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

Creative Nonfiction in Flash: Distilling a Moment in Time

Thursday, April 10, 2025

7-8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Life is made up of small moments. So is flash nonfiction. Join Diane Gottlieb, award-winning author and editor of flash nonfiction for an evening of reading, writing, craft talk and discovery. Flash nonfiction is nonfiction writing in short — generally under 1,000 words.The challenge is to tell a small but mighty true story that grabs, builds and keeps hold of a reader throughout. Attendees will read two to three flash nonfiction pieces for inspiration. They'll then come away with the bones of a short essay. Together we'll distill moments in time. General admission is $50.

Pitch Perfect: How to Get You Brand or Story Noticed by National Media

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

1-2:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

What subject lines stand out? What story ideas resonate? How long, short, detailed or vague should your pitch be? How much do connections matter? Can you really make a living as a freelance journalist? Learn it all from New York Writing Room coach Anna Medaris, a journalist with 15 years of experience writing and editing for publications including the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Everyday Health and others.

Anna currently freelances for publications nationwide, coaches writers through the New York Writing Room, and moderates professional panels. She's appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America and dozens of local TV and radio stations. Throughout it all, she's vetted countless pitches from PR professionals, entrepreneurs, writers, family members and friends to truly understand what works, and what doesn't. Join this virtual workshop on to get a look behind the scenes of what writers and editors' daily life (and inbox) actually looks like, candid advice on how to sell yourself and your idea or to simply introduce yourself because one thing she thinks has never changed is the power of human connections.

Attendees have an opportunity to submit a pitch for Anna to review and provide feedback. Early bird tickets are $45 until March 18. Sign up with a colleague or friend and get $10 off!

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Monday. April 28, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.

“Never Getting Ahead” Book Launch with Beth Gelman

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

7-8 p.m. EST

Virtual

We’re thrilled to host DWR member and author Beth Gelman for a virtual book party to celebrate her latest romcom novel "Never Getting Ahead" — the second book in Beth's Dazed & Confused Steamy Romance Series, highlighting neurodivergent brains in hilarious settings. The book won 1st place at the 2025 BookFest Awards this spring. The awards recognize excellence in literature and elevate authors who contribute outstanding work to the literary world.During the virtual book party Beth will discuss "Never Getting Ahead" and answer questions during a live Q&A with guests. We'll also have a live drawing for a signed copy of the novel! Admission is free for DWR members and the first 15 people who register!

MAY

“Never Getting Ahead” Release Party with Beth Gelman

Friday, May 9, 2025

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST

@ Biggby Coffee in Commerce Township

We’re excited to celebrate DWR member Beth Gelman’s latest book, “Never Getting Ahead!” Join Beth for an interactive day filled with discussions, a book signing and an exciting gift when you make a purchase. Stop by for a chance to interact with Beth and ask her questions about her writing process and where she gets her inspiration. Registration is free!

Picture Book Training Workshop: From Concept to Publication

Saturday, May 10, 2025

2-4 p.m. EST

@ 27th Letter Books

Much like an athlete needs to train for an event, children’s book writers have to train for picture book writing. Whether you are in the early stages of story development or are seeking publication, this workshop led by Detroit Writing Room children's book coach Amy Nielander will walk you through a Training Plan that will help you stay focused on the finish line: submitting your story for publication. You will learn how to create deadlines, define your audience, sharpen your pitch, develop a picture book dummy, work through sticking points, craft a query letter, target traditional publishers and more.

This in-person workshop at the Detroit independent bookstore 27th Letter Books will propel you forward so you can cross that finish line (finally!) and feel proud. The workshop also celebrates Children's Book Week, the longest-running national literacy initiative in the U.S. Early bird tickets are $45 until April 1. All attendees will be entered in a raffle for literary prizes.

Environmental Writing: Narrating the Natural World

Sunday, May 18, 2025

2-3:30 p.m. EST

@ Next Chapter Books

Our shared earth is rich with stories. In a generative workshop led by journalist and author Anna Clark, we’ll explore ways to chronicle it: personal testimony; poetic attention; asking the largest questions of climate change and environmental justice and much more. We’ll consider how writing about “the environment” and “the city” are not separate practices. We’ll spend a springtime Sunday in a cheerful bookstore, writing together, guided by prompts and exercises. We’ll playfully and thoughtfully explore our own relationship with nature.

This workshop is for all — anyone who takes inspiration from the living world. Come solo or bring a friend or family member for a creative afternoon. You’ll go home with newly written pages, a creative spark and a wealth of resources on environmental writing, including a robust reading list. Early bird tickets are $55 until April 1. Sign up with a friend and get $10 off!

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.

“Past Preserve Us” Book Launch with Carol Nickles

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

7-8 p.m. EST

Virtual

We’re thrilled to host DWR member and author Carol Nickles for a virtual book party to celebrate her latest novel, "Past Preserve Us," publishing May 28! Carol writes about Michigan history with romantic elements. "Past Preserve Us" is a duology with her 2022 debut novel, "Thumb Fire Desire," a story set against the backdrop of Michigan's most significant natural disaster, The Great Thumb Fire of 1881. During the virtual book party Carol will discuss "Past Preserve Us" and answer questions during a live Q&A with guests. We'll also have a live drawing for Detroit Writing Room swag like purple journals and Perspectives Magazine! Admission is free for DWR members and the first 15 people who register!

JUNE

A Latte to Write About: Creative Writing with Coffee

Sunday, June 22, 2025

2-3:30 p.m. EST

@ Drifter Coffee

There's nothing better than good coffee to get you in a caffeinated creative writing spirit! Join us at Drifter Coffee in Ferndale for an interactive creative writing workshop themed all around coffee! Detroit Writing Room founder Stephanie Steinberg will guide you with writing prompts that explore writing with the five senses as you smell, taste — and yes — touch your coffee. We'll practice writing from different perspectives. You'll put your imagination to work and pretend you're a coffee mug on your shelf. What would that mug say about you or your household? We'll also pour into some of our favorite memories surrounding a good cup of coffee.

The workshop will take place outside on Drifter Coffee's patio. Your choice of any beverage on the menu and treats are included. Each participant will also receive a complimentary purple Detroit Writing Room journal ($15 value) and purple pen. But you're welcome to bring your favorite writing utensils and coffee mug for inspiration! Early bird tickets are $55 until May 22.

Book Talk & Signing with Author Ann Berman

Monday, June 23, 2025

6-7:30 p.m. EST

@ The Guardian Building

Supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Join The Detroit Writing Room for a book talk and signing with award-winning author Ann Berman! Come celebrate the Wayne State University Press release of Ann Berman's new biography about Louis Graveraet Kaufman — the fabulous Michigan Gatsby who conquered Wall Street, took over General Motors and built the Empire State Building. The event on June 23 will take place at the historic Guardian Building, one of Detroit's most iconic buildings. Join us on the 32nd floor for wine and beer, appetizers and breathtaking views of Detroit's skyline. During the event, you'll learn about the extraordinary rise of the glamorous, competitive and clever American banking titan born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Gatsbyesque figure was known for throwing lavish Prohibition-era parties in Marquette, Michigan, where he built the world's largest log lodge.

The conversation will be moderated by Detroit Writing Room coach Laura Berman, an award-winning columnist and journalist. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A. They’ll also be entered in a raffle for a copy of the new book, Perspectives Magazine and other prizes! Single tickets are $35. Includes appetizers, wine and beer. Proceeds benefit Coaching Detroit Forward scholarships for Detroit teens to attend our Journalism Camp!

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Monday. June 30, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.

JULY

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Monday. July 28, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.