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.
August Nuts & Bolts Lunchtime Series with Brynn Markham
AUGUST 2026 NUTS & BOLTS SERIES | BUSINESS FOCUS
THE PARTNERSHIP PATH: GETTING YOUR WORK INTO READERS’ HANDS
with Brynn Markham
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
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.
AUGUST 12 | Part 1: Working with Libraries
Brynn will walk you through:
- The basics of getting your book onto library shelves/their online catalogs
- Participating in library events to garner interest with library visitors
- Developing relationships with library staff
- When applicable, how to work with school libraries
AUGUST 19 | Part 2: Working with Bookstores
Brynn will walk you through:
- What bookstores are looking for/how to get on their shelves
- Forging meaningful relationships beyond bookstore owners
- Do’s and Dont’s of working with Bookstores
AUGUST 26 | Part 3: Working with Community Partners
Brynn will walk you through:
- Identifying the themes and elements of your work that can relate to community partners
- Identifying potential partnerships with fellow authors
- Identifying relevant voices to share your work with others
About Your Instructor
This programming is 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
