The University Libraries are pleased to announce the 2025 inductee to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, Jarret Keene

Jarret Keene stands posed in front of a pyramid.

Jarret Keene is an assistant professor in the Department of English at UNLV, where he teaches fiction writing, American literature, and the history of the graphic novel. He is the series editor for Las Vegas Writes, sponsored by Nevada Humanities and published by Huntington Press. He is the author of the dystopian adventure novel Hammer of the Dogs (University of Nevada Press), and the middle grade books Decide and Survive: The Attack on Pearl Harbor, Decide and Survive: The Battle of Gettysburg, and Heroes of World War II: 25 True Stories of Unsung Heroes Who Fought for Freedom, published by Bushel & Peck. Keene’s Kid Crimson trilogy of Western novels was published in 2024 by Wolfpack Publishing. His latest book is the story collection Gateways to Annihilation, published by Dark Wolf in 2025. Keene has been interviewed by Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, EcoTheo Review, Library Thing, Black Fox Literary Magazine, and Coast to Coast AM.

Mark your calendars for the celebration November 7th, 7pm at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno.

Updated information and ticket sales will be available here in September.

  • 2024 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame program participants, Hall of Fame inductee and Silver Pen awardee stand for a group photo in advance of the post-induction book signing and reception.
  • With 146 guests in attendance, the 2024 – or – 37th annual Nevada Writers Hall of Fame was a well-attended success!
  • University of Nevada, Reno Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Casilde A. Isabelli and her husband make their way from the Sponsor and VIP reception to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame event inside the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
  • Dean of University Libraries Catherine Cardwell and President/CEO - KNPB-TV Kurt Mische have their photo taken at the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame post-induction reception which took place inside of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
  • 2024 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Inductee Michael Branch gave a humor-filled reading from one of his novels; this one in particular going into detail about his disdain for musicals and of all musicals, The Sound of Music specifically!
  • John Trent author of “The University of Nevada, 1874–2024: 150 Years of Inspiring Excellence” is seen here signing copies of the newly released book.
  • 2024 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Inductee Michael Branch signs copies of his various books at the Libraries’ Nevada Writers Hall of Fame event.
  • Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Silver Pen awardee Laura Newman signs an oversized book cover at the University Libraries’-sponsored event.
  • John Trent (left) and Dean of University Libraries Catherine Cardwell (right) pose for a photo after Trent shared comments regarding the celebration of the University’s sesquicentennial as well as working in collaboration with the Libraries in the creation of the collectable 150th coffee table book.
  • Shaun Griffin, 2014 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Inductee, 1998 Silver Pen Awardee, visits with guests attending the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame sponsor and VIP reception in advance of the main event.
  • With close to 150 guests in attendance at the 2024 event, the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame event and the community’s passion for Nevada-born writing is alive and well.
  • A group of Nevada Writers Hall of Fame members and award winners gather for a photo during the post-induction reception and book signing. Left to right: Christopher Coake, Mark Maynard, Debbie Loesch-Griffin, Lindsay Wilson, Shaun Griffin, Alicia Barber, Stephanie Lauer.
 

Nevada Writers Hall of Fame sponsors

We are very grateful to our generous sponsors who make the Nevada Writer’s Hall of Fame possible.

Champion level

NAI Alliance - Kelly and Annette Bland
Joseph and Kathy Guild, the Clark Guild Family Trust

Literary Lion level

Betty Hulse and Family
Linda Wyckoff
Joan Zenan
Marilyn Melton

Laureate level

Dale and Bobbi Lazzarone
Craig Questa
Ruth Gregory

Bibliophile level

Patricia Cafferata, Esq.
Millie Mitchell
Janice Pine

Patron level

Thomas Cook
Robert and Susan McQuaid

Silver Pen sponsorship

Heidi Struve Currey / Eagles' Wings Struve Family Fund

Support the event

If you are interested in supporting the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame event via sponsorship, please contact Maggie Ressel or make your donation online

Make a donation Email Maggie

Get to know the authors we have recognized

Hall of Fame Inductees
Silver Pen Awardees