2025 Laxalt Distinguished Writer John L. Smith By Reynolds School of Journalism
The University of Nevada, Reno Reynolds School of Journalism is pleased to announce John L. Smith as the 2025 Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer. A proud Nevadan, longtime journalist and author of several books, Smith will be recognized as this year’s Laxalt Distinguished Writer and present his talk “The Fight to Tell the Nevada Story" on Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Auditorium.
VISIT THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
ABOUT THE PROGRAM — The Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer Program was established posthumously in 2001 to inspire new generations of writers in honor of Laxalt, who developed from news reporter to fiction and nonfiction author during his prolific career. Considered by many to be Nevada’s finest writer, Laxalt founded the University of Nevada Press and wrote 17 books, four of which were entered for the Pulitzer Prize. He also wrote for National Geographic and served as a professor in the Reynolds School for 18 years, teaching magazine writing and literary journalism.
John has more than four decades of experience covering Las Vegas, the West, organized crime, the gaming industry, and politics. He works in multiple genres, including investigative nonfiction, biography, history, fiction, and poetry. Married to the writer Sally Denton, he is the father of an adult daughter, Amelia, and the stepfather of three sons. He is based in Nevada and New Mexico.
NOW AVAILABLE — My Life in Nevada Politics — The Memoirs of Richard H. Bryan
by Richard H. Bryan and John L. Smith from University of Nevada Press
My Life in Nevada Politics tells the entertaining, informative, and at times poignant story of the rise of Richard Bryan from humble beginnings in Las Vegas to the pinnacle of Nevada politics during a time of great change across the state and nation. Through his memoir, Bryan provides keen insight into the mechanics of politics, and the book serves as a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Silver State.
STORIES OF REAL-LIFE HIGH ROLLERS, SHADY PLAYERS AND UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS
YOUNG ADULT — FIELDS OF SILVER AND GOLD SERIES
John L. Smith — Longtime Las Vegas newspaper columnist, Freelance Writer and Author
John's stories have appeared in a variety of publications and wire services, such as: Rolling Stone, New Lines magazine, The Daily Beast, Desert Companion, The Nevada Independent, The New York Daily News, Pasatiempo magazine, Readers Digest, Reuters, Ruralite, Searchlight New Mexico, and Time.