The James River Writers were formed by Richmond writers who saw the need for a literary community that would facilitate networking, publishing, resources, workshops, and generally encourage the writing craft. They've built an acknowledged organization of several hundred strong eager to support local writers, prompt discussion and creation, and inspire readership. The JRW offers panel discussions, meet and greets, master classes, and workshops in schools. Their Writing Show panel discussions convene experts to discuss an aspect of the writing process -- for example, having forensic investigators and police officers discuss 'true-to-life' crime fiction. Other recent topics include interviewing skills, marketing, the editing process, writing a screenplay, and writing for young adults. Their eleventh annual James River Writers Conference will be held on October 19 and 20, at the tail end of the Virginia Literary Festival (October 15 - 20). The upcoming conference includes: book designer Chip Kidd on "How to Fail Better," award-winning author Christopher McDougall (âBorn to Runâ), the "Book Doctors" duo who founded Pitchapalooza, several agents, and several award-winning authors, including Kathryn Erskine (âMockingbirdâ). For more information, visit http://www.jamesriverwriters.org.
Elaine Summerfield, host Jay Westermann, sound engineer