James River Writers (JRW) builds community by connecting, supporting, and inspiring writers and lovers of the written word in central Virginia and beyond. We provide programming year-round to help writers at all skill levels develop their craft as well as the business side of their work. In addition to our signature event, the Annual James River Writers Conference, we offer Master Classes, a Writing Show panel discussion series, a Nuts & Bolts essentials workshop series, a Springboard! retreat, monthly JRW Write-Ins, and opportunities for our ever-growing community to socialize and connect through free, monthly Writers Wednesday and free, weekly Thursday Night Writes events. You do not need to be a member to join us for any of our events (though members get great discounts). We hope we’ll see you soon!
Conference Registration is NOW OPEN!
CLICK HERE to Explore our 2026 Options
August Nuts & Bolts Lunchtime Series with Brynn Markham
THE PARTNERSHIP PATH: GETTING YOUR WORK INTO READERS’ HANDS
Writing is your passion, and working toward a finished product is a feat in and of itself. But, what happens when you’re done writing, and you want to get your work into the hands of potential readers? This series will cover the three core partnerships writers must forge in order to get their books out into the world. We will cover libraries, bookstores, and community partners. Learn who you should be talking with, how to form authentic relationships that render positive results for all involved, and how to get them to care enough to offer your books to their customers and possibly even become your biggest cheerleader!
Each class in this series includes: a one-hour online workshop, access to the recording, the Powerpoint used during the class, and additional resources.
BEST BUY: PACKAGE OF 3 CLASSES $50 for Members | $75 for Non-members
A LA CARTE CLASSES: $20 each for Members | $29 each for Non-Members
Wednesdays 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | August 12, 19, & 26
AUGUST 25 | Impacts of AI on the Writing Community (Online Writing Show)
Artificial intelligence tools are reshaping the writing landscape, creating huge potential pitfalls for authors at every stage along with some powerful possibilities. Our panelists will explore ethical considerations, practical applications, and creative boundaries if incorporating AI into your writing process–and if you even should. We’ll talk about leveraging AI as a tool as well as how to protect yourself and your work, and the impacts of this technology on writers and the writing community.
Speakers: Aggie Prakash, Henry Coffey, Boyan Zlatarski, & Moderator Phil Hilliker
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern Time
Location: Online, via the Zoom platform
Cost: $12 Members | $21 Non-members | $5 Students
2026 Write-Ins
Consistency is key to reaching your writing goals. JRW is here to help. Join us most Mondays for online Write-ins, to start the week strong. Use these two-hour blocks of time to cross off anything you have on your writing list. Choose from 8 am – 10am and/or 7 pm – 9 pm.
For details and registration, click HERE.
This programming is supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly.
ONLINE WRITERS WEDNESDAY | September 2026 – Conference Preview!
Community is at the core of everything we do, and Writers Wednesday is the perfect place to strengthen that. Writers Wednesday brings together writers of every experience level and genre in a casual atmosphere to connect, laugh, and revel in a well-deserved break. We rotate hosting these programs online via the Zoom platform and in-person. JRW staff is always on hand to answer any questions you may have about James River Writers, or writing in general. This is a great entry point for those who are new to the James River Writers community. You do not have to be a JRW member to attend! Come for the duration, or drop in as your schedule allows.
This Writers Wednesday will be our Conference Preview! Sign-on to get the ins and outs of the 24th annual James River Writers Conference!
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: Online, via the Zoom platform
Registration: Sign up using this LINK.
Cost: FREE!
Registrants will receive a confirmation email with details and the Zoom link to join. Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
This project was supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly.
THURSDAY NIGHT WRITES | Every Thursday of Each Month | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, In-Person at Unplugged Games Cafe in Richmond, VA
Join us for this gathering of JRW members and general writing enthusiasts. Find inspiration, accountability, and a sympathetic ear for your writing journey. Bring your preferred writing paraphernalia, grab a drink or a bite, get some words written, and hang out with fellow writers.
HELP SUSTAIN JRW FOR YEARS TO COME! 2 WAYS TO GIVE…
Donate to the JRW Annual Fund
