Author James McGrath Morris. Courtesy photo
SWW NEWS RELEASE
SouthWest Writers (SWW) is holding a special event for readers and writers: “Libros of Enchantment: The 2026 SouthWest Writers Book Fiesta.” The first-time book fair will be on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the UNM Continuing Education Building, 1634 University Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. The event runs 9-4:30 with author panels, time to meet the authors, and a bookstore. The cost is $25 with includes lunch.
James McGrath Morris, the author of several New Mexico-related nonfiction books and founder of New Mexico Writers, will be the opening keynote speaker on the topic “Adventures in Writing: True Tales of Storytelling.” A biographer and narrative historian, Morris’ most recent book is Tony Hillerman: A Life.
“Reading and writing are both solitary experiences, so it’s great when book lovers have the opportunity to get together to share and enjoy the enchantment of the written word,” said SWW President Kim Rose. “We believe that every book is a door into an enchanted world. Reading is a way to both escape life and to find something new and meaningful.”
Panel discussions will continue all day featuring local authors sharing their insights into: Things That Scare Us: Horror and the Paranormal; Be Still My Heart: Romance in Fiction; Poetry for Life; From Sherlock Holmes to Dateline: Why Does Crime Fascinate Us?; An Alternative Reality: Fantasy and Science Fiction; and You Did What? How Authors Turn Lives into Books. See the list of confirmed panelists.
Panelists will be available to sell and sign books after each session. There will also be a bookstore with a wide variety of authors where readers can purchase books, meet their favorite authors, and get their books signed.
Sponsors include: RMK Publications, the Author’s Guild, They Did What? By Cornelia Gamlem, Silverleaf Farm & Farm Stand, Writer Ruth, Black Range Media, The Music of Creation by Paul J. Knight and Chris Allen, Mother Yucca by Vicki Meagher, Hope and Madness by Julie Hartig, Word Chemist, New Mexico Book Association, and freelance artist Rebeccah Swanson.
For information and to purchase tickets go to www.swwbookfiesta.com/.