To honor the memory of Emyl Jenkins, who passed away in 2010, James River Writers presents an award to an outstanding individual who, as Emyl did, inspires a love of writing and writing education in Virginia.
An advocate for writers and their readers, Emyl had a knack for connecting both people and organizations. She shared her time and expertise with everyone she encountered. She encouraged writers at all levels, especially fledglings trying to get those first words down on the page. Her generous spirit and enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone she touched, and, like ripples in a pond, her actions widened the circle of writing encouragement.
Award Details
Any Virginia individual is eligible, except for members of the JRW board of directors, the advisory board, founders, or staff.
A panel of judges, chosen from the JRW board of directors and JRW membership to represent different levels of writing experience, will pick the winner. They will choose the nominee who best matches Emyl Jenkins’ efforts to make Virginia a better place for writers, whether by connecting people and/or organizations around the written word, sharing time and expertise about writing, or simply encouraging writers to do what they do.
The winner will receive an award that honors Emyl Jenkins’ work and reflects her style.
NOMINATIONS PERIOD
Nominations will be accepted June 1, 2024 through July 31, 2023. To make a nomination, complete this nomination form. In no more than 500 words, explain how the nominee makes Virginia a better place for writers. The nomination must include contact information (e-mail and phone) for the nominator and for the person you’re nominating.
The winner will be notified by September 15 and will be presented the award at the James River Writers Conference.
More About Emyl
- A tribute by Virginia Pye
- Article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
PAST WINNERS of the EMYL JENKINS AWARD
2022
Joanna Lee Founder of River City Poets
The 2022 Award goes to JOANNA LEE. From one of Joanna\’s nominators: Joanna has tirelessly helped, encouraged and connected writers, especially often neglected poets, working to provide new venues all over the Richmond area to give writers a chance to gain confidence and share with others. As an integral part of the poetry community in Richmond, she helps and promotes others, working to provide opportunities for poets to share their voices and writing and to bring poetry into greater prominence in the central Virginia area.
More about River City Poets HERE.
2021
Bird Cox Executive Director/Co-Founder of Richmond Young Writers
The 2021 Award goes to BIRD COX. From one of Bird\’s nominators: Bird Cox embodies everything the Emyl Jenkins award is intended to honor. Bird is a mentor to young writers and her fellow teachers, coaxing the best out of everyone that she touches. An exuberant teacher, she creates an amazing atmosphere of acceptance and discovery that helps young people express themselves without judgement or fear.
More about Bird Cox HERE.
2020
Lamar Giles Author/Speaker/Teacher/Co-Founder of We Need Diverse Books
The 2020 Award goes to LAMAR GILES. From one of Lamar\’s nominators: I’ve had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of publishing professionals. Lamar stands out as one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He’s a soft-spoken warrior with a pen whose victories aren’t measured in book sales or awards but by the many readers and writers he empowers to tell their stories.
More about Lamar Giles HERE.
2019
Patty Parks Librarian/Bibliophile
The 2019 award goes to PATTY PARKS. One of Patty’s nominators wrote, “In her role as librarian-at-large for the City of Richmond, she seeks to find ways to make books and information a part of the fabric of our city. Whether it’s by supporting reading programs for children or programs collecting oral histories of our city residents, Patty is always thinking of a future where we are more compassionate, informed, and creative.”
2018
Valley Haggard Author/Teacher/Inspiration
The 2018 Award goes to VALLEY HAGGARD. From one of Valley\’s nominators: \”Valley’s approach to writing and writing education is incredibly inclusive, encouraging, and nurturing. Her dedication to Richmond Young Writers is inspiring, and her work with Lifein10Minutes is also more than notable.\” More about Valley Haggard HERE.
2017
Kelly Justice Owner of Fountain BookStore/Champion of Authors
2016
Doug Jones Author/Teacher
2015
Stan Galloway
2014
Denise Golinowski
2013
Louise Ball Co-Winner
Sophia Volpi Co-Winner
2012
Ed Lull Co-Winner
Virginia Screenwriters Forum Co-Winner
2011
Jean Anderson Co-Winner
WriterHouse Co-Winner