Ed Lull and the Virginia Screenwriters' Forum Win Emyl Jenkins Awards
Award recognizes those who inspire a love of writing and writing education in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- James River Writers announces that this year's two winners of the annual Emyl Jenkins Award are poetry advocate Ed Lull and the Virginia Screenwriters' Forum.
The awards honor the memory of Jenkins, who passed away in 2010. They aim to recognize organizations and individuals who continue her legacy of inspiring a love of writing and writing education in Virginia.
A driving force in the state's poetry world, Lull served four terms as president of the Poetry Society of Virginia, as well as six terms as the organization's executive director. His involvement has been notable for outreach and inclusion of those with a passion for poetry. In 2001, he established a state poetry festival and has worked diligently to ensure its success over the past decade. Among other activities, he also moderates bi-monthly poetry workshops and he initiated the Poetry in the Schools Program, helping young people across the state write and appreciate poetry.
"Where poets and poetry are concerned, I'm not sure Ed knows the word 'no.' He is sometimes affectionately called 'Mr. Poetry' because he is always willing to help poets and foster poetry in Virginia," said Dr. Phyllis Hall Haislip in her nomination of Lull.
The award's judges - current and former JRW board members - saw a clear reflection of Jenkins in Lull's long-standing, enthusiastic and selfless efforts.
Similarly, the organizational winner of the award, the Virginia Screenwriters' Forum, has a long history of helping those putting pen to paper in the state. For more than 20 years, VSF has sought to bring writers together to share their love and knowledge of screenwriting by offering support and constructive feedback to members' scripts in progress. Beyond regular critique sessions, the VSF has sponsored periodic workshops and hosted speakers from the film industry. It also raised funds to purchase a screenplay library, a local writers' resource that was donated to the University of Richmond.
"It provides a congenial environment in which newer writers can learn, while at the same time giving seasoned writers an opportunity to fine-tune their work," says Mary Nelson of the Virginia Film Office, who was one of the VSF's nominators.
Both winners embody the supportive spirit of Jenkins, an author of numerous nonfiction works and two detective novels. While she served the state's writing community on the JRW board and the Library of Virginia Foundation board, it was often her one-on-one encouragement and mentorship that most defined her.
"While Emyl was certainly one-of-a-kind, it's great to be able to recognize and celebrate others who also inspire a love of writing and writing education in Virginia," said Lee Gimpel, the award committee chair.
The winners will receive their awards at JRW's spring fundraiser, June on the James, June 7. The awards are sponsored by Wells Fargo. Tickets to the event may be purchased through the James River Writers website at http://bit.ly/JRW12.
James River Writers is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to building community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in central Virginia.
James River Writers
320 Hull Street, #136
Richmond, VA 23224
www.JamesRiverWriters.org
Media Contact:
Anne Westrick
804-433-3790 tel
804-291-1466 fax
[email protected]
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SOURCE James River Writers
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