Join The Detroit Writing Room for book talks, workshops and more!
The Detroit Writing Room hosts virtual and in-person events throughout the year, including book talks, writing workshops, retreats and more. We also partner with local and national writers interested in leading workshops. Check below to see what’s coming up next.
Upcoming Events
OCTOBER
How to Write a Book in a Day
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
@ Baldwin Public Library
Your book is calling louder than ever. Answer the call, finally, with a day-long experience that will inspire and instruct you with everything you need to know to write, publish and promote a great book. Author, publisher and Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins will teach you how to write your book in a day. As the bestselling author of nearly 60 books and CEO of Two sisters Writing & Publishing®, this book coach who has taught college-level writing will share her experience and expertise to help you finally write your book. She will inspire with the mindset required to achieve this dream, and she will provide the mechanics required to write an impactful, engaging book that captivates your target audience.
So bring your pens, notepads and laptops, and get ready to write, revise and learn. If you've been confused and overwhelmed, not knowing where to start your book, you'll leave this day-long experience feeling confident and equipped with the structure and knowledge required to finally compose until you type THE END. The day-long workshop includes morning coffee and bagels as well as lunch from Breadless, a local healthy eatery. Early bird tickets are $199 until Sept. 11.
The Art of Revision
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
10 a.m. to noon
@ Baker College - Royal Oak
The only thing lonelier than a blank page is a rough draft that needs to be edited, trimmed, restructured or polished. Or, worse yet: A manuscript that needs something, but you’re not quite sure what. At its most productive and transformative, revision — itself as much an art as the act of writing — calls for the author to play the role of both sage and pupil, able to identify weaknesses in a piece of writing, brainstorm methods for improvement and solve challenging issues on the page. At once, an author must evaluate style, character, setting, plot — all while fighting the itch to rewrite every sentence in the never-ending search for the best possible turn of phrase!
DWR coach Justin Brouckaert has served as a literary agent, editor and coach to hundreds of authors over the past decade, helping writers shepherd their work from the blank page to bookstore shelves — and, along the way, giving them the tools to become sharper, more thoughtful and more incisive editors.
Attendees of this fun, collaborative and intensive two-hour workshop will walk away with some of those tools. In this session, you’ll learn to implement helpful tips and refine common mistakes, participate in small group workshops and complete exercises meant to refine your vision as a writer and editor. Whether you’re working on a specific project or are just looking to become a more capable editor for yourself or others, you’ll walk away with a new set of strategies, mantras and hands-on experiences that will make the art of revision a little less daunting. The workshop includes coffee and bagels. Early bird tickets are $85 until Sept. 18.
Pitch Perfect for PR Professionals: How to Get Your Client Noticed by National Media
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
noon to 1:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Are you a publicist sick of hearing crickets from editors? Do you want to learn what makes one prolific journalist tick? Are you eager to find out what PR pitches have actually yielded stories — and what mistakes have landed their teams’ emails on the do-not-open list? Learn it all from New York Writing Room coach Anna Medaris, a health and lifestyle journalist with more than 15 years of experience writing and editing for publications including The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report, AARP, Vox and others. She's appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America and Hulu’s “Age of Influence.”
During this virtual workshop, you’ll get a look behind the scenes of what writers and editors' daily lives (and inboxes) actually looks like, candid advice on how to sell your brand, expert or idea, insight into what Anna’s working on right now and feedback of your own pitches in real time. Early bird tickets are $80 until Sept. 22. Sign up with a colleague for $10 off! This workshop is recorded, and anyone who purchases a ticket will receive the recording.
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday. Oct. 27, 2025
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group. The non-fiction group is led by Detroit Writing Room Coach Laura Berman, and the fiction group is led by New York Writing Room coach Natalia Aponte! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from the coach and fellow writers. This is an opportunity for Writing Room members to connect and collaborate. Members do not have to share work to participate. Members can email hello@detroitwritingroom.com to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.
Pitch Perfect for Writers: How to Sell Your Story to National Media
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2025
6 to 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Are you a freelance journalist who keeps getting ghosted by editors? Or a writer intimidated by the idea of pitching big-name outlets? Or someone with a compelling story but without a roadmap for where and how to tell it? Get the nitty-gritty details from New York Writing Room coach Anna Medaris, a health and lifestyle journalist with more than 15 years of experience landing successful pitches in publications including The Washington Post, Women's Health magazine and Vox. Early in her career — with no mainstream bylines or journalism degree — Anna convinced an editor of The Washington Post Magazine to assign her a story about competitive pole dancing. She later caught the attention of Cosmopolitan editors, who paid her to write about the perils of Facebook “memories” for print. Since going full-time freelance in 2023, Anna has built a robust portfolio from her pitches, ranging from a consequential investigation into a fraudulent postnatal “retreat” for New York Magazine to a colorful feature on sauna culture for the New York Post.
