Local author recognized at New Mexico Book Awards

Local Las Cruces author, Charmayne Samuelson, and her book, “Mata Ortiz Poetry of the Clay,” an art book of pottery featuring 24 Master Mata Ortiz, Mexico potters, enhanced by her original poetry, have been awarded in five categories by the New Mexico Book Awards announced Oct.1.

The books were judged over the summer by booksellers, librarians, teachers, authors, publishers, agents, and avid readers living in the Southwest and as far away as Massachusetts. Samuelson notes that these five awards for this book will be added to the two National and International Winner Awards in the past few months.

Samuelson's book in the New Mexico Book Awards captured first place in the winner arts category, and was a finalist in four other categories: multicultural, cover design, coffee table book, and poetry.

According to the Lisa McCoy, director of the New Mexico Book Awards, in previous years, the finalists and winners of this award have been announced separately, but McCoy decided to celebrate finalists and winners together during this transition year. 

"Since I began directing the awards program, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with local authors,” McCoy said, “and I’m excited to give both winners and finalists a chance to celebrate together, and to continue spreading the word about these amazing books.”

New Mexico Writers/New Mexico Book Awards is planning publicity events around the state for winners and finalists of the 2025 New Mexico Book Awards. All of the winners and finalists can be seen here: https://nmwriters.org/nm-book-awards/

You will have an opportunity to meet Samuelson at the upcoming Southern New Mexico Book Festival Oct. 11, 2025, at the DACC East Campus in Las Cruces. A festival of authors and books will be held from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.and Samuelson will be signing several of her 11 titles and presenting a workshop on the creative process at 11:15 a.m. She will also give a reading from her Mata Ortiz Poetry of the Clay book at 1 p.m.