublishing.com/
Jay Jones
A Bilagáana Boy among the Navajo is the award winning true story of Jay’s four years as a white kid living on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Window Rock, Arizona. https://www.jayjonesauthor.com/
Dr. Harold Finkelstein
Dr. Harold Finkelstein, author of Releasing the Spirit: The Art of Zuñi Fetish Carvings Volumes I and II, arrived at Zuñi Pueblo forty-five years ago, hired to train teachers. His introduction to Zuñi people, culture and arts, led to a long career and passion of trading, buying, collecting and selling fetishes. https://releasingthespirit.art/
James Caso
James Caso is a servant of Christ, a biblical theologian, former pastor, podcaster, and lifelong student of Scripture with a passion for unveiling the living presence of Christ. He is the author of the Lighting Heaven’s Way Series. https://www.jamescaso.com/
Margret Treiber
Margret Treiber is an award-winning author of sci-fi with bite: brutal, brilliant, and deeply human (according to Readers’ Favorite). She’s also editor-in-chief of Sci-Fi Lampoon, a speculative humor mag. https://www.the-margret.com/
Dita Dow
Dita Dow is an award-winning author, artist, and songwriter who writes powerful stories filled with mystery, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural. In addition to her books Sins in Black, 27 Elmwood Drive and Winter Horrorland Anthology, she will be selling notecards and 5 x 7 prints of her artwork. https://www.ditadow.com/
Carol Potenza
Carol Potenza is the award-winning author of Hearts of the Missing; Spirit Daughters; Echo of Lies and Sting of Lies. Carol specializes in creating a combination of strong women sleuths, paranormal and murder, mixed with science or, as she likes to call it—Biochem-Mystery. She sets all her mysteries in New Mexico. https://www.carolpotenza.com/
Marie Parks
Marie Parks is an award-winning LGBTQIA+ fantasy author and founder of Sandia Starforgers writing retreats for speculative fiction writers. She coauthored The Grigori Cycle supernatural thriller series. https://marieparks.com
Tanishia, Michael and Gabriel Womack
Tanishia Womack, author of Hired On Purpose, helps professionals move beyond simply finding a job and instead create a career path designed with confidence, strategy, and purpose in mind. 11-year-old Michael is the author of Ted E. Solvit and the Case of the Missing Tiger’s Eye Diamond. 9-year-old Gabriel’s Detective Pecan and the Case of the Missing Banana is the first book in his series. The two brothers plan to write a story together. www.hiredonpurpose.org, www.tedesolvit.com, www.detectivepecan.com
Coventina Waterhawk
Coventina Waterhawk is an inspiring and compassionate Hope Ambassador, and award-winning international #1 bestselling author who guides individuals with co-occurring disorders on how to reclaim an empowered life by sharing her four decades of dual-diagnosis recovery, and the practical, holistic coping methods she has used for success, one day (sometimes one breath) at a time. https://www.thehopeambassador.com/
JJ Cagney
J.J. Cagney is the award-winning author of the six book Cici Mystery Series, Facing the Past, Bayou Venom, and The Kill Line. https://jjcagney.com/
Jeffrey R. Collins
Jeffrey R. Collins writes dark fiction about obedience, systems, and the quiet violence of control. His novels explore what happens when ordinary reality begins to fracture, often through psychological tension rather than the supernatural. https://jeffreyrcollins.com/
Frank López
Colores, Sabores y Dichos presents art, culture and love by using colorful photographs, delicious recipes and fun dichos in English and Spanish. 50 colorful photographs invite the reader to imagine 50 different stories. Essays by Rosa Guerrero and Frank Rene López take the reader into the experiential world of culture and art.
