Welcome to The Detroit Writing Room
We offer professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs! We also host writing workshops, retreats and author talks. Become a DWR member and meet a community of writers and creatives!
We offer professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs! We also host writing workshops, retreats and author talks. Become a DWR member and meet a community of writers and creatives!
We offer an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or writing for your job, you can sign up with an experienced writing coach who will give feedback on your work. Our coaches can help you polish and publish your manuscript or better tell the story of your company.
If you’re looking to connect with a network of writers, join us for a writing workshop to get your creative juices flowing, and meet fellow writers in your community. Or attend one of our book talks to hear the inspiration behind stories and get writing and publishing advice from authors.
If you’ve dreamed of writing a book, we can help you get your story on the page and onto bookshelves. You’ll gain a community of writers to support you along the way.
Oct. 10 , 2026
The day-long experience is for writers interested in publishing a book and connecting with local writers. Several Detroit Writing Room coaches will lead workshops and panel talks covering topics such as publishing options, finding an agent, marketing your book, copyright and trademark and more! Editors from Michigan university presses will also share best practices for pitching to publishers and the types of manuscripts they’re seeking. The conference includes time to network with editors, Detroit Writing Room coaches and fellow writers. Detroit bookstore 27th Letter Books as well as local authors will be on-site selling books throughout the day.
Tickets:
Coffee, breakfast, lunch and a celebratory happy hour sponsored by Mays Multimedia are included!
Space is limited. Registration closes Oct. 5 or until spaces are filled.
April 30, June 2, August 11 and October 21
7 - 8:30 p.m.
How did F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway and so many other famous early 20th century writers develop such close friendships? In part, due to literary salons — intentional gatherings of like-minded individuals in an intimate setting for conversation, food, drink and listening. Literary salons first started popping up in Italy over the course of the 16th century and became more popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in France. Now, we are bringing this great tradition of community-building with a literary flair to Detroit!
Join award-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner and The Detroit Writing Room for quarterly Literary Salons at Michigan Central Station’s new Shaka Senghor Literary Lounge! You’ll make writer friends, engage in literary-rich discussions, sip and snack, and do a little writing, too!
Tickets include wine from Santé Wine Tasting Room and charcuterie from Mongers' Provisions. At each event, guests will be entered into a raffle for copy of Detroit Voices and Perspectives Magazine!
July 6 - 17, 2026
The Detroit Writing Room Journalism Camp in partnership with Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit is returning this summer! High school students will learn writing, reporting, storytelling and more from over 30 local journalists. Over two weeks, students will write and report a story that will be published by Planet Detroit and printed in Perspectives Magazine.
Detroit students are eligible to attend for free, and full scholarships are available for students with financial need. Apply by May 1, 2026.
Aug. 6 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Are you looking for a fun way to connect with your child? Join Detroit Writing Room Coach Amy Nielander for a hands-on drawing workshop featuring the Create a Character Activity. In this interactive program, children and caregivers draw together while building creativity and connection. Participants will stretch their imagination and practice resilience through engaging activities. No drawing experience is needed, and all caregivers are welcome. The workshop is for ages 5 and up. Due to the family-focused nature of the workshop, space is limited.
Register
Aug. 22 from 6 - 8 p.m.
You are invited to join us for an intimate writers' dinner — an evening designed to gather storytellers to share ideas, spread inspiration and enjoy great food in the heart of Campus Martius. The Writers' Supper Club is a new series dedicated to creativity, conversation and connection. When writers come together, inspiration sparks and turns into ideas that have the power to shape the world. Hosted by writer and DWR workshop leader Jen Williams, this evening has been carefully crafted to deepen the work of writers in the community. Through engaging and fun dialogue, we'll explore a range of diverse topics to share perspectives and create meaningful change, both on and off the page. A brief presentation will be shared with valuable resources for all writers.
March 19, June 16, Sept. 15 and Dec. 8
7 - 8 p.m. EST
Pen & Persistence is a space for writers who understand that the hardest part of the writing journey isn’t the craft but everything that comes with it.
Writers will come together not to workshop or critique, but to support one another through the doubts, anxieties, rejections and to celebrate the small victories. Whether you’re stuck, waiting for that acceptance email, or trying to make time for the page amid a busy life, this is a place to commiserate, listen and remember that you don’t have to carry the writing journey alone.
Led by writer Della Cassia, the group will meet quarterly in-person, with additional Zoom meetings in-between. Free for DWR members. General admission is $20 per event.
01.
Receive help editing literary works and business materials, including: fiction, nonfiction, memoir, query letters, book proposals, press releases, website copy, grant proposals, social media content and more.
02.
We have a dream team of professionals ranging from award-winning journalists and New York Times bestselling authors, to communications specialists of Fortune 500 companies, photographers and designers.
03.
The Detroit Writing Room hosts a variety of events including book talks, writing workshops and retreats. You can also work with us to customize a workshop for your business or organization.
Each Wednesday, we shine a light on the talented writers who make up our vibrant Detroit Writing Room community. From aspiring novelists to seasoned poets and screenwriters, our members and coaches are working on an array of creative writing projects.
Get to know the writers behind the words as we delve into their inspirations, writing processes and the stories they're bringing to life. Join us each week to celebrate the power of the written word and the individuals who wield it with passion and skill.
“The Detroit Writing Room is the place to hone your craft, unlock your voice, connect with others and explore all you can become in the world of writing and publishing. Through their seminars and educational programming, I’ve met other writers from Michigan and across the globe, explored new avenues for my work and connected with literary agents seeking submissions and new clients.”
— ELIZABETH WEIGANDT, AUTHOR OF "QUEEN BEE"
“I’ve been utilizing the coaching services of The Detroit Writing Room and the results have been terrific. I’m currently working with Laura Berman, and my project has benefitted significantly from her guidance and editing. Laura is a wonderful resource!”
— GERRY BOYLAN
“The Detroit Writing Room workshops and Happy Hours have provided me with great insight into becoming a better writer. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and the content provided, and I feel that I am elevating my creative capacity — much more so than just a regular online course.”
— KRISTEN SCHMITT-DYKES
“DWR is essential to me and my crew for educating, teaching, coaching, youth coaching support, writing and artist support — allowing expression of authors, poets, entrepreneurs alike in the ‘D’, and beyond to flourish!”
— PETER JAMES BILLING, AUTHOR OF "THE ROAD HOCKEY CREW"