In 2002, three Richmond-area writers — Dean King, Phaedra Hise, and David L. Robbins — came together to form a group where literary-minded folks around the city could exchange writing and ideas. The main attraction, they decided, would be an annual writer’s conference. 

Months later, Richmonder Katharine Herndon read an advertisement for the conference in the newspaper. An aspiring writer at the time, she decided to attend.

“I remember being really excited because you come into the auditorium, and you’re surrounded by people who were writing,” said Herndon. “Usually that’s something quiet you do in your house, and you don’t get to meet a whole bunch of other people who are doing it at the same time.” 

This feeling of shared purpose led Herndon to become a regular and volunteer at James River Writers. In 2013, she was appointed the organization’s Executive Director, which she remains to this day. Now, through her leadership, she tries to cultivate those same feelings of excitement and togetherness she felt over 20 years ago in a group that has grown to more than 450 members.

The 2025 James River Writers Conference will be held October 3-5 at the Richmond Convention Center. All registrants to the conference will have access to writing workshops, a wide range of panels on writing and publishing, networking lunches, and meetings with literary agents. Registration ends on September 29. 

“The support and the inspiration and the uplift from the [conference] weekend is so important,” Herndon said. “It’s the thing that keeps me here. It’s the thing that keeps me coming back.”

“It’s amazing to be in a group where they don’t even know you, but because you’re there at a writer’s conference, everybody believes you’re a writer,” Herndon continued. “You don’t have to prove yourself or be like, here’s my résumé, here’s the magazine article I just published.”

Brynn Markham, Director of Programs and Communications, wants to make certain that local writers have the practical information they need to navigate the often opaque process of submitting, querying, and publishing. 

“People are like, ‘That’s not my skillset; my skillset is writing. How do I do this?’ So we are able to connect them to agents, editors, and publishing companies to give them the tools that they need,” Markham said. 

But the centerpiece of JRW’s programming remains the annual conference. 

“It brings people from all over,” Herndon said of the conference. In recent years, conference attendees have visited from as far away as Texas, California, Canada, and Alaska. “We do have a national reputation. I think Richmond is getting known for being an artistic community.” 

Local writer Shannon Thomas is excited to attend her very first JRW Conference this October. She only recently attended her first JRW event and was hooked almost immediately. 

“When I saw an email for a ‘Writer’s Wednesday’ designated to help find a critique partner, I knew I had to go,” she said.

When she arrived at the event, the space was bustling with writers. For a moment, Thomas felt anxious and out of her element. But just as she was wondering whether she should leave, Brynn Markham sat across the table from Thomas and asked Thomas about her writing. 

“Next thing I knew, I was telling her about everything I’ve written, my publishing aspirations, and why I decided to come to this Writer’s Wednesday,” Thomas said. “She told me that I was exactly where I needed to be. And when I got up to talk with some of the other authors there, I realized how much I needed to find this community.” 

The connections Thomas made at that Writer’s Wednesday were lasting and fruitful.

“Being an author is lonely,” Thomas said. “It’s wonderful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer different perspectives on your work.”

Like Thomas, writer and recently appointed JRW board member Nikki Savoy says she always leaves JRW events feeling better connected and supported. “I’ve found a small group of writers that I check in with regularly,” Savoy said. “We critique each other’s work and keep each other updated on all things writing and publishing.” 

For Savoy, the conference isn’t only good for community building, it’s also good for professional outcomes. “The conference is great for putting industry leaders [in touch with] writers from all over the state,” Savoy said. “I’ve gleaned so much listening to agents and authors.” 

At the 2023 conference, Savoy met with a literary agent and received feedback on her unpublished manuscript.

“It was a great confidence boost for me,” Savoy said. “And I did end up signing with an agent two months later.” 

Markham believes JRW leadership tries to balance the conference's cost with the need to pay JRW’s speakers fairly, among other considerations.

“We try to make it as accessible as possible,” Markham said. “The venue cost is the biggest thing. We try to use the relationships we have, but [those relationships] are usually with other nonprofits who need to make money.”

In July of 2026, for the first time in years, JRW will host a fundraiser to help offset rising costs. 

One lucky writer gains free entry into the conference each year by winning JRW’s annual “Unpublished Novel Contest.” Winners also receive an honorarium, acknowledgement at the conference, and written feedback from the contest judges. 

The 2023 contest winner, Alexis Stratton, was impressed by the intimacy and community of the conference. “I’ve been to some very big national writing conferences. Compared to some of those, JRW feels like a really warm space where you can find connection and encouragement.” 

“I’ve been to two conferences now, and I leave every conference feeling like my cup is full, and like I’m inspired,” Stratton added. “There are options to share your contact information after those sessions in order to find beta readers or really connect with someone who you’ve met. In particular I’ve met some other queer writers who are living in the area.” 

Across the spectrum at JRW, from its newest members to its longest-serving staff, is a persistent and growing concern that artists and art institutions — not only in Richmond, but everywhere — are increasingly vulnerable.

Accordingly, Markham believes that JRW’s work has never been more urgent and vital.

“Art is more important than ever,” said Markham. “And writing especially, to tell your stories and process what’s going on. We want people to find the joy in doing their art.”

Stratton believes JRW plays a crucial role in the city as a shelter and support system to artists made vulnerable by the recent political climate.

“Arts are really under attack right now, as are the humanities and LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. And so many spaces are being impacted by government funding cuts,” said Stratton. “So it’s more important than ever to have spaces like James River Writers where everyone is welcome, where the arts are uplifted, and where it’s a big tent. Everybody can come be a part of it and belong.”