Allasandra Buckner
Allasandra writes psychological thriller, romantic suspense, and dark romances for readers who like their stories messy, emotional, and a little unhinged. https://www.byallasandra.com/
Eide S. Nevets
Eide S. Nevets has published eight books on science fiction, alternate history and time travel. The Knot in Time Travel is the first of her three book time travel series set in the old west, which also includes A Handle in Time Travel and The Elevator of Time Travel. https://www.nevetsbooks.com/
Evelyne Perez
Evelyne Pérez is a Mexican-American children’s author from the El Paso–Las Cruces borderland. Brown y Brillante is a Spanglish picture book celebrating Mexican-American pride, familia, and frontera life, reminding every child: your roots are your superpower, and you were made to shine. She also has an award-winning Autism series in English and Spanish. https://www.evelynetheauthor.com/
Jordyn Kross
Jordyn Kross is an unapologetically naughty, award-winning romance writer with a passion for writing sexy, boundary-stretching happily-ever-afters. She enjoys saucy double entendres, pretending to be an extrovert, and is well-known for having no filter. https://jordynkross.com/
Ted Rorschalk
Ted Rorschalk is the author of two coming of age novels (The F.U. KiD and Chimera Eye) and two alternate history non-fiction books. Algebra of Conspiracy is about how the era of assassination in the 1960s has influenced the societal malaise we are in as a country these latter daze, and Logos Pleroma is a critique of Christianity and a suggestion about how to fix it.
Jan Thomas
Jan Thomas writes in a variety of genres, including autobiography, communication, Christian, relationships, short stories, poetry, fantasy, advice, and children’s books. His newest books include A Mesilla Traveler Novel: The Winds of Change and The Legend of the Peacock. www.jandthomasbooksandpaint.com
Mike Hoskins
This colorful, rhyming children’s book introduces kids to various plants, animals, and locations within the local mountain range. Inspired by an actual encounter with a lost Javelina, this book is sure to spark interest and excitement in the outdoors for kids from ages 0-8 years old. www.thelostjavelina.com
Jim Tritten
Jim Tritten has been writing steadily since high school. He has published fourteen books and over four hundred fifty chapters, short stories, essays, articles, and government technical reports. Jim has seen his work translated into Russian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. He is the recipient of ninety-one writing awards, including the Alfred Thayer Mahan Award from the Navy League of the U.S., the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Writer of the Year, and the Parris Award from SouthWest Writers (SWW). https://www.southwestwriters.com/james-tritten/
Jasmine Tritten
Jasmine Tritten is an award-winning author, photographer, and artist born in Denmark. She has published two books and co-authored four others. Jasmine and Jim Tritten’s Kato’s Grand Adventure won 1st place in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, and awards from the Military Writers Society of America and New Mexico Press Women. Jasmine and Jim also co-authored the award-winning Around the World in 80 Years. All her books contain original photographs and artwork. Jasmine has written numerous short stories published in various anthologies. https://www.southwestwriters.com/jette-tritten/
G. S. Harrington
Incapable of choosing a favorite genre or age group, G.S. Harrington brings her genre-bending YA sci-fi debut pitched as Noah’s Ark in Space, What We Have Tamed. Her Upper Middle Grade contemporary novel The Influencer, published under the pen name Daria Pipkin, is about a 13-year-old girl who spreads positive gossip to help other students while ignoring the secrets of her own failed friendship. Both books have ties to New Mexico. https://gsharrington.com/
E. Joe Brown
E. Joe Brown is an award-winning author of novels, short stories, and memoirs. The Kelly Can Saga historical fiction series is set in his native Oklahoma. His memoir Mickey and Me about meeting his hero, Mickey Mantle, is now featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Joe currently serves as President of New Mexico Westerners, an Advisor to the SouthWest Writers Board of Directors, and is a member of Western Writers of America and Military Writers Society of America. He is a proud retiree of the USAF. https://ejoebrown.com/
Jeffe Kennedy/Jennifer K Lambert
Jeffe Kennedy is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author of over 70 published titles, primarily in epic fantasy romance. Her work has been translated into seven languages. She also writes as Jennifer K. Lambert. Her high fantasy novel, Never the Roses, debuted at #29 on the USA Today Bestseller List. https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home and https://jenniferklambert.com/
Vela Roth
