Area Writers' Groups
National League of American Pen Women
With branches all over the country, the NLAPW seeks to encourage women artists, musicians and writers. Branches hold workshops, lectures, and regular meetings; writers may participate in writing and poetry contests, with proceedings going towards scholarships for gifted high school students. Please visit americanpenwomen.org/ for more information – there are five branches in Virginia.
Virginia Press Women
Based in Richmond, VPW provides a community for professional women in journalism. Access to conferences, newsletters, job postings and contests are among the benefits of membership. A conference will be held in Staunton, VA, March 28-29. Visit virginiapresswomen.org for membership information and an application form; email Gwen Woolf at gwoolf@freelancestar.com for more information.
James River Writers
An organization to promote writing and literature appreciation in the Richmond area. Donations help support literary events and literacy programs, such as an annual conference, poetry slams, panel discussions and a contest for unpublished novels. Visit jamesriverwriters.com/ for information on how to support JRW or call (804) 230-4575; don’t miss the website’s “Literary Events Calendar.”
Virginia Writers Club
A networking group for published writers. Local chapters meet all over Virginia, and engage in a wide range of activities: some publish member anthologies, and many hold open mic readings, workshops and critique groups. Large conferences for all members of the VWC are also held. Unpublished writers may join as “Associate Members.” Visit virginiawritersclub.org/ to find your closest chapter.
Hanover Writers Club Poetry Society of Virginia The Virginia Screenwriters' Forum Virginia Writers’ Association Virginia Romance Writers
Writers and aspiring writers meet on the third Saturday of each month at 10am at the Mechanicsville Library to support each other and promote the craft of writing. For more information, go to
PSV brings together poets all over Virginia, with groups that meet in five different regions, a variety of poetry contests and a newsletter. A three day “festival meeting” will be held in Williamsburg in May. See poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/ or e-mail PoetryInVA@aol.com.
The VSF brings writers together to share their love and knowledge of screenwriting by offering support and constructive feedback to member's scripts in progress. Member credits include a Showtime movie, independent films, a featured film at Sundance, a writing assistant to a Saturday Night Live producer, a national PBS documentary, and more. Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, excepting July, August, & December, 6:45-9:00pm,at Art Works, 320 Hull St., Richmond. To attend a meeting or get more information, e-mail VSF@comcast.net.
Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the VWA holds events, workshops, and courses for writers in many areas; the group will promote books published by members and plans to offer “office space” to writers who need a private studio. See www.vawriters.org/index.html or email vawriters@vawriters.org.
A state-wide chapter of the national organization Romance Writers of America. Monthly meetings, a newsletter and market information are among the membership benefits; anyone with an interest in writing romance may join. Meetings are held in Richmond. See virginiaromancewriters.com/ or email romancewriters@excite.com romancewriters@excite.com.