LITERARY LAS VEGAS

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Henderson Writers' Group founder Jo. A. Wilkins, who writes under the name J.A. Wilkins, has been busy lately.

Wearing the hat of Henderson Writers' Group's president, she's been helping plan the 2008 Las Vegas Writers' Conference set for Thursday through Sunday at Sam's Town. The conference sold out weeks ago, but the group plans to host a meet and mingle author reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday in the Ponderosa Room at Sam's Town. The free event is open to the public.

As an author, Wilkins and her writing partner Richard Draude, who writes under the name R. R. Draude, have recently released "Tyranny's Alliance," the third book in their five-part science fiction series. The first book in the series, "Tyranny's Outpost," has just been re-released.

Wilkins and Draude also serve other area writers as founders of Henderson-based Mystic Publishers.

In addition to the Tyranny series, Wilkins is working on a murder mystery she said is based loosely on personal experiences.

For more information about the conference or the reception, visit www.Lasvegaswritersconference.com or call 564-2488. To learn more about Mystic Publishers, visit mysticpublishers.com.

Excerpt from "Tyranny's Outpost"

The vehicle left the shoulder, entering the far side of the bridge, and Russ didn't hesitate. These two couldn't have seen us yet, he thought.

Pulling the rifle he carried to his shoulder, he took aim and fired. The windshield of the transport exploded. The driver bounced back against the seat, rebounded, and came to rest, slumped against the steering wheel. But the vehicle continued onto the bridge, heading directly toward Russ and Alex. Unable to see past the glare of the now-oncoming headlights, Russ tried for a second shot, firing blindly at the passenger in the cab.

"Look out!" Alex shouted at Russ as he fired at the privateer who'd jumped from the passenger side of the transport. But he missed, still blinded by the lights of the oncoming vehicle.

Russ shielded his eyes and caught a glimpse of their foe running back toward the far end of the bridge.

Momentarily outlined in the glare of the transport's headlights, Russ dodged a volley of shots from the fleeing privateer.

As Russ slipped into the darkness, realizing Alex was still in the path of the oncoming transport, he shouted, "Alex, look out! Get out of the way!"