THE ORIGIN STORY

About Readers of the Valley

Readers of the Valley (ROTV) is a community-rooted literary event organization based in Arizona, founded in January 2025 by author and entrepreneur Becca Lopez.

Created from a love of storytelling and authentic connection, ROTV was built to offer something different from traditional convention-style events. Every experience is intentionally designed to feel welcoming, immersive, approachable, and community-centered.

What started as a simple pop-up event quickly evolved into one of Arizona’s growing bookish communities, bringing together readers, indie authors, artists, vendors, creators, and small businesses through thoughtfully curated literary experiences.

ROTV events range from large-scale author and vendor markets to intimate networking socials, retreats, educational panels, themed gatherings, and immersive community experiences.

BEHIND OUR MISSION

To create spaces where readers and creators alike feel welcomed, inspired, connected, and celebrated.

ROTV proudly champions:

  • Indie and local authors
  • Small businesses and handmade vendors
  • Diverse and own voices storytelling
  • LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces
  • Creative collaboration and community building
  • Accessible and immersive literary experiences

As the organization continues to expand across Arizona, Readers of the Valley remains rooted in supporting independent creatives while fostering meaningful relationships through books, storytelling, and community.

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BECCA LOPEZ

MEET THE FOUNDER

Becca Lopez is the creator and founder of Bookish Becca Co., the visionary behind Readers of the Valley, and a contemporary romance author based in Arizona.

A lifelong storyteller, Becca began writing screenplays at just eleven years old before transitioning into novels through fanfiction and eventually original contemporary romance. Her stories are known for emotionally driven characters, heartfelt relationships, and immersive storytelling.

Her passion for creativity naturally expanded beyond writing into entrepreneurship and community building.

Through Bookish Becca Co., Becca creates intentional small-batch self-care products including goat’s milk soaps, lotions, soy-wax candles, and wax melts. Many scents are designed in collaboration with authors to capture the essence of fictional worlds, beloved characters, and emotional moments from stories.

Driven by her love for books and community, Becca launched Readers of the Valley to create welcoming literary experiences that uplift indie authors, small businesses, artists, vendors, and readers alike.

Each ROTV event is built around connection, creativity, inclusivity, and the shared joy of storytelling.

Whether she’s writing her next romance novel, hosting a bustling literary market, or crafting book-inspired products, Becca’s goal remains the same:

To create spaces where people feel seen, inspired, welcomed, and connected.