Upcoming Events

NOVEMBER

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.

TICKETS

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.

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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!

TICKETS

Networking at Night for Authors

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

6 - 8 p.m. EST

@ Sip N Read

Check out the new Sip N Read Book Bar in Corktown, and join us for a focused evening for writers who want clear guidance on getting their book ready for publishing. Detroit Writing Room founder and book editor Stephanie Steinberg will share what to consider before you start writing a book. During an interactive presentation, she’ll break down how to prep your manuscript and polish it for publication. She’ll also cover the various types of editors — from developmental editors to copy editors — and their role in enhancing your manuscript. Then we’ll open the floor for Q and A and real conversation. Each guest will receive one 5-ounce pour of Michigan wine or a mocktail. Guests will be entered in a raffle to win a copy of the 2025 edition of “Detroit Voices,” releasing on Dec. 8 as well as Stephanie’s book “In the Name of Editorial Freedom.” Guests are encouraged to bring writing materials for brief writing activities. Tickets are $45. Space is limited!

TICKETS

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.

RSVP

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.

TICKETS

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.

TICKETS

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.

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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.

TICKETS

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.

How to Submit to Literary Magazines and Small Presses

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026

Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

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 group discussion and Q&A time. Join us if you’d like company in the exciting but daunting process of sending out your writing. Early bird tickets are $55 until Jan. 13.

TICKETS

Wine Down and Write Workshop

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

6:30 to 8 p.m. EST

Santé Wine Tasting Room in Farmington

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! General admission is $55.

TICKETS

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.

RSVP

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.

TICKETS

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.