WRITERS CONFAB BEGINS TODAY

SIKESTON -- More than 130 people are registered for this year's Heartland Writer's Conference, which will attract New York agents and editors, a Hollywood producer and more than 30 published authors.

The sixth annual conference begins today and continues through Saturday at the Best Western Coach House Inn. The conference is being held in Sikeston this year for the first time.

The authors, agents and editors will conduct seminars over the three days and also will be available to participants for one-on-one meetings.

Among the stars of this year's conference will be perennial favorite Robert Vaughan, a Sikeston writer who has had more than 300 books published under a variety of pseudonyms. This year Vaughan won the Spur Award for Best Western Original Paperback Novel for "Survival: A Story of the Conner Party."

Also speaking to participants will be New Madrid High School graduate William Johnstone, author of 140 published works; and Connie Bennett of Dexter, who was nominated for a RITA award this year for her novel "Single With Children."

Another popular writer returning will be Eileen Dreyer, winner of four RITA awards for romance novels published under the name Kathleen Korbel.

She also has written a psychological suspense novel, "Bad Medicine," currently on the Waldenbooks Bestsellers List.

Among a number of newcomers to this year's conference will be Robert Randisi, who has written more than 250 books in the mystery and western categories.

Also new at this year's conference will be Tom O'Haver, a producer with New Line Cinema. O'Haver will discuss ways for screenwriters to sell to Hollywood.

Also speaking this year will be Dr. Mary Case, who is the chief medical examiner for St. Charles, Franklin and St. Louis counties and one of the leading forensic pathologists in the country. She will help mystery writers with their questions about poisons, serial killers, DNA evidence and violent deaths.

A new feature of the conference this year will be the Heartland Festival of Books, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at River Birch Mall. The event is open to the public and will make 20 authors available to talk about and autograph their books.

There also will be a writing competition, with prizes awarded in 10 different genres. Winners get a private interview with the agent or editor of their choice.

"I don't know of any other conference that provides so much access to the professionals that have buying power," says Jacqueline Close of Jackson, coordinator of this year's conference.

For more information about the conference, phone Close at 243-0254.