James River Writers Hosts Sixth Annual Literary Soiree on June 4 at Dominion's Tredegar Complex

RICHMOND, Va., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- James River Writers is pleased to announce that June on the James, its sixth annual literary soiree, will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Dominion's Tredegar Complex (120 Tredegar St., Richmond, VA 23219). Beyond the food and fun that have characterized the event for years, this year's fete will celebrate a cross-section of local writers whose work uplifts readers and inspires a more literate and culturally dynamic Richmond.

At the event, JRW will present the inaugural Emyl Jenkins Awards to Jean Anderson (Richmond liaison for National Novel Writing Month) and WriterHouse (http://www.WriterHouse.org), a person and an organization who, as Jenkins did, make Virginia a better place for writers. June on the James also will recognize finalists from the fourth Best Unpublished Novel Contest in advance of the winner's announcement in the July issue of Richmond Magazine.

"All of the evening's honorees exemplify JRW's mission to build community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in central Virginia," says June on the James chair Maya Payne Smart. "We're so excited to honor their achievements while raising funds to sustain vital programs for aspiring and professional writers in Richmond."

Daniel Jose Custodio, an award-winning slam poet and author, will challenge and entertain attendees with his words and performance. Lisa Schaffner, a former television news anchor for Channel 8 (WRIC) and the director of public relations and marketing for UNOS, will host the evening's program.

A silent auction featuring unique literary experiences ranging from manuscript reviews by award-winning authors to behind-the-scenes tours of the Library of Virginia and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will add another layer of excitement to the affair.

Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction will benefit JRW's signature programs including:

• Annual conference at the Library of Virginia that brings nationally recognized writers, editors and agents to our region
• Monthly panels at the Children's Museum of Richmond that teach the craft and business of writing
• Novel, poetry and student essay contests that put local writers on the path to publication
• Writing enrichment programs that encourage Richmond's youngest writers to improve their skills

Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at: http://jamesriverwriters.org/jrw_programs/juneonthejames/

About James River Writers

Founded in 2003 by a small group of local authors, James River Writers has expanded rapidly to become a multifaceted organization of 400 members. Its reputation as the region's literary hub is growing with it. In everything it does, James River Writers nurtures aspiring writers, encourages professionals and helps readers engage more deeply with the written word. Its efforts have helped make Richmond a more dynamic city with broader access to cultural experiences and artistic opportunities. For more information, visit http://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