August Nuts & Bolts Lunchtime Series with Brynn Markham

AUGUST 2026 NUTS & BOLTS SERIES | BUSINESS FOCUS

THE PARTNERSHIP PATH: GETTING YOUR WORK INTO READERS’ HANDS

with Brynn Markham

BEST BUY: PACKAGE OF 3 CLASSES $50 for Members | $75 for Non-members

A LA CARTE CLASSES: $20 each for Members | $29 each for Non-Members

Wednesdays 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | August 12, 19, & 26

Writing is your passion, and working toward a finished product is a feat in and of itself. But, what happens when you’re done writing, and you want to get your work into the hands of potential readers? This series will cover the three core partnerships writers must forge in order to get their books out into the world. We will cover libraries, bookstores, and community partners. Learn who you should be talking with, how to form authentic relationships that render positive results for all involved, and how to get them to care enough to offer your books to their customers and possibly even become your biggest cheerleader!

Each class in this series includes: a one-hour online workshop, access to the recording, the Powerpoint used during the class, and additional resources.

AUGUST 12 | Part 1: Working with Libraries

Brynn will walk you through:

The basics of getting your book onto library shelves/their online catalogs
Participating in library events to garner interest with library visitors
Developing relationships with library staff
When applicable, how to work with school libraries

AUGUST 19 | Part 2: Working with Bookstores

Brynn will walk you through:

What bookstores are looking for/how to get on their shelves
Forging meaningful relationships beyond bookstore owners
Do’s and Dont’s of working with Bookstores

AUGUST 26 | Part 3: Working with Community Partners

Brynn will walk you through:

Identifying the themes and elements of your work that can relate to community partners
Identifying potential partnerships with fellow authors
Identifying relevant voices to share your work with others

About Your Instructor

Brynn Markham is passionate about connecting people and organizations in ways that strengthen communities and amplify the strengths and talents of everyone involved. Prior to joining James River Writers as Director of Programs and Communications, she spearheaded nationally recognized and award-winning marketing campaigns and events in her communications and outreach role at VPM, Richmond’s PBS and NPR affiliate. Projects she’s especially proud of include: The Great American Read; Ken Burns’ The Vietnam War; Great Performances’ Hamilton’s America; PBS KIDS Summer Challenge; and the nation’s largest screening events for series premieres of Downton Abbey two years in a row. Currently, she loves working with writers to help connect them to resources and people to help them reach their goals. To that end, Brynn has organized six James River Writers Annual Conferences, has taught classes on author marketing and promotion via James River Writers Master Classes and previous Nuts & Bolts Series, and has spoken on the importance of community for writers. More about Brynn on her website HERE.

This programming is supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly.

Ty Phelps / business of writing, JRW, Publishing /

Master Class: Write Your Way to a Career – Becoming an Authorpreneur with Stacy Hawkins Adams

Love to tell (write) a good story? If so, whether fiction or nonfiction, you have a skillset that\’s constantly in demand. Just as readers are still devouring good books, businesses are seeking masters to help them share their mission and engage with clients or customers in authentic ways. Simply put, story matters; and as a master storyteller, you can be in the driver\’s seat when it comes to creating a sustainable career.

Participate in this class about the power of storytelling in various mediums and how to shape a career that allows you to utilize this passion – from writing books and articles to crafting marketing pitches and compelling social media. You\’ll come away with ideas and strategies for operating your writing business in a way that also helps build your writing/author brand.

Stacy Hawkins Adams is the author of ten books whose characters and themes have fostered personal growth, illuminated journeys of faith, and infused readers with confidence in their own stories. Her fiction has been a featured title in college coursework, selected as a Target stores \”Recommended Read,\” and noted on the Essence magazine bestseller list. Stacy is also a freelance journalist, teaches at writing conferences nationwide, and curates an inspirational blog called LifeUntapped.com.

Registration will open to the general public on October 1, 2019. Prior to that time, conference attendees are welcome to register.

For more information about the conference, visit: 2019 JRW Conference

JRW is proud to be a part of artoberVA.

Brynn Markham / Authorpreneur, business of writing /

2019 James River Writers Conference, Oct 12-13, 2019

The James River Writers Conference is an annual gathering in Richmond, Virginia, that attracts prize-winning authors and highly regarded editors and literary agents from around the country to share their wisdom about writing and publishing. Since 2003, this multi-day event of 350 to 400 writers, has been known for its inspiring, collegial atmosphere and Southern hospitality. We hope you’ll join us this year.