One of Virginia’s largest writing conferences, this annual event targets writers who are trying to take that next step forward in their writing career. Featuring New York Times bestselling authors, publishers and agents, this year’s conference includes Melissa Febos (“Whip Smart”), Lamar Giles, founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Pamela Samuels Young, mystery writer and winner of an NAACP Image Award for outstanding fiction, Instagram poet Pavana Reddy and Alex Gino, author of progressive middle grade fiction. More than 300 people attend the multiday event. For registration and information visit jamesriverwriters.org.