creative writing class detroit

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Since 1995, InsideOut has cultivated the literary and academic skills of Detroit’s students through transformative creative writing programs.

94% of teachers say our program leads to greater student engagement with writing and strengthens students’ oral communication skills.

Through InsideOut’s creative writing programs, students learn to think critically, create bravely, and share their voices with the world. We provide students ages 6-19 with opportunities for self-expression, mentoring, academic support, and a platform to be heard.

We have served 75,000 students and counting. At this crucial time in Detroit’s history, we provide youth with the creative tools to build the city and world they want to live in.

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InsideOut’s focus on social and emotional wellness helps to foster important skills for a happy and healthy life – not only today, but well into the future. By building supportive learning communities, our programs allow students to be their true selves and share their unique voices – tools that last a lifetime. Tools that matter, whether they continue to identify themselves as a “poet” or not.

This program shined a light on what I could do with words. Through writing, I found a new person that I didn’t see before.” InsideOut Student Poet 11th grade, Western High School

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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

19 Top Creative Writing Workshops in Michigan

By Katrina Kwan

Are you a writer in Michigan who wants to improve your creative writing by taking a class ?

Below you’ll find 19 top creative writing workshops in Michigan.

1. The 2019 Michigan Writing Workshop

First hosted in 2015, Writing Day Workshops is presenting the 2019 Michigan Writing Workshop on May 4 th , 2019 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Livonia Novi. The event has limited space for up to 200 guests and offers a wide range of events to participate in, taking place between 9:30am to 5:00pm.

The event is designed to help writers through the publishing process, and will even feature several literary agents from agencies like The Knight Agency, Howland Literary, and more. It costs $189 to register for the event. If you’d like a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with a literary agent or editor, it costs an additional $29. Space is still available, so be sure to apply via email .

2. Wellspring Writing Workshops in Ann Arbor

Wellspring Writing Workshops, a group based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is hosting their 8-week Spring 2019 Creative Writing Workshop. The most recent workshop took place every Thursday evening from March 7 th to March 28 th . But it’s not too late to register!

The next workshop will be hosted Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:45pm from April 4 th to April 25 th . The workshop itself is led by Julie Marioux, a published author, English teacher, and certified AWA workshop method leader. The cost to register is $200, and each session is limited to up to nine people, so be sure to apply as soon as possible!

3. 826michigan’s Detroit Public Library Writing Workshops

If you’re a young writer between 6 to 10 years old who’s looking to participate in a free writing workshop, 826michigan is currently hosting the weE-Bots at the Redford Branch of the Detroit Public Library. This creative writing workshop assigns its writers new topics every week to stimulate the imagination and provide them an outlet to brainstorm, draft, revise, and publish their work.

This workshop is entirely free and requires no prior-registration. All you have to do is show up between October 1 st to May 20 th on Mondays between 5:00pm to 6:00pm at the library located at 21200 Grand River Detroit, Michigan. Click here for a map of the location!

4. Bear River Writers’ Conference with the University of Michigan

The Bear River Writers’ Conference takes place annually in Northern Michigan near Walloon Lake. This year, this conference takes places over several days between May 30 th to June 3 rd , 2019. A host of talented and experience industry professionals will be attending like A. Van Jordan, Mardi Link, Diane Seuss, and Desiree Cooper.

The fee to sign up for this conference is $645 per person. If you’re hoping to find lodging and meal solutions as well, check out the conference’s lodging and fees page. For more information, or if you’re interested in registering, you can contact the organizing team via email or call (734)763-2342.

5. 8-Week Introduction to Memoir with Kelsey Ronan

Writing Workshops Detroit is currently offering a creative writing workshop called 8-Week Introduction to Memoir , led by Kelsey Ronan. Kelsey has earned an MFA in creative writing from Purdue University and is a former writer-in-residence of the Hub City Writers Project. The creative writing workshop itself begins on Thursday, April 11 th , 2019, and is available to new students for a fee of $415. Returning students are offered a rate of $390.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to explore major moments in your life and how to recount them with as much detail and emotional impact as possible. The class meets at 1420 Washington Blvd #301 in Detroit at 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The class size is limited to 8 people only, so be sure to register if you’re interested! For more information, you can use Writing Workshops Detroit’s online contact form .

