A Celebration of Writers in Santa Fe: Reasons to Attend Writing Events

Last week, New Mexico Writers Dinner was held in the La Fonda Ballrroom, one of the most beautiful and historic rooms in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Decorated with artisan tin chandeliers and sconces, Native art, and a beautiful wood beamed ceiling, it was a real treat. Along with the delicious and distinct New Mexican food!

Indigenous Screenwriter, Producer, Director Billy Luther was the Keynote speaker. He is a writer for the award-winning AMC series Dark Winds, based on the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee characters, created by the mystery writer Tony Hillerman. He's also known for writing/directing his award-winning movie Frybread Face and Me -- a coming of age tale inspired by his experiences on the Navajo Nation. Billy was authentic and insightful, talking about his journey as a writer and his experience and process of writing.

In his Keynote, Billy acknowledged my husband, screenwriter Ed Khmara, for one of his films, Enemy Mine. He claimed the film had personal relevancy and inspired him to write, given its spirit of empathy and finding common ground with those who are perceived as different -- something sadly disappearing in our country today.

The evening was a great opportunity to network, and I was invited to a writer's support group as a result. This is the reason all writers might want to attend writing events: they're a fun way to connect with others and they encourage us to keep going.

Ed Khmara and Billy Luther