W&M Writers of Washington

wmwriters William & Mary is proud of its many alumni authors. With such a vast array of books and other publications, it is impossible to recognize all of them. Our partners at W&M Libraries regularly feature alumni authors in their ongoing event series, and the W&M Alumni Magazine regularly spotlights recent works by W&M community members in its quarterly Roundup. Now the Washington Center is pleased to announce our complimentary program: W&M Writers of Washington!

W&M Writers of Washington is an event program that allows us to highlight the work of alumni authors who either live in or write about the D.C. area. Through regularly scheduled events throughout the year, we will feature a broad array of books and topics that connect us to William & Mary and the nation's capital in interesting ways.

Please note: W&M Writers of Washington is separate from the W&M Alumni Magazine. If you are interested in having your published work listed in the Class Notes section or the online magazine, please contact alumni.magazine@wm.edu.

Have a Suggestion?

If you'd like to recommend a W&M Writer of Washington, please submit your suggestion through this form.

RECOMMEND A WRITER

(Please note that submissions will be reviewed quarterly: February, May, August, and November)

Questions

If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact [[roadle,Roxane O. Adler Hickey M.Ed. '02]], Director, Washington Center.

Past Events

W&M Writers of Washington: The Righteous Arrows

Took Place: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

After collaborating to thwart nuclear war in The Able Archers, Kevin Cattani and his Soviet counterpart, Ivan Levchenko, developed a deep mutual respect—but in The Righteous Arrows they are working against each other. Cattani, despite serious misgivings, conducts a perilous covert mission inside a Soviet bunker and barely escapes with his life, putting himself on a collision course with Levchenko. Their ultimate confrontation comes on a battlefield during the brutal Soviet war in Afghanistan, where Levchenko issues the American an ominous warning that will echo for decades.

Foreshadowing the global war on terror, former Air Force Intelligence officer Brian Morra illuminates the stubbornly persistent rivalry between the US and Russia in this heart-stopping story of international espionage and war.

The conversation was moderated by Sasha Prokhorov and Elena Prokhorova, professors of Russian Studies.

W&M Writers of Washington: Fighting the Night

Took Place: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Paul Hendrickson and Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper Ed.D ’24 lead us on a deep dive into his book, Fighting the Night, which details his father’s experiences as a night fighter pilot during World War II. Fighting the Night is an intense and powerful story of violence and love, forgiveness and loss, and a tribute to those who got plunged into service, in the best years of their lives, and the sacrifices they and their loved ones made, then and thereafter.

The conversation was moderated by Carrie Cooper, the Dean of University Libraries.

W&M Writers of Washington: The Confidence Map

Took Place: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Delve into the world of financial psychology with Peter Atwater as he discusses his latest book, "The Confidence Map." In this insightful event sponsored by the W&M Washington Center and W&M Libraries, Peter Atwater shares his expertise, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between human behavior and economic confidence. Don't miss this captivating conversation that explores the intricate connections between emotions, decision-making, and the financial landscape.

The conversation was moderated by Suzanne Raitt, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and Chancellor Professor of English at William & Mary.

W&M Writers of Washington: 'Pregnant Girl'

A Book Discussion With Nicole Lynn Lewis ’03

Took Place: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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Nicole Lynn Lewis ’03 joined the W&M community virtually as she discussed her recently published book “Pregnant Girl: A Story of Teen Motherhood, College, and Creating a Better Future for Young Families.” This discussion was moderated by Chon Glover M.Ed. ’99, Ed.D. ’06, W&M’s chief diversity officer, and Mariana Eraña Salmerón ’21, Center peer ambassador and a former Study in D.C. student. They explore Nicole’s personal experience of being a teen mom and becoming a successful founder and CEO of a nonprofit, Generation Hope.

This event is sponsored by the W&M Washington Center and W&M Libraries.

W&M Writers of Washington: The Politics of Writing About Politics

Took place: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

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Listen to the W&M Washington Center's second Writers of Washington book talk with Alice McKeon '04 and Will Payne '01 moderated by Kay Floyd '05, W&M's director of the whole of government center of excellence. Listen to Alice and Will as they discussed the books they have written or co-written and the process for writing books on politics.

Books:

"In the Arena: A Memoir of Love, War, and Politics" by Chuck Robb with Alice McKeon. Forward by Bill Clinton
"The New Democrats and the Return to Power" by Al From with Alice McKeon. Forward by Bill Clinton
"Mark Warner the Dealmaker: From Business Success to the Business of Governing" by Will Payne. Forward by Terry McAuliffe

W&M Writers of Washington: Military Service Leadership

Took place: Thursday, September 23, 2021

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Listen to our third W&M Writers of Washington event, which focused on military leadership during and after active duty service. Listen to a discussion with retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni D.P.S. '03 moderated by Michael Dick J.D. '06, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and W&M visiting professor of the practice, about military service leadership through the lens of Gen. Zinni's books.

This event is being sponsored by the W&M Washington Center, Association of 1775, Office of Student Veteran Engagement, Whole of Government Center of Excellence, and W&M's Military & Veterans Affairs.

W&M Writers of Washington: The Able Archers

Took Place: Thursday, May 12, 2022

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Listen to our fourth W&M Writers of Washington event with Brian J. Morra ’78 who has recently released a book titled “The Able Archers” - a historical thriller based on real events. Brian has been interviewed by CBS News Radio about this book and W&M Chancellor Robert Gates (CIA Deputy Director for Intelligence 1982-1986, Director of Central Intelligence 1991-1993, and Secretary of Defense 2006-2011) shared that, "while a gripping work of fiction, "The Able Archers" is a powerful reminder of the value of human judgment - and the continuing peril posed by nuclear-armed powers."

The conversation was moderated by Ryan Musto, Director of Forums and Research Initiatives at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute.