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2025 Writing Retreat
Oct. 3-5, 2025
Join award-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner for an interactive weekend writers retreat in Detroit.
We’ll hear from local authors, meander among artwork, murals and nature, kayak along the Detroit River and canals that flow into it, and taste some of the best flavors the Motor City has to offer, all as inspiration for our writing!
This generative retreat, open to writers of all genres and experience levels, includes time to write, focused instruction, two breakfasts, two lunches, a welcome reception and Saturday happy hour. Participants will receive writing materials, including a purple journal and pen. Morning writing sessions will be held at the Wayne State University Press.
Accommodations and transportation to Detroit are on your own. The retreat begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.
“Never Getting Ahead” Book Launch with Beth Gelman
Wednesday, April 30 from 7-8 p.m. EST
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!
Journalism Camp 2025
July 7-18, 2025
Applications are now open for The Detroit Writing Room's 2025 Journalism Camp in partnership with Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit! The camp provides an immersive experience that teaches high school students fundamental writing and reporting skills while focusing on issues impacting their neighborhoods. Most importantly, they’ll receive the tools and confidence to write about issues that matter to them and their communities. With access to some of the top editors, journalists and photographers in Detroit, students also gain mentors who can guide them to future internship and job opportunities.
Students who attend a Detroit high school or reside in Detroit are eligible to attend the two-week camp for free. They'll learn writing and storytelling from professional journalists and write an article that will be published by Planet Detroit!
Picture Book Training Workshop
Sunday, May 10 from 2 - 4 p.m.
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.
“Past Preserve Us” Book Launch with Carol Nickles
Wednesday, May 28 from 7-8 p.m. EST
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!
Environmental Writing: Narrating the Natural World
Sunday, May 18 from 2 - 4 p.m.
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 at Next Chapter Books, 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.