6. Rochester Writers’ Spring Conference

Based out of Rochester, Michigan, the Rochester Writers group is hosting a spring conference on March 30 th , 2019 between 9:00am to 5:00pm at Oakland University. There will be several events at the workshop to help writers of fiction, nonfiction, and business writing. Their main panel will be discussing the process of self-publishing for those creative writers who are interested in getting their projects out to readers without having to jump through the hurdles of traditional publishing.

They are still accepting late registrations for $130, and even offer at-the-door registration for $160. If you’re interested in attending this writing conference, you can apply online or by mail. The exact event will take place at 2200 N Squirrel Road, Rochester, Michigan. For more information, you can email the team at Rochester Writers.

7. Writing the World: A Creative Nonfiction Workshop by Interlochen Center for the Arts

The Interlochen Center for the Arts, which is based in Interlochen, Michigan, offers a wide range of creative writing programs. They are currently offering a creative nonfiction workshop called Writing the World , which takes place over three days between August 20 th to August 22 nd , 2019. The workshop will be led by Jaimien Delp, who is a part of the creative writing faculty and Interlochen College.

The only thing that participants need to bring along is their own laptop to use for writing exercise. The class registration fee is $275 per person, or $250 per person if you register prior to April 1 st , 2019. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up as soon as you can.

8. Creative Writing Workshops with Voice & Vessel

Based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Voice & Vessel is a writing studio that offers a handful of different resources for aspiring and established writers. They are currently offering a creative writing workshop both on-location and online. Their latest workshop, Tending the Work , is an online workshop that is geared toward writers who getting ready for submission.

Led by Emily Stoddard, an affiliate with Amherst Writers & Artists and the founder of Voice & Vessel, this workshop also comes with a welcome-kit that provides need-to-know information for writers about the publishing industry and the steps it takes to get published. It starts April 10 th and costs $125 to register. For more information, you’re strongly encouraged to call (616) 350-6210.

9. 8-Week Graphic Novel & Comics Workshop with Shaun Manning

Creative writing isn’t just limited to fiction and nonfiction. It can also include the realm of graphic novels and comics! Writing Workshops Detroit offers 8-Week Graphic Novel & Comics Workshop with Shaun Manning, an experienced comic book writer who’s worked on projects liked Star Wars Adventures, Garbage Pail Kids, and Dark Horse Presents .

The class begins on Monday, April 8 th , 2019 between 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Bamboo Detroit, located at 1420 Washington Blvd #301, Detroit. The class costs $415 for new students, and $390 for returning students. Class sizes are limited, so be sure to register soon!

10. Creative Writing Day at the DIA with Diane Shipley DeCillis

Detroit Working Writers is a community of like-minded writers who share an abundance of creative and professional resources to navigate the literary world. The group offers a variety of workshops, including the third annual Creative Writing Day at the DIA . This workshop recently took place on Saturday, March 16 th , 2019 at the Detroit Institute of Arts.  Hosted by Diane Shipley DeCillis, a professional poet and writer, attendants got to learn tips and tricks to expand their creative writing skills. For more information about next year’s event, you can contact the organizer via email .

11. Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference

Based out of Norton Shores, Michigan, the Maranatha Christian Writer’s group is offering a writers’ conference between September 26 th to September 28 th , 2019. They hope to connect Christian writers with industry professionals, as well as nurture their creative writing capabilities. With faculty speakers like Steven James, Abby McDonald, and Amanda Cleary Eastep, the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference is sure to be an excellent opportunity for those writers looking to progress in their careers.

You can register online when registration opens on September 26 th , 2019. For more information, you can contact the team at Maranatha Christian Writers via email . Registration starts at $400 through to June 1 st and increases to $450 after said date, so be sure to register early!

12. The Story Goes On: Writing for Television & the Web with Jill Lorie Hurst

The Michigan Actors Studio does a lot more than just offer acting classes. They also offer workshops for television and web writing. As far as creative writing goes, writing for an entirely new medium requires a certain level of guidance for those interested in breaking out into a new field of entertainment. They currently offer the workshop, The Story Goes On: Writing for Television & the Web , instructed by Emmy award-winning writer Jill Lorie Hurst.

This 8-week intensive class goes over things like character development, two-person scenes, pitching story ideas, script formats accepted by major networks, and more. The glass begins April 9 th , 2019 from 11:00am to 1:00pm and costs $270 to register (prior to March 22 nd ). After this date, registration fees go up to $295. All classes take place in Ferndale, Michigan. If you have any questions, you can email the studio or call (877) 636-3320.

