The Southwest Festival of the Written Word, a multi-faceted literary festival, will take place in Silver City, New Mexico, on Friday September 27-Sunday September 29.  The theme of the first-time Festival is “Textures y Sabores.”

“Textures,” explains Jeannie Miller, public information chair of the Festival, “was suggested by Joe Wade,  a member of the Festival organizing committee.” The “y Sabores,” which in Spanish means “and Tastes” or “and Flavors,” was a natural addition to the theme,” adds Peter Garcia, Festival coordinator. “Together these words describe the wonderful atmosphere created when more than 50 writers, agents and publishers gather to participate in over 35 events.”

The Festival was created to highlight writers who live and write in the Southwest. More than half the Festival presenters live in the wider Silver City area, while the rest are from Texas, Arizona, Colorado and other parts of New Mexico. Ann Hedlund, author and anthropologist, will participate in panel discussions on Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. All events are free and open to the public except where noted in the schedule of events.

The two keynote speakers, Ana Castillo and Denise Chavez, rank among the best novelists of America, according to Garcia. Their excellence comes in part because they remain true to their roots and the rich idioms in the Mexican American communities of New Mexico, far west Texas, and Chicago.

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