2026 Detroit Writers Conference
Oct. 10 , 2026
The day-long experience is for writers interested in publishing a book and connecting with local writers. Several Detroit Writing Room coaches will lead workshops and panel talks covering topics such as publishing options, finding an agent, marketing your book, copyright and trademark and more! Editors from Michigan university presses will also share best practices for pitching to publishers and the types of manuscripts they’re seeking. The conference includes time to network with editors, Detroit Writing Room coaches and fellow writers. Detroit bookstore 27th Letter Books as well as local authors will be on-site selling books throughout the day.
Tickets:
Coffee, breakfast, lunch and a celebratory happy hour sponsored by Mays Multimedia are included!
Space is limited. Registration closes Oct. 5 or until spaces are filled.
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!
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.
Parent-Child Drawing Workshop
Aug. 6 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Are you looking for a fun way to connect with your child? Join Detroit Writing Room Coach Amy Nielander for a hands-on drawing workshop featuring the Create a Character Activity. In this interactive program, children and caregivers draw together while building creativity and connection. Participants will stretch their imagination and practice resilience through engaging activities. No drawing experience is needed, and all caregivers are welcome. The workshop is for ages 5 and up. Due to the family-focused nature of the workshop, space is limited.
Register
The Writers' Supper Club
Aug. 22 from 6 - 8 p.m.
You are invited to join us for an intimate writers' dinner — an evening designed to gather storytellers to share ideas, spread inspiration and enjoy great food in the heart of Campus Martius. The Writers' Supper Club is a new series dedicated to creativity, conversation and connection. When writers come together, inspiration sparks and turns into ideas that have the power to shape the world. Hosted by writer and DWR workshop leader Jen Williams, this evening has been carefully crafted to deepen the work of writers in the community. Through engaging and fun dialogue, we'll explore a range of diverse topics to share perspectives and create meaningful change, both on and off the page. A brief presentation will be shared with valuable resources for all writers.
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.