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How to Submit to Literary Magazines & Small Presses
Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Wherever you are in the writing process, submitting your work can be a helpful light at the end of the tunnel. But the world of literary magazines and small publishers is so expansive and diverse, it’s hard to know where and how to send your work out for publication. In this virtual workshop with Dennis James Sweeney, author of "How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses," we’ll talk about the landscape of literary magazines and small presses, strategies for achieving your publication goals and how to navigate the vulnerability of sending out the writing you’ve worked so hard on. You’ll leave the class with next steps for submitting your latest piece of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or hybrid work. This informational class will also include written reflection, group discussion and Q&A time.
Creative Nonfiction in Flash: Distilling a Moment in Time
April 10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. EST
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.