As a former editor at outlets including U.S. News & World Report and Business Insider, Anna also knows what catches staff editors’ eyes — and the increasing insanity of their inboxes. Join this virtual workshop on to dissect Anna’s real pitches that yielded “yeses,” learn strategies for finding what editors are looking for, demystify how “full-time” freelance journalists make ends meet and get feedback on your own story ideas in real time. Early bird tickets are $50. Sign up with a friend for $10 off! Writing Room members get 20% off with their member code.
NOVEMBER
The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Life Story
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
6 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Oakland Community College - Royal Oak
You want to write your life story. But where should you start? What should you include? And how can you make your memoir pop, dazzle, inspire, motivate, entertain and even influence readers to improve their lives? Get answers during this high-energy, interactive workshop that teaches everything you need to know to master the art of writing your memoir.
Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins, CEO of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing, will draw upon her experience of writing dozens of books, including many memoirs for highly accomplished individuals, such as former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of memoir writing, as well as techniques for capturing your readers attention by focusing your content and expressing it with pizzazz. In addition, Elizabeth will teach you how to: express your authentic self; craft suspenseful scenes and cliffhangers that keep your readers turning pages; write realistic dialogue; describe settings; select themes; pick a title for your book; utilize your fiction-writing skills to recreate historic scenes based on your research; bring every scene to life; and so much more. She'll also explain your options for publishing your memoir.
Looking back on your life is a powerful exercise that has many unexpected benefits. It enables you to celebrate how far you've come and assess where you want to go. Your memoir also educates, inspires, and entertains people by showcasing your unique triumphs, expertise and knowledge. General admission is $69. Writing Room members get 20% off with their member code.
Ask Me Anything with Writing Coach Natalia Aponte
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join New York Writing Room Coach Natalia Aponte to ask her anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek advice from Natalia — a veteran fiction editor — about fiction writing, editing and publishing. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Photography Exhibition & Perspectives Magazine 2025 Launch Party
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
5 - 7 p.m. EST
@ Playground Detroit
The Detroit Writing Room and our nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward are excited to invite you to a Photography Exhibition and Perspectives Magazine 2025 Launch Party!
The event celebrates the photos captured by Detroit high school students in Coaching Detroit Forward's Beginner and Advanced Photography Camps as well as articles written by teens who attended our Journalism Camp. Attendees will have an opportunity to view photos on exhibit at Playground Detroit, a Detroit gallery space. The annual award-winning Perspectives Magazine will also be released at the event. The magazine features the students' stories focused on health, the environment, social justice and community news as well as students' photos of downtown Detroit, nature, people, events and more.
Photos on display will be auctioned, with live bidding ending at 6:40 p.m. Proceeds from photos will be split between the student photographer and CDF. There will be appetizers and drinks to enjoy while admiring the students' work. Remarks by coaches will be made at 5:30 p.m., followed by a celebratory toast.
This event is free to attend for students, parents, coaches, Coaching Detroit Forward partners and Detroit Writing Room members. We kindly request that the public and guests make a minimum $10 donation to CDF when registering for a ticket on Eventbrite. Space is limited! Tickets are first come, first serve! Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2025.
Copy Editing: What Is It and Why You Should Do It
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
5 - 6 p.m. EST
Virtual
Copy editing is an essential step for any author, but many may not know what exactly it is, and most importantly, the consequences of not copy editing their manuscripts. Pulling from her experience as a book editor, New York Writing Room coach Johanie Martinez-Cools will lead you through the basics of copy editing and how to avoid some crucial mistakes that could impact your writing careers. This interactive virtual workshop is geared toward nonfiction writers and fiction writers whose stories are set in the real world. Attendees will leave with a tip sheet for copy editing their manuscripts. We also encourage you to come with your copy editing questions! Early bird rate is $35 until Oct. 18.
Johanie is available for fiction and nonfiction manuscript editing, development editing, copy editing/line editing, sensitivity reads and proof reading. Inquire about editing your project here.
Crafting Suspense and Surprise in Short Fiction
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
7 - 8:15 p.m. EST
Virtual
In this workshop led by Strand Magazine editor Andrew Gulli, we’ll explore the techniques that keep readers turning pages and leave them breathless at the end of a story. Participants will learn how to build tension, plant subtle clues and deliver twists that feel both unexpected and inevitable. We’ll look at how pacing, structure and character psychology all work together to create moments of genuine suspense and surprise. Whether you’re writing crime, mystery, literary fiction or something in between, this session will give you practical tools to sharpen your storytelling and engage your audience on a deeper level. The last 15 minutes will be reserved for questions. Participants will be emailed reading materials in advance of the workshop. Early bird tickets are $55 until Oct. 20.
