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

DECEMBER

Shop & Talk:
Activate Your GoddessPower with Elizabeth Ann Atkins

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

5:30-7 p.m. EST

@ The Peacock Room

Ladies, it’s time to live bigger, better and bolder to manifest your heart’s wildest desires, personally and professionally.  Learn how during this empowering and interactive evening as Elizabeth Ann Atkins shares life-shifting insights from her new books,"The Biss Tribe: Where You Activate Your GoddessPower" and "The Biss Tribe: Where You Activate Your GoddessPleasure."

Elizabeth Ann Atkins is co-founder of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®, an Emmy-nominated TV show host and a certified meditation teacher. In the beautiful lobby of the Fisher Building, Elizabeth will lead a guided meditation and writing exercises from the books that help each woman activate the infinite energy within herself to rule her personal and/or professional empire from a throne of power wearing a crown of confidence. 

Women can enter to win free giveaways — including a tiara! — and shop for clothing, jewelry and gifts in The Peacock Room, a co-host of this event. Participants can also meet co-host Stephanie Steinberg, who will talk about the robust offerings for readers and writers at The Detroit Writing Room and The New York Writing Room. Women will leave this experience inspired by empowering techniques, along with holiday gifts for themselves and others: books, clothing, jewelry, and gift cards for the writers on their lists. General admission is $10. Space is limited to 30 guests.

JANUARY

The Art of Opinion Writing

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025

6:30-8 p.m. EST

Virtual

Do you aspire to win friends and influence people? Is there a cause you want to publicly champion? Do you yearn to master the art of the hot take? Join The New York Writing Room for a virtual workshop, "The Art of Opinion Writing." You'll learn how to harmonize, synthesize and advertise your boldest opinions with Ken Davidoff, a New York-based sports journalist with over 25 years of experience.

Ken will talk you through the nuances of this craft: how to state your case in a way that flows logically; how to start and conclude your argument to match that flow as well as sway and entertain the reader; how to utilize data, quotes and other tools to bolster your case; how to preemptively anticipate the opposing argument and shoot that down; and how to match the tone of your writing to the strength and passion of your argument, among other tricks of the trade. There will also be time for Q&A and an opportunity to get feedback on your writing. Early bird tickets are $45 until Dec. 25, 2024.

Marketing for Authors

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025

7-9 p.m. EST

Virtual

To succeed as a writer, you need two things: to write and to embrace the idea that no one will love your books more than you. Many writers believe that if they work with an agent or secure a traditional publishing contract, they won’t have to lift a finger to market their books. But they couldn’t be more wrong! Regardless of the publishing path an author chooses, they’ll have to not only embrace marketing, but immerse in it if they want their books to sell and their author brand to become known among readers. Especially if they want to secure a deal for a second book.

In this virtual workshop, award-winning, bestselling author and marketing expert Lynne Golodner will share insights on how to build a compelling and consistent author brand, how to understand all the various marketing channels and how marketing makes a book relevant to readers, and how to create a dynamic and doable marketing strategy that you’ll love to implement. Early bird tickets are $60 until Dec. 25, 2024.

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Jan. 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.

FEBRUARY

How to Find a Literary Agent

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

6:30-7:45 p.m. EST

Virtual

You've written your manuscript, and you're ready to pitch it to a publisher. But first, you need a literary agent. Finding the best agent who will advocate for you and your story is not always an easy or quick process. And if you've never queried an agent before, you might not know where to start. The Writing Room is here to help alleviate stress and answer all your questions about securing an agent!

Detroit Writing Room coach Justin Brouckaert and Monica Rodriguez are professional literary agents who help writers find agents and understand what to expect from this part of the publishing process. During the virtual panel discussion moderated by Writing Room founder Stephanie Steinberg, the agents will cover:

• Why you may need an agent

• The best ways to find agents

• How to determine who is an ideal agent for you and your project(s)

• The querying process and "the call"

• What to expect once an agent says "yes" to working with you!

The last 15 minutes will be reserved for Q&A, so come with your questions! Early bird tickets are $50 until Jan. 13. All attendees will receive a promo code for 20% off a coaching session with Justin Brockaert.

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Feb. 24, 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.

MARCH

How to Get Your Book Published

Monday, March 3, 2025

6-7:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Learn everything you need to know about how to publish your book at this virtual workshop with Two Sisters Writing & Publishing. Since founding this independent press, Elizabeth Ann Atkins and Catherine M. Greenspan have published about 60 memoirs, workbooks and novels. This includes Catherine’s young adult novels and memoirs for former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, a former American Red Cross president, several physicians, and even their mother, a retired judge.

The Two Sisters will explain your three main options: traditional publishing with “The Big Five” in New York; self-publishing; and independent and hybrid publishing. Elizabeth will also share her experience as a bestselling author whose 40 books have been published all three ways. And you’ll learn how to reverse engineer the entire process to strategize your best possible outcome. You’ll leave this high-energy, informative and interactive virtual workshop armed with everything you need to know to choose the best publishing option for your book. Early bird tickets are $40 until Feb. 3.