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

JUNE

A Latte to Write About: Creative Writing with Coffee

Sunday, June 22, 2025

2-3:30 p.m. EST

@ Drifter Coffee

There's nothing better than good coffee to get you in a caffeinated creative writing spirit! Join us at Drifter Coffee in Ferndale for an interactive creative writing workshop themed all around coffee! 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 coffee. We'll practice writing from different perspectives. You'll put your imagination to work and pretend you're a coffee mug on your shelf. What would that mug say about you or your household? We'll also pour into some of our favorite memories surrounding a good cup of coffee.

The workshop will take place outside on Drifter Coffee's patio. Your choice of any beverage on the menu and treats are included. Each participant will also receive a complimentary purple Detroit Writing Room journal ($15 value) and purple pen. But you're welcome to bring your favorite writing utensils and coffee mug for inspiration! Early bird tickets are $55 until May 22.

Environmental Writing: Narrating the Natural World

Saturday, June 28, 2025

2-3:30 p.m. EST

@ Next Chapter Books

Our shared earth is rich with stories. In a generative workshop led by journalist and author Anna Clark, we’ll explore ways to chronicle it: personal testimony; poetic attention; asking the largest questions of climate change and environmental justice and much more. We’ll consider how writing about “the environment” and “the city” are not separate practices. We’ll spend a summer Saturday in a cheerful bookstore, writing together, guided by prompts and exercises. We’ll playfully and thoughtfully explore our own relationship with nature.

This workshop is for all — anyone who takes inspiration from the living world. Come solo or bring a friend or family member for a creative afternoon. You’ll go home with newly written pages, a creative spark and a wealth of resources on environmental writing, including a robust reading list. General admission is $55. Sign up with a friend and get $10 off!

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Monday. June 30, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.

JULY

Detroit Bookfest

Sunday. July 20, 2025

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST

Eastern Market

Come see us at the 8th annual Detroit Festival of Books, the largest book festival in Michigan! Meet local authors, get signed books and support local bookshops spread throughout Eastern Market. Plus, stop by to chat with us and learn about our workshops, coaching, writing awards and more! Admission is free. 

Writing Group

For Writing Room Members Only

Monday. July 28, 2025

7 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Virtual

Writing Room members are invited to participate in a monthly Writing Group led by Coach Laura Berman! Participants are allowed to share up to two pages to get constructive feedback on a written work from Coach Laura and the group. 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.

SEPTEMBER

How to Write a Rockstar Resume

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025

6 - 8 p.m. EST

@ Bamboo Royal Oak

In this market, it's more important now than ever to stick out among the stack of applicants. Writing your resume can be a HUGE homework assignment, leaving you feeling lost. With conflicting information online, self-proclaimed career experts and the everyday stress of life, it can be overwhelming, but look no further! The Detroit Writing Room is partnering with The Resume Rescue to offer a resume writing workshop just for you.

This intimate workshop led by Angela Buccellato will teach you the do's and don'ts of resumes to stay current with job searching trends. She will guide you through each section of the resume to ensure you understand what recruiters want to see. You will also have the ability to curate your resume! You'll walk away from this workshop with an application-ready resume. Early bird tickets are $75 until Aug. 10.

How to Protect Your Intellect

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2025

6 - 8 p.m. EST

Virtual

Join us for an engaging and informative Intellectual Property Workshop focused on the essentials of trademarks and copyrights! Whether you're a creative, entrepreneur or small business owner, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your brand, your content and your vision. The virtual workshop is led by attorney April McKie. April is currently the managing attorney at ALM Legacy Legal, PLLC, and she works Of Counsel to Great Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, where she helps small businesses and startups with customized legal business solutions. She has successfully negotiated the rights of her clients to use their registered U.S. Trademark against multibillion dollar companies. Come learn how to legally safeguard what you’ve built – before someone else tries to claim it. Early bird tickets are $75 until Aug. 18.

Book Talk & Signing with Author Ann Berman

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025

6-7:30 p.m. EST

@ The Guardian Building

Supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Join The Detroit Writing Room for a book talk and signing with award-winning author Ann Berman! Come celebrate the Wayne State University Press release of Ann Berman's new biography about Louis Graveraet Kaufman — the fabulous Michigan Gatsby who conquered Wall Street, took over General Motors and built the Empire State Building. The event will take place at the historic Guardian Building, one of Detroit's most iconic buildings. Join us on the 32nd floor for wine and beer, appetizers and breathtaking views of Detroit's skyline. During the event, you'll learn about the extraordinary rise of the glamorous, competitive and clever American banking titan born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Gatsbyesque figure was known for throwing lavish Prohibition-era parties in Marquette, Michigan, where he built the world's largest log lodge.

The conversation will be moderated by Detroit Writing Room coach Laura Berman, an award-winning columnist and journalist. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A. They’ll also be entered in a raffle for a copy of the new book, Perspectives Magazine and other prizes! Single tickets are $35. Includes appetizers, wine and beer. Proceeds benefit Coaching Detroit Forward scholarships for Detroit teens to attend our Journalism Camp!