Check out our history with our Historian, President Emeritus Toby Fesler Heathcotte.

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
Every Third Sunday
April 25th
Palo Verde Spring Festival
Fun-filled Spring Festival at Palo Verde High School on Saturday, featuring an exciting lineup of activities including a vendor fair, car show, flag football tournament, basketball tournament, and an alumni baseball game.
Vendors are welcome to participate for just $25 per approximately 10' x 10' space and are asked to bring their own setup, including tables, chairs, and canopies.
This community event not only offers something for everyone to enjoy but also supports a great cause, as all proceeds go directly to the PTSA to benefit Palo Verde High School students.
May 16th
The Authors Guide to Avoiding Pesky Pitfalls
Presented by Peter Bernhardt
Have you ever slogged through the opening pages of a manuscript or novel laden with background and wondered what the story is about and when it will finally take off before you quit reading? The self-appointed pitfall detective, Peter Bernhardt, has spotted this malady in more manuscripts than he cares to recount. In this workshop, Peter will cover a plethora of pitfalls and help you avoid them. He is a multiple award-winning author whose works appear in libraries and in the New York Metropolitan Opera House gift shop, and will offer his many years of expertise on writing.
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
June 1st
Arizona Authors Literary Contest Closes
June 3rd - July 3rd
Hook Your Reader on the First Page
C. Alex Smith (based on the website CAlexSmith.com)
A self-paced online course focused on making your book's (or story's) first page shine and hook readers immediately.
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Dates: June 3 – July 3
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Note: Self-paced (you can work through the material at your own speed during this window)
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Price: $50
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Private website (access provided upon registration)
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Visit CAlexSmith.com
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July 18th
Payson Book Festival
The tenth annual Payson Book Festival will showcase about 80 Arizona authors who signed and sold fiction and non-fiction books of many genres and promoted literacy at a celebration of books for readers of all ages. We also have a Kid Zone sessions for youngsters and drawings.
https://paysonbookfestival.org/
We will have a table. Please stop by and say hello!
July 28th
When Human Destinies Get Mixed Up: Personal and Historic German-American Stories for Writers
Presented by AnnElise Makin and Bernd Haber
What if your conscience pushes you on to the wrong side of history? Learn how to resource and gather key information from documents, archives, and personal information. For history writers and creative fiction and nonfiction authors, this workshop will dive deep and teach authors how to get to the truth and bring it to light. History is a sleuthing and rewarding adventure!
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Sept 12th
How to Finish Your Book Faster and Enjoy the Journey
Presented by Lorraine Haatiaa
Founder of Prolific Writer's Life
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Sept 30th
Contest Finalists Chosen
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 TBD
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 Toolbox
Presented by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Nov TBD
The Seven Deadly Sins of Romance Writing
Presented by Donna Hatch
Become a member now for more details! Join now!
Nov TBD
The Arizona Authors Literary Awards Event
Nov TBA
Green Valley Holiday Book Fair
More Information Coming soon!
Dec TBD
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!

