The Writing Show Series – Lively, Moderated Panel Discussions

  Tuesday Evenings | 6 pm – 8:00 pm

$12 JRW Members  |  $17 Non-Members

Writing Show panelists are comprised of authors and other literary professionals that offer an insider’s look at the craft and business of writing. The unique structure of The Writing Show series offers an opportunity for participants to socialize and network before the show begins. The first half of the program is a panel format, where writing experts share thoughts and advice on the evening’s topic. Following the presentation, the audience has the opportunity to participate in a Q&A. A short intermission is offered, when we encourage attendees to take a break, grab a drink, and share their writing successes (completed first drafts, publication, and even rejection letters count!), to help inspire everyone to keep going on their writing journey. Barring any technical difficulties, your registration also includes a follow up email that provides a recording of the program (when hosted online) to view for a limited time.

JRW offers Writing Show memberships that grant you access to all of our Writing Show panels for a discounted rate. Find details HERE.

2024 Writing Show Season

January 23 | IN PERSON at the New Market Building | The Inside Scoop on Bookselling

If you’ve ever wondered how books get into brick and mortar bookstores and if there are any strategies for helping them sell, this Writing Show is for you! JRW invites three area booksellers to the stage to talk about best practices, how and why books get ordered and returned, and tips for making the bookseller/author relationship the best it can be.

This Writing Show is sponsored by Podium.

February 27 | ONLINE | Writing for Younger Audiences 

What’s it like writing for younger readers? When it’s more important than ever to empower young readers, how do you make sure you’re writing the most authentic and engaging work possible? What faux pas are most common when writing about the ever-evolving social scene for young people? Three superstar authors will share their ideas for connecting with audiences.

March 26 – This program was rescheduled to July 30 – see below

April 30 –  ASK AN AGENT: A Special Edition Writing Show with Literary Agent RICK LEWIS | In Person at the Innerwork Center

Details and registration HERE.

May 14  | ONLINE | ADVOCACY SERIES  |  AI in Publishing: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with special guest JANE FRIEDMAN

Details and registration HERE.

July 30 | IN-PERSON at the New Market Building 

Featuring MEG MEDINA – Newbery Medalist and the 2023-2024 Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

(Rescheduled from March 26) Details coming soon…

This Writing Show is sponsored by Podium.

August 20 | ONLINE | Authors (NOT!) Behaving Badly

With social media making it easy to instantly share everyone’s very worst behavior, how do you avoid missteps for yourself and your writing career? We’ll “spill the tea” on good intentions gone wrong and horrible intentions gone nuclear, and we’ll also share best practices for playing well with others.

November 12 |  IN-PERSON | Unlikeable Characters

How unlikeable can a character be before readers give up? How do you layer a character so that they’re well-rounded and believable–flawed, but not too flawed? Our trio of experts will talk about anti-heroes, unpleasant character traits, and pushing the envelope.

Registration is required, and closes at midnight the day before to each Writing Show. Links to access each online program will be emailed to registrants the morning of the show. Schedule may be subject to change. To be sure you don’t miss out on any of our programming, sign up for our e-newsletter HERE.

This programming is supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.