What we’re about
James River Writers is a non-profit organization that builds community by connecting and inspiring writers and all those in central Virginia with a love of the written word. Wherever you are in your writing journey, we invite you to learn about JRW, participate in our programs and become a member today.
Please note that JRW only endorses events on our Meetup page sponsored by James River Writers. Other event listings are provided for informational purposes only to support the literary community as a whole.
Beginning on June 1, 2018, JRW's MeetUp page will only be listing events directly organized by JRW. There are several great Richmond-based literary arts calendars, including CultureWorks, if you are looking for a wider variety of offerings.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ASK AN AGENT! Special In-Person Edition of The Writing ShowThe Innerwork Center, Richmond, VA
What: Special Edition of the Writing Show: Ask an Agent
Where: The Innerwork Center | 213 Roseneath Rd, Richmond, VA 23221
When: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Featuring: Literary Agent Rick Lewis | Moderated by Phil Hilliker
Cost: $15 Members | $22 Non-MembersYOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM ON OUR WEBSITE IN ORDER TO ATTEND.
Do you have questions you’d like to ask a literary agent, but you’ve never had the opportunity to do so? Well, we’ve got you covered!
This special edition of the Writing Show features literary agent RICK LEWIS of Martin Literary & Media Management and offers writers a chance to get their burning questions answered by a seasoned literary agent with multi-genre experience. Join us in person at the Innerwork Center for a unique opportunity to hear things straight from an expert in the trenches!When you register for this program, you will be asked to submit your top two questions ahead of time, so please be prepared to do so. While we cannot guarantee we will get to every question submitted, we will do our best. Preference will be given to questions that are applicable to wider audiences. Note that even if Rick doesn’t represent your particular genre, the majority of questions asked of agents can apply to all genres. If we have time, we will also take questions from the audience, but we’ll choose from our pre-submitted questions first.
The Writing Show includes a social time from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm. This portion of the evening is optional. If you choose to only attend the panel discussion, please arrive in time to find parking and be seated before the panel discussion begins at 6:30 pm.
- AI in PUBLISHING featuring JANE FRIEDMAN (Online Advocacy Series)Link visible for attendees
When: Tuesday, May 14 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern
Cost: $5 registration fee will be donated to the Author’s Guild Foundation
Location: Online, in the comfort of your own home. Via the Zoom Platform
Registrants will be emailed the Zoom link to join upon registraton.YOU MUST VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER ONLINE TO ATTEND THIS PROGRAM.
Like it or hate it, artificial intelligence is an inescapable feature of work and life for writing and publishing today. The tools and services you use already include AI technology, including Microsoft Word, Grammarly, Gmail, and Google Docs. Eventually, AI will be an accepted and normal part of the writing and publishing process.
Jane Friedman will discuss how AI is being used by authors and publishers for positive and creative ends. There are legal, safe, and effective ways to use free and paid AI tools to help you with marketing, research, brainstorming, and deciphering the latest contract you’ve been sent. Of course, there are plenty of bad actors using AI, too, and Jane will describe the most prevalent types of fraud or infringement, and what you can do if you find yourself affected. We’ll look at how to talk with your agent and publisher about use of AI in connection with your work, plus other steps you can take to protect your rights and intellectual property.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Authors Guild Foundation.
Featuring JANE FRIEDMAN
Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing.
