April Writing Show: Building a Publishing Resume: How Authors Can Secure Fellowships, Awards & Prizes

Like with any other career, a resumé helps illustrate the value of your talents. We’ll discuss how achievements and experience can make authors more credible to publishers and to publications seeking contributors. Whether you’re a beginning or a seasoned writer, our panel will share methods for applying for freelance gigs, fellowships, prizes and awards to help build a resumé with serious literary street cred.

Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Meet & Greet at 6:00; program starts at 6:45)

Location: Firehouse Theatre 1609 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220

Price: $12 – Members; $15 Non-members ($5 for students)

REGISTER TODAY

SPEAKERS

Dana Isokawa

Dana Isokawa

Dana Isokawa is the associate editor of Poets & Writers Magazine, where she edits the magazine’s sections on writing contests and fellowships, literary news and trends, and conferences and residencies. She, also, writes the magazine’s column on literary journals, “Literary MagNet,” and helps curate the publication’s annual feature on debut poets. She has served as the interviews editor for Washington Square Review, and has taught creative writing in New York University hospitals. She received her MFA in poetry from New York University.

Join Dana on Thursday, April 26, 2018, for an invaluable Master Class:

MASTER CLASS: The Path to Publication: How to Submit Your Work to Journals and Contests
Bonnie Newman Davis

Bonnie Newman Davis

Bonnie Newman Davis is a media communications consultant whose clients have included Dominion Resources Inc., Virginia Union University, Landmark Communications, the National Association of Black Journalists, Richmond Magazine, Reach Media Inc. and MSNBC Universal. Bonnie also has conducted projects involving research, writing and editing for Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC), Team Up Richmond, The National Urban League, and several academic and cultural institutions.

In addition to running her media consulting business since 1990, Bonnie has worked as a print and digital journalist for news organizations based in Richmond, VA., Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York and Texas. Areas of coverage and specialization include business, secondary education, public affairs and arts and culture. She also has taught courses in public relations, reporting, writing, editing, digital and online media, and journalism ethics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University. Bonnie can be reached online at BND Institute of Media & Culture. 

Martha Steger

Martha Steger

Martha Steger‘s career as a freelance writer and editor acted as “bookends” for her 25-year position as Virginia Tourism Corporation’s public relations director. She freelances for a variety of publications, ranging from the arts, tourism to parenting and business. She’s won more than 100 awards in editing, public relations, and writing everything from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and essays. This month (April) her New York interview with author Tom Wolfe appears in Virginia Business Magazined on the 50th anniversary of the release of his 1968 book, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Her article on long-haul accessible travel is in the April-May issue of Boomer Magazine. She has been active in the Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Professional Communicators, and the Society of American Travel Writers for more than 30 years. She is an Accredited member and Fellow in the Public Relations Society and was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 2001. She and her husband, Tom, have a grown son and daughter and two granddaughters. A native of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, she especially enjoys visiting less-developed destinations situated on oceans.

MODERATOR

Karen Chase

Karen Chase

Karen A. Chase is an author and photographer, and owner of 224design, a branding and design studio. Now represented by Roger Williams Agency, she is seeking representation for two novels in two genres–historical fiction (Carrying Independence) and southern upmarket women’s fiction (Decoys). Her first book, Bonjour 40: A Paris Travel Log, garnered seven independent publishing awards. Originally from Calgary, Canada, Karen is now chasing histories from Richmond, VA. You can find Karen at karenachase.com and on Twitter @KarenAChase.

MASTER CLASS: The Path to Publication: How to Submit Your Work to Journals and Contests

Do you have a poem or story or essay you’d like to submit for publication? In this master class we’ll discuss approaches to submitting your work for publication—where to find contests and journals open to submissions and how to find ones that are a good fit for your work. We’ll cover everything from how to make sure a contest is credible to how to format your piece for submission. Join Dana Isokawa, associate editor of Poets & Writers Magazine, for an in-depth look at journal and contest submissions.

COST: $65 for members; $80 for non-members

DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2018

TIME: 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: St. John’s Church Parish Hall in Church Hill. 2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223

REGISTER

INSTRUCTOR

Dana Isokawa photoDana Isokawa is the associate editor of Poets & Writers Magazine, where she edits the magazine’s sections on writing contests and fellowships, literary news and trends, and conferences and residencies. She writes the magazine’s column on literary journals, Literary MagNet, and also helps curate the publication’s annual feature on debut poets. She has served as the interviews editor for Washington Square Review, and has taught creative writing in New York University hospitals. She received her MFA in poetry from New York University.

 

What is your favorite James River Writers event?

James River Writers Annual Writing Conference
JRW’s signature event connects Central Virginia’s growing literary community with nationally recognized authors, editors, agents, bloggers, and other players in the publishing world.
JRW Writers Farmhouse
This casual meet and greet, held the second Wednesday of every month at Ardent Craft Ales in Scott’s Addition, brings together writers of every genre in a casual atmosphere to connect, laugh, and revel in a well-deserved break from keyboards and screens.
James River Writers Master Classes
Master Classes, where skilled publishing professionals share their knowledge and experience with a small group of writers, are offered at different times and on various topics throughout the year.
James River Writers Literary Salons
In partnership with the Poe Museum, we recreate the grand tradition of the literary salon, an intimate setting to meet and fraternize with local authors and artists, as they in turn guide you in your own writing practice. Literary Salons are held at the Patrick Henry Pub in historic Church Hill, in February, April, June, August, and November, and are free and open to the public.
James River Writers The Writing Show
Educational and interactive, The Writing Show brings you the art and business of writing from the professionals. It’s inspiring. It’s fun. And it’s only happening live in Richmond.
JRW Writers Farmhouse
Writers Farmhouse welcomes members of JRW and other writing enthusiasts to the Midlothian Urban Farmhouse Market & Café every Thursday evening. Bring your laptop or other writing paraphernalia, hang out, get a cup of coffee, get some words written, set your writing goals for the week, and, when needed, find a sympathetic ear.

What is James River Writers all about?

James River Writers builds community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in central Virginia. We invite you to join our mission by becoming a member or a donor today.