Writing Group
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday. Nov. 24, 2025
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group. The non-fiction group is led by Detroit Writing Room Coach Laura Berman, and the fiction group is led by New York Writing Room coach Natalia Aponte! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from the coach and fellow writers. This is an opportunity for Writing Room members to connect and collaborate. Members do not have to share work to participate. Members can email hello@detroitwritingroom.com to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.
DECEMBER
2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
6:30 - 8 p.m. EST
@ Detroit Public Theatre
Come celebrate the talented poets, screenwriters, children's book authors, novelists and writers of all ages from Metro Detroit at the 2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards! Writers and photographers from the region applied to the awards, and our team of judges narrowed down the finalists in each category. During the ceremony emceed by DWR coach and Detroit Free Press columnist Neal Rubin, you'll find out who takes first, second and third in 9 different categories. Guests will first enjoy a happy hour with beer, wine and apps. You'll get a chance to mingle with fellow writers and DWR Award judges who are award-winning authors, journalists and photographers as well as Detroit Writing Room and Coaching Detroit Forward coaches.
Plus! Attendees will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win the "Detroit Voices" publication featuring finalists, Perspectives Magazine 2025, a Detroit Writing Room membership ($199 value), 2 tickets to Detroit Public Theatre's "Holiday Cabaret," an Alpha writing device from Freewrite and other prizes!
Copies of the 2025 edition of "Detroit Voices" featuring the the finalists will be available for purchase onsite once the ceremony ends and the winners are revealed! All finalists will receive 1 complimentary copy of the book. Winners are encouraged to sign books after the ceremony!
Tickets:
$30 for students ages 13-21
$50 for general admission
*Includes wine, beer and appetizers from Mongers Provisions.
All proceeds support the DWR's nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward, which offers free writing and photography programs for Detroit high school students. Learn more and donate at coachingdetroitforward.org or add a donation with your ticket!
JANUARY
Ask Me Anything with Writing Coach Barry Adler
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join New York Writing Room Coach Barry Adler to ask him anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek advice from Barry — a former story doctor for The New York Times — about writing, editing and storytelling. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Leveraging Your LinkedIn Profile for Success
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
You have a LinkedIn profile, but you're unsure of its purpose. You made a login, did a little digging,and decided it wasn't for you because you're not a social media person. Does this sound familiar? If so, this workshop is for you. Unlock the full potential of LinkedIn and position yourself for success. Join Angela Buccellato, CEO and founder of The Resume Rescue, for an engaging workshop where you'll learn how to enhance your LinkedIn profile, build meaningful connections and effectively showcase your professional brand. In this workshop we’ll cover: profile optimization, network building, content creation, personal branding and more. This workshop is perfect for job seekers, professionals looking to enhance their online presence, writers, entrepreneurs and anyone eager to leverage LinkedIn for effective connection building. Early bird tickets are $55 until Dec. 14.
Writing That Moves People: Exploring Creative Workplace Communications
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
In an age of information overload and rapidly advancing AI platforms, facts alone aren't enough to inspire action. Employees are overwhelmed by company communications, and workplace trust is on a decline. So how can organizations cut through the noise and craft messages (and strategies) that truly inspire, inform and connect? This workshop is designed for leaders and communication professionals who want to break through corporate jargon and connect with employees on a deeper, more human level. Whether you're writing an internal newsletter, a CEO update or leading culture change, this workshop will equip you with creative strategies to communicate with authenticity and impact.
The workshop is led by Jen Williams, a writer and award-winning communications leader based in Metro Detroit. With nearly 14 years of experience shaping executive and internal communications at organizations like Ford Motor Company, Michigan Medicine and TripleLift, Jen brings practical insights and a deep understanding of how communication drives culture and employee behavior. Early bird tickets are $55 until Dec. 21, 2025.
FEBRUARY
Thought Leadership for Nonprofits: How It Can Boost Impact & Grow Revenue
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Nonprofit leaders — stop being the best-kept secret in your sector. Learn how to become a recognized authority who shapes the conversations that matter. In this workshop led by Dr. Kate Greulich, you'll master thought leadership fundamentals through proven nonprofit examples and data showing real marketing impact. Discover exactly where your expertise creates influence and how to position yourself as the go-to voice in your cause area.
You’ll walk away with your personalized content strategy — specific pillars that turn your knowledge into powerful marketing assets. No more guessing what to write about. Your marketing team gets a clear roadmap for creating content that builds your reputation, attracts major donors and amplifies your mission. Ready to claim your space as a sector leader? This is how you do it. Early bird tickets are $35 until Jan. 4.
Locations Where We Hold Workshops!
Want to host a Detroit Writing Room workshop at your business, organization or venue? Email events@detroitwritingroom.com