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
APRIL
How to Write a Book in a Day
Sunday, April 26, 2026
10:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
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 over 70 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.
As an independent publisher whose company has published dozens of memoirs, business books and novels in 10 years, Elizabeth will also explain options for publishing your book. Your book has been calling...now is the time to answer and finally present your stories and information that can entertain, inform and inspire people everywhere.
Included in the Workshop:
Each attendee will receive a copy of Elizabeth's new Amazon bestselling book, "Write Your Book in a Day" ($24.99 value).
The day-long workshop includes morning coffee and bagels as well as lunch from Breadless, a local healthy eatery. Attendees will be able to select from a menu.
Registration:
Early bird tickets are $229 until March 26, 2026. General admission is $279.
Detroit Writing Room members receive 20% off all workshops using their member code!
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, April 27, 2026
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.
Literary Salon
Theme: Nature as a Storytelling Tool
April 30, 2026
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
More Series Dates: June 2, August 11 and October 21
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:
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!
Single admission is $67, or attend the series for $249 (a $19 savings!).
Detroit Writing Room members and students of Lynne Golodner get 20% off!
MAY
Ask Me Anything with Coach Anna Clark
For Writing Room Members Only
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join Detroit Writing Room Coach Anna Clark to ask her anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek writing advice from Anna, an award-winning author and journalist for ProPublica. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are free and for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
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.
JUNE
Literary Salon
Theme: Love on the Page
June 2, 2026
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
More Series Dates: August 11 and October 21
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:
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!
Single admission is $67, or attend the series for $249 (a $19 savings!).
Detroit Writing Room members and students of Lynne Golodner get 20% off!
The Writer’s Sprint
Sunday, June 7, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station’s Literary Lounge
Are you having a hard time focusing on your writing project and need an extra push to make progress? The Writer’s Sprint is designed to help you meet your goal with minimal distractions. Hosted by Detroit Writing Room workshop leader Jen Williams, the event features two focused 45-minute writing sessions, each followed by a 15-minute break for stretching, grabbing a coffee or connecting with other writers.
Whether you are working on fiction, a memoir or a business plan, all writers are welcome. Think of it as protected writing time in community with others. DWR coaches will be available to provide guidance or answer questions as needed. We’ll bring views of the city, snacks, coffee and a celebratory beverage. You are welcome to bring whatever you need: a laptop for typing and research or a notebook for plotting and planning. And if you listen to music while writing, please bring personal headphones to help reduce noise in the space. Come solo or invite a friend to partake in our writing community! General admission is $30.
An Introduction to Memoir: Pride Edition
Sunday, June 14, 2026
2 - 3:30 p.m. EST
Drifter Coffee in Ferndale
Join trans artist and writer Cash Whitney for a two-part introduction to memoir workshop in celebration of Pride Month! In the first part of the workshop we will explore structure, point of view, verb tense, voice and authenticity, dialogue, as well as strong writing and revision. The second portion of the workshop will be dedicated to writing and reading. Prompts relevant to the craft will be provided. Please bring a notebook or writing device you are comfortable with. Writers will be encouraged to read what they’ve generated from the prompts—finished or not. All excerpts and workshop examples will feature queer writers in celebration of Pride. Attendees will receive one beverage of their choice with their ticket. Early bird tickets are $47 until May 14.
Pen & Persistence
June 16, Sept. 15 and Dec. 8
7 - 8 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
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.
Registration closes at 7 p.m. the day before each in-person event. Anyone who attends at least one in-person session will be invited to attend the Zoom sessions at no additional cost!
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, June 29, 2026
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Fiction Group Meets Virtually
Non-Fiction Group Meets at Michigan Central Station
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. Members attending the session at Michigan Central must RSVP by June 25.
JULY
Detroit Bookfest
Sunday, July 19, 2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST
Eastern Market Shed 5
Join us for the 9th annual Festival of Books at Eastern Market! Over 300 vendors will be selling books, records, art and more! Stop by our table to meet our writing coaches and check out their books! You can also support our nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward by purchasing the anthology “Detroit Voices” or the award-winning Perspectives Magazine. The event is free!
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, July 27, 2026
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.
AUGUST
Parent-Child Drawing Workshop
Featuring the Create a Character Activity
Aug. 6, 2026
7 - 8 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
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. Early bird tickets are $35 per family until July 6, 2026.
Literary Salon
Theme: The Iceberg Theory
Aug. 11, 2026
7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
Last Series Dates: October 21
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:
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!
Single admission is $67, or attend the series for $249 (a $19 savings!).
Detroit Writing Room members and students of Lynne Golodner get 20% off!
Ask Me Anything with Coach Aaron Robertson
For Writing Room Members Only
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join Detroit Writing Room Coach Aaron Robertson to ask him anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek writing advice from Aaron, an award-winning author, journalist and editor. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are free and for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
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.
SEPTEMBER
Sound Questions: The Art & Craft of Audio Interviewing
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
In this workshop with DWR podcast coach and public radio veteran Zak Rosen, participants will study masters of the interview form across broadcast and digital media, and practice honing their own interview style and methodology. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster, journalist, documentarian or just trying to get better at talking to friends and strangers, the participatory workshop will help lay the groundwork for one of the most important parts of being alive: listening deeply and responding authentically. Participants will leave with a plan and a map for their next big interview. Early bird tickets are $60 until Aug. 27. A few spaces are reserved for Journalism Camp alumni and Boys & Girls Club high students to attend for free.
OCTOBER
Detroit Writers Conference
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST
Michigan Central Station
Save the date for The Detroit Writing Room’s first Writers Conference! 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 publishes and the types of manuscripts they’re looking for. The conference includes time to network with editors, Detroit Writing Room coaches and fellow writers. Coffee, breakfast, lunch and a celebratory happy hour are included! Space is limited. Tickets will be released soon!
For the College-Bound
Detroit high school students are invited to attend a free two-part series this fall!
Locations Where We Hold Workshops!
Want to host a Detroit Writing Room workshop at your business, organization or venue? Email events@detroitwritingroom.com