Writer Nichols in rare appearance at NM film fest

Writer John Nichols, known for his New Mexico trilogy of novels that included "The Milagro Beanfield War," has made a rare appearance to promote a new documentary based on his life. The 72-year-old Taos, N.M.-based author spoke Friday at the Albuquerque Film Festival following the screening of "Milagro Man: The Irrepressible Multicultural Life and Literary Times of John Nichols." Nichols told the audience that he hadn't seen the film until the screening and was happy to participate in talking about his writing career. The film also explored his life as a social activist, his work as a screen writer and his relationship with celebrities like Robert Redford. Nichols also signed copied of his new book released this week, "On Top of Spoon Mountain." AP