I’ve enjoyed art fairs for many years, starting with the one in Ann Arbor. It’s an amazing chance to talk to the artist and choose from unique objects, some of which I still have today.
As a child I recall attending a book fair at school (or maybe it was at my children’s school—some memories blur together over time), but otherwise I’d sated my book obsession by wandering local stores and scanning lists.
This past Halloween, however, I sponsored and attended the inaugural SouthWest Writers Libros of Enchantment Book Fiesta. Uncertain what to expect … I was enchanted.
While too many readers still harbor a belief that indie publishing means low quality, since Amazon launched Kindle Direct Publishing in 2007, indie is no longer vanity publishing, but a viable business decision. Large publishing houses are pushing the marketing responsibility onto the authors. An increasing number of writers are choosing to sidestep the “pick me” route and go indie instead for greater artistic control, speed, and an increased share of the revenue.
As I’ve learned more about the publishing business, I’m more inclined to purchase books directly from the author to support them. If we want human written creativity instead of AI also-ran books, we need to provide authors with a reasonable return.
All the authors at the fiesta lived in New Mexico. Genres spanned the gamut from cozy mystery to witchery. Some were traditionally published, most were small press or indie. Many were award winners.
I wasn’t familiar with any of their works, not even keynote speaker James McGrath Morris, and none were on the NY Times best seller list.
McGrath Morris writes about forgotten or overlooked figures of history—at least one of his books will find its way under our Christmas tree.
Many books touch on local New Mexican locations and history. (And yes, we are a state.)
For instance, Suzanne Stauffer sets her cozy mysteries in 1929, around the time Fred Harvey turned the American Southwest into a major cultural and tourist destination. If, like me, you don’t know about Harvey Houses and the Harvey Girls, check out the La Fonda Hotel tour if you’re in Santa Fe, one of Stauffer’s books, or both.
These are but two examples of the hidden gems I discovered.
Next, add in the opportunity to talk to an interesting mix of individuals with broad and diverse backgrounds … and you get an enjoyable and enriching afternoon. And maybe, your next great read.
I had so much fun that this weekend, I’m attending the inaugural Sage & Ink Book Festival organized by author Diane Hatz. Hope to see you there this Saturday.