Events Calendar
Here is a list of all the upcoming events in and around the state as well as virtual events on Zoom. If you are an Arizona Authors Association member with an author-related event that you'd like to advertise, please contact the Webmistress HERE.
Online and Arizona Events
2026
Ongoing
Writory.com holds two monthly contests:
The Writory Monthly Poetry Contest: international, any language, entries close the 25th of every month. Entry $5; top international prize $100. Writory Short Story Contest (first round closes 25 November 2026, then monthly): 100 to 3,000 words, any genre, any language. Entry $8; top prize $100.
Every entry in both is judged blind against a published five-part rubric, and every entrant receives a score out of 100 and a certificate, win or not. Winners are published openly with their work and scores. More at:
Sept 12th
How to Choose the Best Writing Resources
Presented by Lorraine Haatiaa, Ph.D.
Founder of Prolific Writer's Life
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Sept 15th
Contest Finalists Chosen
Oct 10
Mic Night at the Historic Y in Downtown Tucson
with Ken Weene
738 N. 5th
Tucson, AZ
6-8pm
Oct TBD
Desert Nights Writers Conference
At Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference you will find a nurturing caring community of writers and stellar faculty to help you discover and tell your story.
Our 2025 keynote speaker is legendary author Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street.
https://piper.asu.edu/conference
Oct 17
Desert Foothills Book Festival
The Desert Foothills Book Festival grew from the desire of a group of local authors to connect personally with book lovers and to promote an appreciation of reading and the literary arts. With the Tucson Book Festival to the south and the Payson and Prescott Book Festivals to the north, this small group felt the greater Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree areas were missing a valuable opportunity to meet and engage with local authors from all genres.
https://desertfoothillsbookfestival.com/
We will have a table. Please stop by and say hello!
Oct 24th
The Author's Tactical Promotion
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Arizona Authors Association member Jeanne Burrows-Johnson will give a Zoom presentation on “The Author’s Tactical Promotion.” You may be familiar with her authorship through articles she has written for the Arizona Authors Digest and her award-winning Natalie Seachrist Visionary Hawaiian Cozy Mysteries.
Jeanne's work as an author, marketing consultant, and motivational speaker spans many decades and draws on her experience in the performing arts and education in world cultures. For decades, her marketing projects for creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations have aided positive public awareness of their work. As we examine our experiences in this year... and consider our prospects in 2027...Jeanne will share ideas for strengthening success in the creative professional’s self-promotion, answer your questions, and respond to your experiential suggestions.
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Nov 14
The Seven Deadly Sins of Romance Writing
Presented by Donna Hatch
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Nov 28
The Arizona Authors Literary Awards Event
Dec 5-6
Mesa Book Festival
Anthology is a IRS 501 (c)(3) and state of Arizona literary nonprofit dedicated to promoting literary arts in the greater Phoenix community by providing opportunities for writers to make their work accessible to a diverse audience. Since 1994 Anthology has produced thousands of literary events, published over 10 years of literary journals and produced countless moments of learning, excitement and fun.
https://www.anthology.org/index.php/mesa-book-festival
We will have a table. Please stop by and say hello!
Dec 12
Zoom Workshop: Inspired by True Events: Adding Realism to your Fiction Writing
Presented by Nancy Hicks Marshall
10:00 AM MST Online Zoom Workshop
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Dec 12
Mic Night at the Historic Y in Downtown Tucson
with Ken Weene
738 N. 5th
Tucson, AZ
6-8pm