Writeathon

SUMMER

2026

a free event in Richmond, Virginia

Saturday, July 25th
9am - 3pm

1214 East Cary Street, Richmond VA 23219

registration is required

hosted graciously by HathawayEverAfter at Stephanie's workplace in Shockoe Bottom

One day. Three paths. Endless possibilities.

Writeathon is a sprint toward a finished (imperfect) work.

Not a best-seller.

Not the story you've been waiting to tell under the right circumstances.

Not a polished poem ready for a collection.

Writeathon is a time set aside to learn and discover.

To learn what's holding you back if you always stop and edit along the way.

To discover strengths that flourish when given the space.

To learn what it feels like to hold a finished work.

Writeathon is for everyone.

For the published author.

For the student.

For the novice.

For the not-yet-even-a-beginner.

Welcome. We're so glad you're here.

The Paths

Create Your Own Adventure

for the daring

For the writer who is open to anything.

You'll tell us a bit about yourself and your interests, and we'll write three short-form prompts for you. Rumor has it that you only get 5 minutes to choose one of the options.

Bring Your Own Adventure

for the determined

For the writer whose to-do list is a mile long.

You'll tell us about that one glaring scene or chapter, and we'll bring the accountability and a few catered-to-you resources to help you find the flow and consider new perspectives.

Be Your Own Adventure

for the dauntless

For the writer who is their own unfinished work.

You'll tell us the synopsis of your own story, a first-hand account or family folktale, and we'll write three custom prompts for you that reframe the telling in short-form.

The Practicalities

The Timeline (loosely, we're creatives)

9am: Pick up your packet, grab some fuel, and make a few new friends.

9:30am: Introduction and a group writing exercise to help you leave expectations at the door.

10am: We'll dive into our own prompts. 2 hours devoted to nothing but hitting your own halfway mark.

12pm: We'll take a lunch break and reflect on where our halfway point has led us and where we are headed.

1pm: We'll get back to our adventures with a refreshed body and mind.

3pm: Celebrate. If I've had anything to say about it, you have something that you would call a finished work. Not perfection. Not a full novella. Not something you're ready to share. But something that you've learned from and perhaps a few new friends as well.

The Location

1214 East Cary Street

Be sure to check out your parking and transportation options including street parking, decks, etc. ahead of time. The site is wheelchair accessible but the entry door is not automatic. If you need details about accessibility, please indicate this in your registration form and reach out to us with questions. A video tour will be made available the evening of Tuesday, July 21st.

There will be a sign outside indicating where to enter! In the photo above, you can see the front of the building (white).

The Provided Items

your adventure packet
name tag
coffee and tea

The Packing List

lunch and snacks
- fridge + microwave available
writing paraphernalia
a willing spirit
a water bottle
a sweatshirt or jacket
- in case the A/C is really flowing

We owe our deep thanks to Stephanie from HathawayEverAfter for offering us the use of her office space. If you know anything about planning events, you know that affordable venues are not easy to come by, not to mention the fact that this is a free event! Be sure to check out Stephanie's book reviews and local content for more from our lovely friend and pass along your thanks on the day-of.

RVA Readers + Writers is a social organization committed to building community among people with a shared love of words. If you would like to support our mission financially, you can find more information about that here.