The Emyl Jenkins Award

To honor the memory of Emyl Jenkins, who died in 2010, James River Writers each year presents an award to an organization or person who, as Emyl did, makes Virginia a better place for writers. Read the press release (PDF) announcing the winners of the 2011 Emyl Jenkins Award, and scroll down for information about the 2012 Award.

An advocate for writers and their readers, Emyl had a knack for connecting both people and organizations. She shared her time and expertise with everyone she encountered. She encouraged writers at all levels, especially fledglings trying to get those first words down on the page. Her generous spirit and her enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone she touched, and her actions widened the circle of writing encouragement.

Award Guidelines

Who may enter 
Any Virginia individual or organization that, in the same spirit as Emyl Jenkins, makes Virginia a better place for writers.

Procedure
Entry must explain in no more than 500 words how the nominee makes Virginia a better place for writers.

Entry must include contact information (e-mail and phone) for the nominator and two others who can further illuminate the nominee’s qualifications.

Send nominations by e-mail to info@jamesriverwriters or by regular mail to James River Writers, 320 Hull St., #136, Richmond, VA 23224.

There is no entry fee.

Members of the JRW board of directors and the JRW advisory board are not eligible.

The contest opens Jan. 1, 2012. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2012.

Judging
A panel of judges, chosen from the JRW board of directors and JRW membership to represent different levels of writing experience, will pick the winner. They will choose the nominee who best matches Emyl Jenkins’ efforts to make Virginia a better place for writers.

That could be by connecting people and organizations around the written word, by sharing time and expertise about writing or by encouraging writers.

Announcement of winner
At the JRW spring fundraiser in 2012, the winner will receive an award that honors Emyl Jenkins’ work and reflects her style.

Questions? Call (804) 433-3790 or e-mail info@jamesriverwriters.

Read more about Emyl Jenkins.