James River Writers' session draws big names - Entertainment

James River Writers' session draws big names

Sunday, Jun 29, 2008 - 12:02 AM

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Appearances by best-selling authors David Baldacci, Adriana Trigiani and Diane Mott Davidson will highlight the sixth annual James River Writers' Conference in October.

The two-day event, focusing on the art and business of writing, will attract authors, screenwriters, agents and editors. It will be held Oct. 10-11 at the Library of Virginia.

"A-list authors, editors and agents are starting to recognize that Richmond has a vibrant population of writers," said Jon Kukla, co-chairman of the conference and the author, most recently, of "Mr. Jefferson's Women."

Baldacci, Trigiani and Davidson "bring counsel and encouragement to aspiring writers," said Kukla, "but they're also entertaining speakers."

Baldacci, a Richmond native and a graduate of Henrico High School, has been on The New York Times' best-seller list most recently for his novel "The Whole Truth."

Trigiani is best-known for her "Big Stone Gap" series.

Davidson's culinary mysteries, including the recent "Sweet Revenge," regularly appear national best-seller lists.

Other featured speakers for the conference include:

Claudia Emerson, whose "Late Wife" won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for poetry.

Kate Jacobs, whose "The Friday Night Knitting Club" is being made into a move starring Julia Roberts.

Kirk Ellis, who wrote the screenplay for David McCullough's "John Adams," which was filmed in Richmond and aired recently on HBO.

Shannon Ravenel and Chuck Adams, editors at Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, N.C.

The conference will feature sessions on various genres of writing, as well as on the business side of promotion, selling and breaking into the business.

Registration is $140 until Sept. 1 and $155 afterwards. For details, visit www.jamesriverwriters.com, or call (804) 230-4575.

--Bill Lohmann