How to Write a Book in a Day
April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Author, publisher and Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins will teach you how to write your book in a day. As the bestselling author of over 70 books and CEO of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®, this book coach who has taught college-level writing will share her experience and expertise to help you finally write your book. She will inspire with the mindset required to achieve this dream, and she will provide the mechanics required to write an impactful, engaging book that captivates your target audience.
So bring your pens, notepads and laptops, and get ready to write, revise and learn. If you've been confused and overwhelmed, not knowing where to start your book, you'll leave this day-long experience feeling confident and equipped with the structure and knowledge required to finally compose until you type THE END.
Literary Salons
April 30, June 2, August 11 and October 21
7 - 8:30 p.m.
How did F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway and so many other famous early 20th century writers develop such close friendships? In part, due to literary salons — intentional gatherings of like-minded individuals in an intimate setting for conversation, food, drink and listening. Literary salons first started popping up in Italy over the course of the 16th century and became more popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in France. Now, we are bringing this great tradition of community-building with a literary flair to Detroit!
Join award-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner and The Detroit Writing Room for quarterly Literary Salons at Michigan Central Station’s new Shaka Senghor Literary Lounge! You’ll make writer friends, engage in literary-rich discussions, sip and snack, and do a little writing, too!
Tickets include wine from Santé Wine Tasting Room and charcuterie from Mongers' Provisions. At each event, guests will be entered into a raffle for copy of Detroit Voices and Perspectives Magazine!
Pen & Persistence
March 19, June 16, Sept. 15 and Dec. 8
7 - 8 p.m. EST
Pen & Persistence is a space for writers who understand that the hardest part of the writing journey isn’t the craft but everything that comes with it.
Writers will come together not to workshop or critique, but to support one another through the doubts, anxieties, rejections and to celebrate the small victories. Whether you’re stuck, waiting for that acceptance email, or trying to make time for the page amid a busy life, this is a place to commiserate, listen and remember that you don’t have to carry the writing journey alone.
Led by writer Della Cassia, the group will meet quarterly in-person, with additional Zoom meetings in-between. Free for DWR members. General admission is $20 per event.
2026 Detroit Writing Retreat
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.
Journalism Camp 2026
July 6 - 17, 2026
The Detroit Writing Room Journalism Camp in partnership with Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit is returning this summer! High school students will learn writing, reporting, storytelling and more from over 30 local journalists. Over two weeks, students will write and report a story that will be published by Planet Detroit and printed in Perspectives Magazine.
Detroit students are eligible to attend for free, and full scholarships are available for students with financial need. Apply by May 1, 2026.