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
NOVEMBER
The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Life Story
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
6 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Oakland Community College - Royal Oak
You want to write your life story. But where should you start? What should you include? And how can you make your memoir pop, dazzle, inspire, motivate, entertain and even influence readers to improve their lives? Get answers during this high-energy, interactive workshop that teaches everything you need to know to master the art of writing your memoir.
Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins, CEO of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing, will draw upon her experience of writing dozens of books, including many memoirs for highly accomplished individuals, such as former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of memoir writing, as well as techniques for capturing your readers attention by focusing your content and expressing it with pizzazz. In addition, Elizabeth will teach you how to: express your authentic self; craft suspenseful scenes and cliffhangers that keep your readers turning pages; write realistic dialogue; describe settings; select themes; pick a title for your book; utilize your fiction-writing skills to recreate historic scenes based on your research; bring every scene to life; and so much more. She'll also explain your options for publishing your memoir.
Looking back on your life is a powerful exercise that has many unexpected benefits. It enables you to celebrate how far you've come and assess where you want to go. Your memoir also educates, inspires, and entertains people by showcasing your unique triumphs, expertise and knowledge. General admission is $69. Writing Room members get 20% off with their member code.
Ask Me Anything with Writing Coach Natalia Aponte
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join New York Writing Room Coach Natalia Aponte to ask her anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek advice from Natalia — a veteran fiction editor — about fiction writing, editing and publishing. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Photography Exhibition & Perspectives Magazine 2025 Launch Party
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
5 - 7 p.m. EST
@ Playground Detroit
The Detroit Writing Room and our nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward are excited to invite you to a Photography Exhibition and Perspectives Magazine 2025 Launch Party!
The event celebrates the photos captured by Detroit high school students in Coaching Detroit Forward's Beginner and Advanced Photography Camps as well as articles written by teens who attended our Journalism Camp. Attendees will have an opportunity to view photos on exhibit at Playground Detroit, a Detroit gallery space. The annual award-winning Perspectives Magazine will also be released at the event. The magazine features the students' stories focused on health, the environment, social justice and community news as well as students' photos of downtown Detroit, nature, people, events and more.
Photos on display will be auctioned, with live bidding ending at 6:40 p.m. Proceeds from photos will be split between the student photographer and CDF. There will be appetizers and drinks to enjoy while admiring the students' work. Remarks by coaches will be made at 5:30 p.m., followed by a celebratory toast.
This event is free to attend for students, parents, coaches, Coaching Detroit Forward partners and Detroit Writing Room members. We kindly request that the public and guests make a minimum $10 donation to CDF when registering for a ticket on Eventbrite. Space is limited! Tickets are first come, first serve! Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2025.
Copy Editing: What Is It and Why You Should Do It
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
5 - 6 p.m. EST
Virtual
Copy editing is an essential step for any author, but many may not know what exactly it is, and most importantly, the consequences of not copy editing their manuscripts. Pulling from her experience as a book editor, New York Writing Room coach Johanie Martinez-Cools will lead you through the basics of copy editing and how to avoid some crucial mistakes that could impact your writing careers. This interactive virtual workshop is geared toward nonfiction writers and fiction writers whose stories are set in the real world. Attendees will leave with a tip sheet for copy editing their manuscripts. We also encourage you to come with your copy editing questions! Early bird rate is $35 until Oct. 18.
Johanie is available for fiction and nonfiction manuscript editing, development editing, copy editing/line editing, sensitivity reads and proof reading. Inquire about editing your project here.
Crafting Suspense and Surprise in Short Fiction
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
7 - 8:15 p.m. EST
Virtual
In this workshop led by Strand Magazine editor Andrew Gulli, we’ll explore the techniques that keep readers turning pages and leave them breathless at the end of a story. Participants will learn how to build tension, plant subtle clues and deliver twists that feel both unexpected and inevitable. We’ll look at how pacing, structure and character psychology all work together to create moments of genuine suspense and surprise. Whether you’re writing crime, mystery, literary fiction or something in between, this session will give you practical tools to sharpen your storytelling and engage your audience on a deeper level. The last 15 minutes will be reserved for questions. Participants will be emailed reading materials in advance of the workshop. Early bird tickets are $55 until Oct. 20.
Writing Group
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday. Nov. 24, 2025
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.
DECEMBER
2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
6:30 - 8 p.m. EST
@ Detroit Public Theatre
Come celebrate the talented poets, screenwriters, children's book authors, novelists and writers of all ages from Metro Detroit at the 2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards! Writers and photographers from the region applied to the awards, and our team of judges narrowed down the finalists in each category. During the ceremony emceed by DWR coach and Detroit Free Press columnist Neal Rubin, you'll find out who takes first, second and third in 9 different categories. Guests will first enjoy a happy hour with beer, wine and apps. You'll get a chance to mingle with fellow writers and DWR Award judges who are award-winning authors, journalists and photographers as well as Detroit Writing Room and Coaching Detroit Forward coaches.
Plus! Attendees will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win the "Detroit Voices" publication featuring finalists, Perspectives Magazine 2025, a Detroit Writing Room membership ($199 value), 2 tickets to Detroit Public Theatre's "Holiday Cabaret," an Alpha writing device from Freewrite and other prizes!
