Of course, the written word has played a vital role in the cultural history of our entire state, and plenty of world-class authors have decided to make their home in the Albuquerque area. The likes of Julie Mars (A Month of Sundays), Stephen R. Donaldson (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant), Max Evans (The Rounders) and Tony Hillerman (I think you can fill in the blank yourself on this one) will be on hand to celebrate our city's distinguished literary heritage.
Nearly 20 local authors will take part in free public discussions at area libraries. A host of inexpensive writing workshops will occur throughout the month (see “Spit-shine Your Writing 'til It Gleams”). And many of our finest celebrity authors will speak at various Albuquerque Public High Schools on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Thursday, Feb. 23.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Deborah Blance will do a one-woman Chautauqua performance in the guise of Erna Fergusson, New Mexico's First Lady of Letters. The show takes place at the South Broadway Library at 10 a.m. and is free. (Reservations are recommended: 848-1320.) On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., Native American music and storytelling troupe Cumulonimbus will be at the South Broadway Cultural Center to give a performance incorporating stories honoring the earth, sky and New Mexico National Monuments. This event is also free.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, UNM Press will present a panel on publishing with Acquisitions Editor Clark Whitehorn, Marketing Manager Glenda Madden, Managing Editor Maya Allen-Gallegos and Publicity Manager Amanda Sutton. A science fiction panel discussion will occur on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Erna Fergusson Library with local sci-fi scribes Jon Miller, Jane Lindskold, Victor Milan, Pati Nagle, Fred Saberhagen and Jon Walter Williams.
These are just a few of the dozens of events planned throughout the month. For a complete roster, go to www.albuquerque300.org.