Vela Roth manifested unstable writing powers at a young age, and her early experiments had unintended results. As she grew, a curriculum of fantasy novels with strong heroines helped her learn to wield her abilities. Eventually she dared pursue the most forbidden tomes: romance novels. She’s been practicing the dark arts of fantasy romance ever since but uses her powers only for good. www.velaroth.com
Jocilyn Carver
Jocilyn Carver is a children’s author inspired by her lifelong love of reading and imagination. Some of her fondest childhood memories are of visiting the library with her parents, where her love of reading continued to grow. As a quiet, introverted, and adventurous person, Jocilyn brings warmth, family, and fun into her stories. As an Air Force member, she values the importance of connection and community. Through her books, she hopes to inspire children to love literacy, imagination, and family. Instagram: @successfuljoc
Joe Cappello
Joe Cappello‘s creative life began when he accepted a minor speaking role in a play, walked on stage for the first time, and came to the terrifying realization that, “Oh, no, they sold tickets!” He started writing short stories shortly after and never looked back. He lives and writes in the picturesque village of Galisteo, New Mexico, where he has written some of his favorite stories including, “The Secret of the Smiling Rock Man,” (First Place, National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest–2022) and “They Only Showed Elvis from the Waist Up,”( First Place, SWW Writing Contest—2023). https://joecappelloauthor.com/
Adrian Avila
Adrian’s work brings together questions of meaning and ethics with the structured languages of logic, mathematics, computation, and systems analysis. The Contemplari is an exploration of what it means to seek truth, cultivate virtue, and live deliberately in a complex world. Wisdom is not merely something to know, but something to practice; truth should shape both thought and action; and a life examined with courage, love, wisdom, and serenity can become a life lived with purpose.
Jose Williams
Jose Williams is a pastor and former schoolteacher. This is the first children’s book he has written and illustrated in a series of books about animals of the Chihuahua Desert written in Spanish and English, reflecting the unique culture of the border region. Each book teaches children strong moral lessons that will help them learn obedience, love, acceptance, humility, and many other positive character traits. https://authorjosewilliams.com/
Booksellers and Publishers
Casa Camino Real
Casa Camino Real is a Las Cruces bookstore owned by local author Denise Chávez at 314 S. Tornillo. It offers a unique collection of Southwest, Native American, Chicano/a/Latino/a, Regional Children’s, Young Adult and Adult books in English, Spanish and Bilingual. Regional cards and postcards are also available at Casa Camino Real.
Artemesia Publishing
Artemesia Publishing focuses on New Mexico books and authors. Genres include mystery, historical fiction, contemporary/literary fiction, middle grade and YA fiction, and speculative fiction.
University of New Mexico Press
Established in 1929 by the Regents of the University of New Mexico, the UNM Press is the fourth largest university press west of the Rocky Mountains in publishing new titles. We produce books of general interest and significance for our state and our region, and we publish scholarly books in the areas of fine arts, Western history, Latin American studies, literature, poetry, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history.
Enchanted Books
Enchanted Books is a small bookshop located at THE BLOCK in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Their store is dedicated to promoting and selling works by local and independent authors, as well as those from boutique publishers. Enchanted Books will be selling the books of the 2026 New Mexico Book Awards winners at the Southern New Mexico Book Festival.
Croak & Dagger
Croak & Dagger is the New Mexico chapter of Sisters in Crime. We are published authors, aspiring writers, and readers – bound by our affection for the mystery genre and our support of those who write mysteries. Membership is open to everyone interested in mysteries.
Unique Book-related Goodies
Lilly’s Little Library is a women-owned small business nestled in the heart of Las Cruces, New Mexico. We strive to create an inclusive and friendly shop where book lovers can connect, share their passion, and feel truly at home. Our products include bookmarks, book & kindle sleeves, annotation kits, kindle charms & bookish miniatures. They are crafted with care and attention to detail providing fellow book lovers with a variety of bookish goods that will make their reading experience even more enjoyable.
Mew’s Muse is a woman-owned small business that travels around the Southwest to bookish events such as the Tucson Festival of Books to share the love of literacy through cute bookish goodies. Handmade artist and crafter making cute bookish items such as laminated bookmarks, magnetic bookmarks, acrylic bookmarks, book trope ephemera, bookish cups, stickers, sticky notes, memo pads, sticker sheets, tote bags, journaling and zine sets, pens, book buddy pillows and blind-date journaling sets.
