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: