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CRITIQUE PARTNERS & BETA READERS | March 2026 Writing Show (In Person)
One of the most common questions for James River Writers staff is, “How do I find a critique partner?” Well, our panelists can help you with that! Hear from four writers intimately familiar with the ins and outs of critiquing and beta reading. They’ll tell you how to find the right fit, how to develop a thick skin (and when you shouldn’t have to), and how to improve your own skills in critical reading and feedback. As a special bonus, we’ll have networking time after the show, structured by genre, so you can see if your perfect beta reader is in the audience.
Speakers: Kris Coronado, Phil Hilliker, Dr. DaNika Neblett Robinson, and Moderator Katharine Herndon
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern Time
Location: IN PERSON at the Visual Arts Center | 1812 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220
Cost: $12 Members | $21 Non-members
Registration is required and space is limited. Ample parking is available on site.
If you are a Writing Show Member, please be sure to register and claim your spot. This will ensure we have enough seats for all who wish to attend.
The Writing Show includes a social time from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm. This portion of the evening is optional. If you choose to only attend the panel discussion, please arrive in time to find parking and be seated before the panel discussion begins at 6:30 pm.
SPEAKERS
KRIS CORONADOA journalist since she was a teen, Kris Coronado has a proven track record of exploring captivating subjects for outlets such as People, Entertainment Weekly, Redbook, and she is a regular contributor for the Washington Post. She was inspired to write her debut chidlren’s book, Lighthouse Ladies, when she came across an old newspaper article mentioning a woman lighthouse keeper off the coast of Maine. Intrigued, she dove in deep. Kris lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her family, and is a graduate of William & Mary.
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PHILLIP HILLIKERPhillip Hilliker has been a freelance illustrator and designer since 2000, creating a variety of work for a wide array of clients across many fields. While the bulk of his output has been in the role-playing game industry, his focus for the past few years has been shifting toward kids’ books, his longest held dream. He is represented by literary agent Erica Bauman of Aevitas Creative Management. As longtime active member and supporter of the James River Writers community, he held the position of Membership Coordinator, and he now serves on the Board of Directors.
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DR. DANIKA NEBLETT ROBINSONDr. DaNika Neblett Robinson is the author of The Metamorphic Journey, a novella that explores three teenage mothers’ quests to succeed. This fictional work is based on her experiences of becoming a teen mom, first-generation college student, and ultimately the recipient of multiple academic degrees, including master’s and doctoral degrees. The Metamorphic Journey is also the name of a movement that DaNika founded to foster individuals’ personal growth. Additionally, she is the founder of Wailing Women Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides book scholarships to female high school seniors. DaNika is a higher education administrator and expert in transformational leadership who speaks widely about the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice, and leadership in the workplace. She also coauthored an anthology, On Womanhood: Connecting and Thriving in Every Season, featuring personal essays penned by women ages 21 to 72. |
MODERATOR
KATHARINE HERNDON
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This program is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
See Richmond CultureWorks for other literary events in the area.