March 25 from noon to 1 p.m. EST

Have you ever heard of a literary scout? Known as the industry’s “book spies,” a scout’s job is to trade in information and never reveal their sources. Scouts are known for keeping comprehensive databases of all materials on submission, all sales for all materials, and reader's reports on pretty much any book they can get their hands on. They are experts on trends in the market and sale levels of books. One editor called scouting “witchcraft”: scouts are known for keeping information flowing through “back channels” of the industry — personal relationships where, say, a deal can be orchestrated, levels understood, interested parties made aware of other interest, without the necessary politesse and unspoken rules of front-facing relationships.

Drawing on this privileged position in the industry, New York Writing Room coach Brianna Zimmerman will host a talk on all things scouting, moderated by Detroit Writing Room coach Aaron Robertson, author of "The Black Utopians," translator from Italian, and former editor at Spiegel & Grau. They will elaborate on the market as it stands today, how social media and TikTok have panicked publishers, the reasons why writers should always find people who bet on them and how the market has changed in recent years.

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April 4 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. EST

Join New York Writing Roomcoach Susan Merson for an afternoon of prompts and exercises that welcome writers more specifically and personally into the world of their characters. We will learn about their geography, their likes and dislikes, why they make the choices they make and the actions that follow.

Fun and breezy, come meet your characters as we ask them who they are and why they ended up that way. Bring pencil and paper, or laptop and tablet. Plus, curiosity and a sense of adventure. All experience levels are welcome! All workshop attendees receive a signed copy of Susan Merson's new book "Chosen Family"with their ticket!

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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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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.

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.

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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.

Apply Here

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!

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