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!
Early-bird rates available through July 31.
CLICK HERE to Explore our 2026 Options
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.
UNEXPECTED WARRIOR: Amanda Jones is THAT Librarian | An Online Advocacy Discussion with Meg Medina
Amanda Jones is a middle school librarian, an activist, and the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America. She has served as President of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians, was distinguished as the 2021 School Library Journal Librarian of the Year, and named to the 2025 TIME100 Next list. Amanda gained national attention for fighting book bans in her home state of Louisiana, which led her to pen That Librarian, to share about her experience.
In this James River Writers advocacy discussion, Amanda will share about her unexpected journey to becoming a leading voice for intellectual freedom and anti-censorship. In an online conversation with Newbery Medalist and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, Amanda will talk about how the book banning landscape has changed over the last few years, the wider implications of these book bans, and what part we can all take in countering censorship in our own communities.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship
When: Tuesday, June 16 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Eastern | Online via Zoom
Cost: $5 registration fee will be donated to Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship
Location: Online, in the comfort of your own home. Via the Zoom Platform
Registrants will be emailed the Zoom link to join upon registraton. After the event, registrants will be sent a link to the program, and you may watch it at your leisure for thirty days.
This Advocacy Discussion is sponsored by
ONLINE WRITERS WEDNESDAY | June 2026
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.
Date: June 10, 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
