For Writers

For Writers: Classes & Resources

2nd Mondays of the Month: Inklings Critique Group

Virtual, 6:00-7:30pm

Share feedback on current projects with other writers.


1st Wednesdays of the Month: Hybrid Inkling Writers Group

Howell Branch, 6:00-7:30pm

Writing is usually done alone, but writers don’t have to go it alone. Join us as we learn new writing techniques and share feedback on our current projects. Writers of all levels and experience are welcome. Topics by month are listed below.

December DIY Writer's Retreat
January The Business of Writing
February Writing About Relationships

The Hybrid Inkling Writers Group is also offered at Porter Branch, 4th Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm.


1st Thursdays of the Month: Comic Creators Roundtable

IdeaSpace, 1st Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm

Consists of an overview of various art/promotional topics with open time for collaboration afterwards.


2nd Saturdays of the Month: Riverside Writers Group

Salem Church Branch, 1:00-3:00pm

Celebrate the art and craft of writing with a variety of workshops, critique sessions, and expert speakers. New members welcome.

Full Schedule

Local Authors & The Collection

The library curates a circulating collection of works by authors residing in the service area (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Westmoreland). Library visitors will find works by local authors through the library catalog and on occasional "Read Local" displays at all branches.

If you would like us to consider adding your work to the collection, please print and fill out this form, and then choose one of the following ways listed to the right to submit your book. Please submit one copy only of your book or up to two copies of your picture book.

#1: Mail it to Us

Mail it to us in a padded envelope with the form inside to:

Collection Services
c/o Local Authors
Library Administration Center
25 Olde Greenwich Drive, Suite 180
Fredericksburg, VA 22408

#2: Drop it into a book drop

Put your book into a padded envelope with the form enclosed inside, and slip it into your branch's book drop.

#3: Bring it into a library branch

Leave a donated copy at the Research desk with this form. Please understand that we are unable to return copies not selected.

Local Author Book Signings

Authors residing in the service area (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Westmoreland) may be considered for an informal "Local Author @ The Library" book signing and book sale event at a table in the library lobby. Please fill out the Local Author Signing request form and a staff member will be in touch.

Spice Up Your Craft with Resources & More from the Library

My Librarian: The Benefits of a Local Writers' Group

From hours of research to even more hours of honing one’s prose or choosing just the right word.
Joy

My Librarian: The Art of Writing

A selection of books about writing to help you "win" National Novel Writing Month or improve your writing any time of the year.

New York Times Book Review

Access to full text of The New York Times Book Review from 1988 to present. Part of U.S. Major Dailies.

Be Novel - Creative Writing Hints

Consider these titles that celebrate creativity while focusing on practical advice.

Self-Publishing: What an Author Needs to Know

With the rise of eBooks and print-on-demand, more authors are turning to self-publishing to get their books into the hands of readers.
Joy

Linda J. White: "We Are Writers"

Award-winning local mystery author Linda J. White shares the impact writers' conferences have had on her career.

So, You Want to be a Novelist

These selections can help ground you in the process of writing long-form fiction.

Suzi Weinert: “Building Up Writers… From the Inside”

Want to be a writer? Mystery author Suzi Weinert tells how curiosity, imagination, and inspiration are the keys to invention!

My Librarian: Wisdom for Writing

Books and resources that aid both beginning and established writers in improving their craft.

My Librarian: Books Written During NANOWRIMO

The books on this list all started as NANOWRIMO projects.

My Librarian: Memoirs and Writing them

Here are some memoirs, plus a few books about the craft of writing them.

Reading & Writing Poetry

These resources will help you learn technique, find your voice, and present your poems either on paper or at a reading.

My Librarian: Write a Haiku or Couplet

Poetry can help us share some of our strongest and deepest feelings. Check out these resources to craft your own haiku or poetic couplet.

My Librarian: Nonfiction Writing

A collection of books that will give authors advice and guidance in improving their nonfiction writing.

Rolling Down the Line: Trains in Virginia History

Virginia trains have taken on many roles in the past 200 years, from delivering cargo and passengers to serving as festive Santa trains.
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