Welcome to The Detroit Writing Room

We offer professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs! We also host virtual workshops and author talks. Become a DWR member and meet a community of writers and creatives!

2022 Update

Thank you to everyone who has supported us since we opened in downtown Detroit in 2019. The pandemic posed many challenges for our physical space that was created for in-person events and gatherings. As a result, we decided not to renew our lease on Washington Boulevard and closed the space in July 2022. But this is not the end! The DWR will be entering a new chapter where we focus on virtual offerings. We’re excited to continue supporting writers in Detroit and also now nationwide. In the months ahead, we also plan to host select in-person workshops and author talks at various locations across Detroit. Thank you to everyone who attended a workshop, book talk or literary event at the physical space. The DWR would not exist without your support and participation. We hope to continue seeing you!

Making the world a better written place.

We offer an inspirational community for writers, creatives and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a business plan, you can sign up with an experienced writing coach who will give feedback on your work and make sure your commas are in all the right places. It never hurts to have a second pair of eyes!

Join us for a writing workshop to get your creative juices flowing, and meet fellow writers in your community. Or attend one of our book talks to hear the inspiration behind stories and get writing and publishing advice from authors.

From aspiring memoirists to bestselling authors, we’re here to support you.

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COMING UP

Character Writing Workshop: Who Are You, Anyway?

March 13 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Join New York Writing Room coach Susan Merson for a virtual workshop exploring character creation. In this two-hour workshop, Susan will offer some fun prompts to get to the inside nitty gritty of your characters. Come prepared to write and fight with the person you are bringing into being with your words. An easy attitude and a willingness to play is all that's necessary. This workshop is suitable for writers working in any genre and at any level. You can create a new character, explore one that is already in an existing project or take a deep dive into your own personal growth.

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The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Life Story

April 9 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Join Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins to learn the nuts and bolts of memoir writing, as well as techniques for capturing your readers’ attention by focusing your content and expressing it with pizzazz.

In addition, Elizabeth will teach you how to: express your authentic self; craft suspenseful scenes and cliffhangers that keep your readers turning pages; write realistic dialogue; describe settings; select themes; pick a title for your book; utilize your fiction-writing skills to recreate historic scenes based on your research; bring every scene to life; and so much more.

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2024 Summer Author Series

May through August 2024

Our Author Series returns this summer at the historic Whitney mansion in Detroit. Each event features two acclaimed authors. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres during a meet-and-greet with the authors. Each event also includes two author talks, an opportunity to ask questions during Q&A, book signings and raffle drawings.

The intimate experiences are held in The Whitney’s outdoor garden, weather permitting. Guests can purchase books from our bookstore partner 27th Letter Books in advance and onsite.

All event proceeds benefit our nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward.

Get a Summer Author Series Pass to attend all 4 events and receive a special 15% book discount!

Get single tickets.

College Application Essay Writing Workshop

Aug. 14 or 15 from 11 a.m. - 3: p.m.

In this in-person workshop led by coach Danielle Alexander, high school students will practice and develop the skill of writing a college application essay. Students will brainstorm, outline and begin drafting at least one college application essay by the conclusion of the workshop. In addition to being an instructional space, the workshop is intended to be collaborative. Students will read and analyze each other's work, as well as model college application essays. Together, we will grow comfortable with the conventions of application writing, the vulnerability of sharing our stories and the revision process involving both peer review and instructor feedback.

Register by June 1

Detroit high school students can apply to attend the workshop for free via Coaching Detroit Forward.

SERVICES

Receive help editing business materials and literary works, including: press releases, email newsletters, website copy, social media content, business plans, speeches, fiction, screenwriting and more.

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COACHES

We have a dream team of professionals ranging from award-winning journalists and New York Times bestselling authors, to communications specialists of Fortune 500 companies, photographers and designers.

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EVENTS

The Detroit Writing Room hosts a variety of virtual events including book talks, writing workshops and open mic nights. You can also work with us to customize a workshop for your business or organization.

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See What People Are Saying

Testimonials on Homepage

“The Detroit Writing Room is the place to hone your craft, unlock your voice, connect with others and explore all you can become in the world of writing and publishing. Through their seminars and educational programming, I’ve met other writers from Michigan and across the globe, explored new avenues for my work and connected with literary agents seeking submissions and new clients.”

— ELIZABETH WEIGANDT, AUTHOR OF "QUEEN BEE"

“I’ve been utilizing the coaching services of The Detroit Writing Room and the results have been terrific. I’m currently working with Laura Berman, and my project has benefitted significantly from her guidance and editing. Laura is a wonderful resource!”

— GERRY BOYLAN

“The Detroit Writing Room workshops and Happy Hours have provided me with great insight into becoming a better writer. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and the content provided, and I feel that I am elevating my creative capacity — much more so than just a regular online course.”

— KRISTEN SCHMITT-DYKES

“DWR is essential to me and my crew for educating, teaching, coaching, youth coaching support, writing and artist support — allowing expression of authors, poets, entrepreneurs alike in the ‘D’, and beyond to flourish!”

— PETER JAMES BILLING, AUTHOR OF "THE ROAD HOCKEY CREW"

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

— Maya Angelou

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