2017 James River Writers Conference

Pre-Conference Master Classes

Friday, October 13, 2017 at Richmond Public Library – Main Branch, 101 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219

General Sessions

Saturday, October 14 – Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, 23219

Join us October 13-15, 2017 for our 15th annual conference
in Richmond, Virginia

FIND OUT MORE!

Register Today

On Richmond TV news

Learn about JRW’s 15th Annual Conference from award-winning children and young adult author, Gigi Amateau and Executive Director, Katharine Herndon, on Virginia This Morning on 6News WTVR. 

Hear about JRW’s 15th Annual Conference from JRW’s Executive Director, Katharine Herndon on News8 WRIC

 

On the radio

Listen to award-winning children and young adult author, Meg Medina, and JRW’s Executive Director, Katharine Herndon, as they discuss the 15th Annual JRW Conference on iHeart Radio

September Writing Show: Stepping up to the Stage: Pitching, Book Talks, and Author Readings

Writers dream of the moment they step up to the stage. But how can our voice, our stance, our speed, and our substance live up the potential we want to share? Speech coach and media expert Joan Bowling will share her best advice to let your words shine, whether they’re said in an elevator with an industry pro or in front of a television camera. At this specially designed pre-conference event, attendees will have a chance to give their brief book pitches or share a mini reading to gain personalized advice from a pro. You don’t want to miss it!

Register Today

 

SPEAKERS

Joan Bowling

Joan Bowling

Joan Bowling is a top motivational sales trainer, speaker and presentation coach.  She is passionate about the world of sales, is a skilled teacher and loves the spoken word.  As owner of Joan Bowling Presents, LLC, her witty style and easy communication inspire others to make the changes they need to communicate more effectively to engage more fully with customers, clients, and staff.

Her devotion to selling was recognized with a coveted Sammie award for broadcast sales. She is a five-time Sterling Club winner for direct marketing sales and was twice nominated as the National Association of Women Business Owners’ (NAWBO) Member of the Year and is the recipient of the coveted National Speaker’s Association/Virginia 2011 Idol Virginia award. She received Second Place in the 2017 Toastmasters District 66 International Speech Competition.

Joan’s career began in broadcast sales for nearly two decades, live television hosting for 10 years, and co-founded a successful Richmond advertising agency. 

If her voice sounds familiar in Virginia, you’ve probably heard Joan’s radio commercials for Strange’s Florist.  Or you might have visited a gas station, where she was the voice of the gas pump!

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Joan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Pittsburgh in English Education.  She is immediate Past President of the National Speakers Association/Virginia, former Area Director for Toastmasters and attends Powhatan Community Church.  She is also proud to serve on the development team of GraceInside, Virginia’s Prison Ministry. 

Balancing roles within her blended family, she enjoys quilting, working out and making cheesecakes (thus the reason she works out!) and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh sports teams in her free time.

Website: joanbowling.com

MODERATOR

Kristi Tuck Austin

Kristi Tuck Austin

 

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.