Category: Seminars

Request for 2026 Southern New Mexico Book Festival Vendor Applications

Posted on by Mark Davis

We are ready to accept applications from authors, booksellers, and book-related vendors to participate in the 2026 Second Annual Southern New Mexico Book Festival (SNMBF).

The 2026 SNMBF will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the DASR building at the Doña Ana Community College East Mesa campus on 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. 

This year, we are expanding beyond the common area into the courtyard, so we will be able to accommodate more vendors. If you choose to be in the courtyard, you have the option of using your own table or renting a half or whole 6-foot table.

Follow the appropriate link to access the online application that applies to your situation.

Link to Author Vendor form – https://forms.gle/W1bgwHkCnq4LGPyi6

Link to Bookseller/Publisher Vendor form – https://forms.gle/AkXL23rnNw95iHUx8

Link to Book-related Vendor form – https://forms.gle/R8qf9LseUqpAQJho6

If you participated in the 2025 Southern New Mexico Book Festival (SNMBF) and you want to use the same headshot and book cover that you submitted last year, email us at snmbookfestival@gmail.com. Put your name as the subject. 

DO NOT SUBMIT PAYMENT UNTIL YOUR APPLICATION IS APPROVED. When you are accepted, you will receive instructions about how to pay. There will be an online payment option.

We still need volunteers to help with the 2026 SNMBF. Only children’s book authors will do readings. Author panels by genre will replace adult author readings. We need authors to serve as panelists and moderators; help with planning and conducting workshops; getting sponsors and food vendors; and doing …

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Charmayne Reigns!

Posted on by Mark Davis

Check out more exciting activities by award-winning Las Cruces Writer Charmayne Samuelson. Here’s a rundown of upcoming events straight from her mailing list:

On Saturday evening, Feb. 28th, I accepted the very prestigious Southwest Book Award from the Border Regional Library Association in El Paso. It was a wonderful event! The BRLA is a stellar institution, and has given these Awards to Authors for 29 years. It is humbling to look at that list of Award-Winning authors and books, and now my name is added to them! Amazing. This is the 8 th Literary Award for my book, MATA ORTIZ POETRY OF THE CLAY, and I am so grateful and happy that this Award helps to shine even more light on the wonderful potters of Mata Ortiz, MX.

Coming up soon in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Join me Sat. March 21st, 2026, 10-1, at the Scarab Art Design House art gallery for New Mexico Book Awards Winners and Finalists “POETRY AND ART BOOK” event hosted by the New Mexico Book Awards. It just so happens that is what my book is: Poetry and Art! My book, POETRY OF THE CLAY POESIA DEL BARRO, won 5 NM Book Awards, including WINNER FIRST PLACE in Fine Art, FINALIST in Poetry, FINALIST in Cover Design, FINALIST in Coffee Table: FINALIST in Multicultural. I will be reading poetry and signing books! All my Albuquerque friends, come on out for this fun event! Thank you to Director Lisa McCoy and the New Mexico Book Awards

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Seminar: The Last Writers Class

Posted on by mark

Everything You’ve Wanted to Know about Writing Fiction, But Were Afraid to Ask

Efrem Carrasco

Saturday, October 22, 2022

2:00 pm – 4:00pm

“There are no masters of writing, only students.”

Not sure about a particular aspect of the writing craft—technique, punctuation, paragraphing, story structure, word usage, the writing life, editing, and so on?

This class will provide you the opportunity to ask your questions, coupled with group discussions on various writing topics that may prove to be an edifying experience.

Who Should Take This Class?

  • Anyone who wishes to be known as an author with Good Story Writing Skills.

The Class:

  • A Short Presentation.
  • Open Forum for Writer’s Questions, and Group Discussions.
  • Concluding With: The Best Fiction and Memoir Writing Advice You’ll Ever Get, plus, The Secret to Becoming a Good Writer will be revealed (But you can’t tell anyone).

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bring your list of Questions concerning the Craft of Writing.
  • Bring Paper and Pen, and Be Prepared to have fun in this class.

LOCATION: Good Sam, Building E, 3045 Buena Vida Circle
The building in front of Bus and Handicap Parking, next to the building where we hold the LCW meetings—down the steps, first room to the right.

Join Las Cruces Writers today to participate.

Teaching the Write Way…

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Seminar: Character Development

Posted on by Mark Davis

September Writers Class: Character Development

Efrem Carasco

Saturday, September 24, 2022

2:00 pm – 4:00pm

“Anyone can create a character, but the development of a strong, three-dimensional character . . . that’s an act of a true writer.”

Who Should Take This Class?

  • Writers of Fiction and/or Memoirs.
  • Those who wish to improve their Story Writing Skills.

You Will Learn:

  • Types of Characters
  • The Purpose of Character Types
  • How to Create Characters
  • How to Use Characters, When to Use Them, Where to Use Them, and most importantly, Why.
  • The Use of Tools for Creating Better, Interesting Characters.

REQUIREMENTS

Bring Paper and Pen—for your notes.

LOCATION

Good Sam, Building E 3045 Buena Vida Circle
The building in front of Bus and Handicap Parking, next to the building where we hold the LCW meetings—first room to the right.

How to Attend

Members should email Efrem directly to get on the list. Non-members can join and get instant access!…

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August Seminar – Life Legacy Memoir Workshop

Posted on by Mark Davis

Please join LCW’s Karen Ray for the next LCW writer’s seminar. Here’s the scoop:

Have you ever thought about sharing your story? Do family and friends tell you, “You should write a book!”? I believe each person’s unique history deserves to be remembered and shared with others. My goal as a personal historian, memoir coach, writer, and editor is to help preserve those life stories.  When faced with a whole lifetime of memories the task can seem daunting. However, capturing one’s life stories can be an enjoyable, easily accessible project when broken down into easy steps and given some inspiration for how to start.

Come join us in an interactive workshop on writing your story. My goal is to empower you with the tools to begin writing or recording your own unique memories and experiences. This can be an immensely rewarding writing project. Ask yourself, if not now, when?

Date: August 27
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Place: Good Sam’s, Building E (first floor West lounge), 3045 Buena Vida Circle.

I’ll  share some simple tools and ideas for recording your memories and drawing out your story. This will be an interactive one hour seminar, followed by a half hour question and answer session, during which I’ll provide handouts with take away information. Even if you’re an experienced writer you might learn something new, and gain a different perspective, while having a bit of fun on a Saturday afternoon.…

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