By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – Book lovers and aspiring writers will have an opportunity to connect with local authors, explore different literary genres and celebrate the art of storytelling as SouthWest Writers hosts its first-ever Libros of Enchantment: 2026 SouthWest Writers Book Fiesta on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The event aims to bring readers and writers together for a day filled with author discussions, book signings and opportunities to discover New Mexico’s literary talent.
Judy Castleberry, marketing chair for SouthWest Writers, explains that the idea for the fiesta grew out of the organization’s desire to create something different from its previous writers’ conferences, which came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Wouldn’t it be great if writers and readers can be in the same room and talk to each other? That’s really where the whole thing started,” says Castleberry.
SouthWest Writers is a nonprofit organization that has supported writers across New Mexico for more than 40 years. Its mission centers on writers helping writers, welcoming everyone from established authors to those just beginning their writing journeys. “Southwest Writers is the largest writing organization in New Mexico,” says Castleberry.
The organization’s membership includes writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays, reflecting the variety of voices and storytelling traditions found throughout the state.
For its inaugural fiesta, organizers have assembled a lineup of authors and speakers representing numerous literary genres. The event’s keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author James McGrath Morris, whose latest book, Tony Hillerman: A Life, explores the life of the celebrated New Mexico author.
Throughout the day, attendees can participate in panel discussions covering romance, horror and the paranormal, science fiction and fantasy, poetry, crime and true crime, and memoirs and biographies.
Castleberry emphasizes that selecting speakers from different backgrounds was an important part of planning the event. “We, of course, wanted to have you know good people in each genre,” says Castleberry.
Beyond the discussions, attendees will have opportunities to meet participating authors, purchase their books and receive signed copies. The event will also feature a bookstore showcasing works from at least 29 authors, providing another opportunity to discover local literary talent.
For Castleberry, the opportunity to bring people together through their shared love of books is what makes the event particularly meaningful. “Frankly, I just love the concept of readers and writers together,” says Castleberry.
An aspiring mystery writer herself, Castleberry explains that she is especially looking forward to the crime and true crime panel, titled “From Sherlock Holmes to Dateline: Why Does Crime Fascinate Us?”
Ultimately, organizers hope the fiesta creates meaningful connections between the people who write stories and those who enjoy reading them.
Libros of Enchantment: 2026 SouthWest Writers Book Fiesta will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Building (1634 University Blvd. NE). Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door, with lunch included. Organizers encourage advance registration to help plan meals. For more information or to register, visit swwbookfiesta.com.
If you go…
Libros of Enchantment: 2026 SouthWest Writers Book Fiesta will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Building (1634 University Blvd. NE). Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door, with lunch included. Organizers encourage advance registration to help plan meals. For more information or to register, visit swwbookfiesta.com.
