Women authors, publisher unite for Pie Town literary event

Proving once again that Pie Town is more than just pies, a different kind of gathering is set to take place this weekend, one that celebrates words, stories and the women who write them.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Pie Town Pie Company will host a local author event featuring about ten writers from Catron County and beyond. The free event, organized by Kelly Zufelt and supported by Pie Company owner Sarah Chavez, will spotlight the growing literary community in rural New Mexico.

Zufelt recently launched her own publishing house, Zu Homestead Publishing, from her off-grid homestead in Pie Town. Zufelt, who writes children’s books under the name K.C. Zufelt, said she was inspired by established author Uncle River to take the leap into publishing. Her company’s first release was River’s The Cosmic Cycle and a Life it Created, alongside her own children’s book, Chicken Scratch.

“I felt why just put my hard work out there,” Zufelt said. “We live in a creative community out here in Catron County, and I thought how fun it would be to get those creative minds together for a meet and greet.”

The lineup of authors underscores the strength of women’s voices in the region.

Lif Strand of Quemado, whose Mangas County Mysteries series touches on several issues, will be present. Her novels tackle issues ranging from eco-terrorism and wolf depredation to human trafficking and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Strand, who once worked as a reporter and natural resource analyst, said fiction allows her to express the emotions she couldn’t include in government reports.

Bobbie Jo Lieberman, a veteran equine journalist, has served as Senior Editor of EQUUS magazine and Editor of TRAILBlazer. She coauthored Sassy Salad Secrets in 2016, inspired by her own journey reversing Type II diabetes through plant-based nutrition. Lieberman continues to freelance on equine health topics and is currently working on a book about pathways to inner peace.

For Strand, the event is a chance to connect with readers and fellow writers. “Community support is great. Marketing books is tough work, so any help an author gets is great,” she said.

Lieberman echoed the sentiment, noting that nearly all her publishing connections have been women. “Who else but a woman would do it?” she said.

The event reflects a broader trend of female-led initiatives in publishing and literature, especially in small towns where community ties run deep. Zufelt hopes her work will make publishing more accessible for emerging voices.

“Traditional publishing is an expensive and complicated route to take in today’s digital world,” she said. “I hope to simplify and lessen the financial burden and help people get their voice recognized.”

With Chavez providing the venue at no charge, the Pie Town gathering is as much about community as it is about books. Attendees will have the chance to meet authors, hear their stories, and purchase signed copies, just in time to give as holiday gifts.

The event will take place at Pie Town Pie Company, formerly Pie-O-Neer, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m.