May 14-17, 2026

Join us for a weekend of writing, connecting and exploring Detroit! We’ll hear from local authors, meander among artwork, murals and nature, and taste some of the best flavors the Motor City has to offer, all as inspiration for our writing.

The retreat is led by DWR Coach Lynne Golodner and features writing sessions at the Wayne State University Press and Michigan Central Station.

Members get 20% off registration. Space is limited to 15 writers. Must apply to attend by March 1, 2026.

Apply here.

Jan. 21, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

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, Jen brings practical insights and a deep understanding of how communication drives culture and employee behavior.

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Feb. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

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 group discussion and Q&A time. Join us if you’d like company in the exciting but daunting process of sending out your writing.

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Feb. 4 from noon to 1 p.m.

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.

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Feb. 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Nothing pairs better with wine than some creative writing and fun times. oin us on at Santé in Farmington for an interactive creative writing workshop themed all around wine! 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 wine. We'll practice writing from different perspectives. You'll put your imagination to work and pretend you're the wine bottle on your shelf. What would that bottle say about you or your household? We'll also pour into some of our favorite memories surrounding a good glass of wine.

Each ticket includes a flight of three 2.5-ounce pours. Guests can choose from 32 wines. Please bring your favorite notebook or writing materials. We'll supply the purple pens!

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March 18 from 6 - 7 p.m.

The first hurdle of writing is getting it all down, then the next step is revising, a.k.a. line editing. Line editing is the art of examining your work sentence by sentence, word by word, to elevate it from competent to compelling.

This interactive virtual workshop led by New York Writing Room coach Johanie Martinez-Cools will help you identify and eliminate common elements that dilute your writing's impact. We'll go over passive verbs, awkward constructions, rhythm problems and vague adjectives. For writers of all genres, the workshop includes exercises to practice your newfound skills. We also encourage you to come with your line editing questions!

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April 14 from 6 - 7 p.m

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!

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