GRAVETTE — Gravette author Radine Trees Nehring joined a select group of Arkansas authors when she was inducted into the Arkansas Writers’ Hall of Fame.

The award was made during a luncheon in Little Rock held June 3. Inductees are chosen by the Arkansas Pioneer Branch of American Pen Women and the board of the Arkansas Writers Conference.

“This was an incredible experience for me,” Radine told the Eagle Observer. “I’ve known I was this year’s inductee for a couple of months because of preparatory work that needed to be done, but I was sworn to secrecy and told only my husband, my sister and brother-in-law and my editor. Because ofthe lead time I was sure I’d be ‘cool’ at the presentation but I wasn’t. I cried. I was, however, able to get through my acceptance remarks without dripping tears on the lectern.”

Arkansas author and writing teacher Marilyn Collins introduced this year’s inductee by describing some of Radine’s published written works and her previous awards and honors. Collins then said: “In closing, I want to say a personal word. Our recipient is not only a skilled and talented writer, she is what we as writers should all aspire to be, a friend to otherwriters. Her talent, sharing and generosity set her apart. I am proud to present the 2011 Hall of Fame Award to Radine Trees Nehring.”

Nehring and her husband, photographer John, moved to rural Arkansas several years ago from Tulsa and her book, “Dear Earth, A Love Letter from Spring Valley”, was widely acclaimed and has been published internationally.

Her most recent works include a “To Die For....” mystery series which chronicles adventures in local settings, including Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, the Buffalo River and even the Gravette area. Her novels have won numerous national awards andshe and her husband are featured at writers’ conferences throughout a wide region.

Nehring appeared as a guest Saturday, July 2, on radio stations KTHS, 107.1 FM and 1480 AM.

She is a member of Ozark Writers League, Sisters in Crime and Authors Guild and represents the state of Arkansas on the Board of Mystery Writers of America, Southwest Chapter.

Nehring joins previous inductees, including Dee Brown (”Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”); Charles Portis (”True Grit”); Miller Williams, (National Poet Laureate during the Bill Clinton presidential years), Paul Greenberg, Donald Harington, and Charlaine Harris.

Community, Pages 12 on 07/06/2011