The James River Writers 2014 Conference Committee starts working in January to make sure all the details are in place by October. They do it for one reason: They love the conference. We asked our committee members to share their favorite part of the James River Writers Conference.

Lana Krumwiede
Lana Krumwiede

 

“Attending a writers conference was the first time I felt like a ‘real’ writer. The same thing happens every year—the conference is an affirming statement to myself that says, ‘This is who you are.’ I want every conference-goer to feel that way!”

 

 

Dave Kazzie
Dave Kazzie

 

My favorite part of the conference is that for an entire weekend, I get to surround myself with people who know both the joy and suffering of writing.”

 

 

 

 

 

Robin Farmer
Robin Farmer

 

“The best part for me is seeing the ‘aha’ moments other writers have when a speaker says something that resonates. You can tell by murmurs, gestures, the rapid jotting of notes, or enthusiastic nods. You hear it when attendees spill into the hall and discuss what new insight, tool, or tip just made their day. Hell, it’s discovering my ‘aha’ moment, too!”

 

 

 

Judy Witt
Judy Witt

 

“At every one of the six JRW conferences I’ve attended, I’ve loved discovering new kinship with so many others who’ve chosen the writing life—what an inspiring family we have!”

 

 

 

 

Jon Sealy
Jon Sealy

 

“I like that the conference is democratic, in that everyone, regardless of genre or career level, can find something of value.”

 

 

 

 

Deb Dudley
Deb Dudley

 

“The James River Writers Conference is a fabulous mix of top-notch speakers, enthusiastic participants, and valuable writing tips perfectly blended with Richmond’s southern hospitality.”

 

 

 

 

Al Barnes
Al Barnes

 

“I think I enjoy the interaction between the breakout sessions as much as the sessions; where else can you find yourself sitting with a poet on one side, a children’s book writer on the other, and a gothic novelist in front?”

 

 

 

 

Erica Orloff
Erica Orloff

 

“I love the down time in between panels, when it’s just writers from all over standing around talking books and writing and which speakers they heard, and there’s this energy filling the place up.”

 

 

 

 

(Remaining members of the conference committee are Leila Gaskin, Lee Bloxom, Tiffany Cardoza, Melissa Bybee and Joanna Lee. You’ll be hearing from them in a future issue.)

What do you love about the conference?

The James River Writers Conference will be held October 17-19, 2014 in Downtown Richmond, Virginia

Click here to register today!