Copies of the 2025 edition of "Detroit Voices" featuring the the finalists will be available for purchase onsite once the ceremony ends and the winners are revealed! All finalists will receive 1 complimentary copy of the book. Winners are encouraged to sign books after the ceremony!
Tickets:
$30 for students ages 13-21
$50 for general admission
*Includes wine, beer and appetizers from Mongers Provisions.
All proceeds support the DWR's nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward, which offers free writing and photography programs for Detroit high school students. Learn more and donate at coachingdetroitforward.org or add a donation with your ticket!
JANUARY
Ask Me Anything with Writing Coach Barry Adler
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join New York Writing Room Coach Barry Adler to ask him anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek advice from Barry — a former story doctor for The New York Times — about writing, editing and storytelling. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are for Writing Room members only. RSVP to get the Zoom link. Members who RSVP will also receive a video recap.
Leveraging Your LinkedIn Profile for Success
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
You have a LinkedIn profile, but you're unsure of its purpose. You made a login, did a little digging,and decided it wasn't for you because you're not a social media person. Does this sound familiar? If so, this workshop is for you. Unlock the full potential of LinkedIn and position yourself for success. Join Angela Buccellato, CEO and founder of The Resume Rescue, for an engaging workshop where you'll learn how to enhance your LinkedIn profile, build meaningful connections and effectively showcase your professional brand. In this workshop we’ll cover: profile optimization, network building, content creation, personal branding and more. This workshop is perfect for job seekers, professionals looking to enhance their online presence, writers, entrepreneurs and anyone eager to leverage LinkedIn for effective connection building. Early bird tickets are $55 until Dec. 14.
Writing That Moves People: Exploring Creative Workplace Communications
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
In an age of information overload and rapidly advancing AI platforms, facts alone aren't enough to inspire action. Employees are overwhelmed by company communications, and workplace trust is on a decline. So how can organizations cut through the noise and craft messages (and strategies) that truly inspire, inform and connect? This workshop is designed for leaders and communication professionals who want to break through corporate jargon and connect with employees on a deeper, more human level. Whether you're writing an internal newsletter, a CEO update or leading culture change, this workshop will equip you with creative strategies to communicate with authenticity and impact.
The workshop is led by Jen Williams, a writer and award-winning communications leader based in Metro Detroit. With nearly 14 years of experience shaping executive and internal communications at organizations like Ford Motor Company, Michigan Medicine and TripleLift, Jen brings practical insights and a deep understanding of how communication drives culture and employee behavior. Early bird tickets are $55 until Dec. 21, 2025.
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, Jan. 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.
FEBRUARY
Thought Leadership for Nonprofits: How It Can Boost Impact & Grow Revenue
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Nonprofit leaders — stop being the best-kept secret in your sector. Learn how to become a recognized authority who shapes the conversations that matter. In this workshop led by Dr. Kate Greulich, you'll master thought leadership fundamentals through proven nonprofit examples and data showing real marketing impact. Discover exactly where your expertise creates influence and how to position yourself as the go-to voice in your cause area.
You’ll walk away with your personalized content strategy — specific pillars that turn your knowledge into powerful marketing assets. No more guessing what to write about. Your marketing team gets a clear roadmap for creating content that builds your reputation, attracts major donors and amplifies your mission. Ready to claim your space as a sector leader? This is how you do it. Early bird tickets are $35 until Jan. 4.
Fiction & Non-Fiction Writing Groups
For Writing Room Members Only
Monday, Feb. 23, 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.
MARCH
Ask Me Anything with Editing Coach Sydnee Thompson
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Virtual
Writing Room members are invited to join Detroit Writing Room Coach Sydnee Thompson to ask her anything! Come with questions about a personal project or seek editing advice from Sydnee, who specializes in copy editing and developmental editing for fiction and journalism projects. This is an open hour to ask questions in a group setting. Or come just to listen and learn! Ask Me Anythings are 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, March 30, 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.
APRIL
The Non-Fiction Journey: From Writing to Selling
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
6 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Wayne State University Press
How do you approach voice in your non-fiction manuscript? How much detail should you include? How do you find an audience that wants to read your work? What’s the process look like from the starting blocks to the finish line? Is there a finish line? Those questions and more will be answered by Keith Wunderlich, author of "Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars" published in 2025 by the Wayne State University Press. Wunderlich will share parts of his original manuscript, give you the opportunity to fix it and share how he (and editors) fixed it for the final draft. One year after the publication of his book, he’ll take workshop participants through his experience finding his audience and marketing the book. You don’t have to understand track and field to enjoy this workshop. In fact, it may be beneficial if track isn’t in your top 10 favorite sports. You’ll learn how to write a book about something not everyone loves and make it interesting and compelling. All attendees will receive a copy of Keith's book (retail value $26.99) included with their ticket! Early bird tickets are $45 until March 14, 2026.
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.
Locations Where We Hold Workshops!
Want to host a Detroit Writing Room workshop at your business, organization or venue? Email events@detroitwritingroom.com