SCBWI New Mexico

Welcome to the SCBWI New Mexico Creative Community!

SCBWI New Mexico is a committed community of children's book writers, illustrators, and translators located throughout the state of New Mexico and in the El Paso area of Texas. We are here to support one another on the arduous but joyful journey of creating children's books. Click through this carousel to see what's happening in the region, or scroll down the page to catch up on the latest news and resources.

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Virtual Coffee House

Join us for our free and free-ranging Wednesday discussion groups, 1st Wednesday of the month at 4:00pm Mountain Time and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm Mountain Time, both on Zoom. See our events page for exact dates.

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Write Here, Write Now

Are you struggling to find dedicated time to write? Looking for like-minded folks and accountability? Our monthly writing group meets the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mountain Time at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center in Albuquerque and spends two hours writing. No prompts, required sharing, or critiquing– just writing.

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Together Retreat 2025 at Pecos Monastery, September 26-28

Join us for a relaxing retreat at the beautiful Pecos Monastery and enjoy our crisp, fall colored days while working and catching up with creative friends.

Kidlit Community

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Tackling the Imposter Phenomenon

The subjectivity of art and the low to non-existent financial rewards many kidlit creators reap creates a perfect breeding ground for professional fears. Does what I do matter? Will I ever get published? Am I good enough? For those who do achieve publication--and even financial and critical success--the fear lingers. This had to be a mistake. How long before people find realize I'm a fraud? Systemic barriers to people from marginalized communities amplify these emotions in creators who are already underrepresented in our profession, along with feelings of isolation. A frequently cited antidote to feelings of being an imposter is embracing community. Former literary agent Nathan Bransford writes, "If you find people who truly believe in you and your work: cherish these people like the articles of pure magic they are. Just as importantly: believe them." These may be people who create the same genre or style of art as you. They may be people facing similar publishing challenges due to life circumstances or identity. Connecting with people on a similar publishing journey can help you redefine your success as a creator.

Member News

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SHE PERSISTED: DEB HAALAND selected for National Book Festival

What an honor from the New Mexico Library staff for Laurel Goodluck! She Persisted: Deb Haaland was chosen to represent New Mexico in the "Discover Great Places Through Reading" at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, in September 2025. Congratulations, Laurie!

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Regional Events

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Equity & Inclusion

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Regional Newsletters

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Our Team

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Local Published Members

Membership

Find out why membership matters.

Becoming a translator

Translation: Some Frequently Asked Questions, by Avery Udagawa

Keep in touch

To inquire about local events, awards, or opportunities, please email { [email protected] }