JRW News Release

September 25, 2013

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Sheila Sheppard Loveladay, Program Director

804-433-3790, info@JamesRiverWriters.org

2013 James River Writers Conference Brings Publishing Professionals to Richmond

Richmond, VA — What has been declared “one of the best writing conferences in America” by nationally renowned author and book doctor, David Henry Sterry, returns for its eleventh year this October.

A part of the Virginia Literary Festival, the 2013 James River Writers Conference will include speakers such as award-winning book designer and author Chip Kidd, award-winning author Lee Smith, best-selling and award-winning author Christopher McDougall, National Book Award-winner Kathryn Erskine, award-winning novelist Lydia Netzer, five literary agents available for one-on-one sessions with attendees, book doctors Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry hearing live pitches at “Pitchapalooza,” and many more.

“JRW is known for its camaraderie. Some of the most respected literary agencies, a designer who changed the face of books, and innovative publishers are in central Virginia's backyard for one weekend and everyone is invited,” says conference chair Kristi Tuck Austin. “Mingle with agents over coffee, chat during lunch with nationally-renowned authors, and form relationships that will grow with you and your art for years.” 

On Saturday, October 19^th and Sunday, October 20^th, the JRW Conference will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Pre-conference master classes will be held on Friday, October 18^th at the Virginia State Capitol with workshop subjects ranging from “DIY Book Apps” with app designer Michael Portis and award-winning author Gigi Amateau to “Getting in Your Character’s Skin” with National Book Award-winner Kathryn Erskine.

“Panels are designed to be relevant no matter where writers are in their careers,” continues Austin. “Attendees can follow one track that includes panels covering everything from finding ideas to the submission process. A craft track delves into topics like character and plot; another furthers their business savvy.”

James River Writers is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in central Virginia. The 2013 conference is supported by BrownGreer, VCU Libraries, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Fraga Studios, CultureWorks, Dominion, Hunton & Williams, Art Works, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Registration for the two-day conference is $240; one-day passes are $170, and pre-conference master classes are $40 each. Visit JamesRiverWriters.org for more details.