13. Family Literacy Workshops with Eastern Michigan University

The Eastern Michigan University has an express goal of helping their community when it comes to improving literacy rates. Based out of Ypsilanti, Michigan, they offer several workshops for families, teens, and parents to help make reading and writing fun for everyone!

They currently offer workshops like Family Writing Fun Night , which is a 90-minute workshop designed to help families engage in creative writing activities. Registration starts at $450. They also offer Writing Palooza , another 90-minute creative writing workshop designed for teens to work on fiction and creative nonfiction projects. You can find a full list of workshops offered by the university here . For more information, you can contact the office of campus and community writing via email or call (734) 487-0694.

14. Michigan Youth Arts Festival Creative Writing Workshop

The Michigan Council of Teachers of English is currently hosting the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Creative Writing Workshop from May 9 th to May 11 th , 2019. Students in grades 9 through 12 are encouraged in creative writing projects in categories like short stories, poetry, playwriting, graphic narration, and creative nonfiction.

The workshop is run by Joseph Zettelmaier, a Michigan-based playwright and fourth-time nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association award. The workshop takes place at 1903 Western Michigan Avenue at Western Michigan University. For more details, you can contact that organizer directly via email .

15. Youth Summer Writing Camps with Oakland University

If you are interested in participating in a writing camp, Oakland University is currently offering several programs for the summer of 2019. This camp is available to all students for a registration fee of $250. Based out of Rochester, Michigan, the summer camp hopes to facilitate a creative space where they can be both inspired and hone their writing skills. They are currently open for registration at this time, so you just have to pick a time between July 8 th to August 12 th that works best for you. If you should have any questions, you’re encouraged to contact the camp director via email .

16. Be A Better Writer with Wow Writing Workshop

Wow Writing Workshop is based out of Royal Oak, Michigan. They offer a wide variety of writing services for students, parents, and even SAT test preparation. They also offer workshops to help aspiring writers organize their ideas and begin their writing journey. They are currently offering Be A Better Writer , an intensive four-day workshop led by Joe Kane.

Topics that will be explored include argument building, diction, understanding the audience, thought organization, and more. You can sign up for the workshop today for a registration fee of only $289. You can sign up directly on Wow Writing Workshop’s website . For more information or general inquiries, you can also reach the team through their online contact form .

17. The Narrative Time Machine: Pacing and the Narrative Arc with T.M. De Vos

The Narrative Time Machine: Pacing and the Narrative Arc is an intensive four-week workshop led by T.M. De Vos. De Vos earned an MFA in creative Writing from New York University and has won several awards for her short fiction. The course itself starts April 10 th , 2019 and takes place every other Wednesday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  Classes are limited to 8 writers, so it’s imperative that you register as soon as possible. Hosted by Writing Workshops Detroit, it costs $225 to register .

18. Remembering and Writing with Kathleen Ernst

Door County Reads is currently hosting several book discussion and writing workshops, including Remembering and Writing with Kathleen Ernst. The workshop is taking place February 8 th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in Fish Creek, Michigan. Designed for memoir writers and fans of food, this workshop will discuss techniques for preserving original memoirs and explore food-related memoirs. If you’re interested in joining, you can call (920) 868-1457 or register via email .

19. UPPAA 2019 Spring Meeting

The UPPAA is a collective of writers that focuses on cultivating literature and writers from the state of Michigan. They are currently organizing their annual UPPAA meeting, to be held on June 1 st , 2019 in Marquette, Michigan. Members of the organization get to attend for free, while non-members only have to pay $15 to attend. The meeting hopes to offer networking opportunities and provide feedback on creative writing projects. You can register online or via mail. Be sure to check back closer to the event’s date for a detailed schedule of events. For general questions, you can contact the UPPAA’s secretary via email .

Do you know of any other creative writing workshops in Michigan? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!

K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.

Creative writing

Wayne State's English department is home to undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing. Although they exist within the walls of a public research university, our programs belong to Greater Detroit's vibrant community of artists and writers. We encourage connections between our classrooms and the city visible through their windows.

From introductory courses to graduate seminars, we encourage cross-pollinationthe exchange of ideas and influences across literary genres and aesthetic schools and across the differences of identity, culture and experience reflected in the Wayne State student body, among the most diverse in the nation.

Students work with local literary organizations like InsideOut Literary Arts , 826 Michigan and the new Detroit chapter of City of Asylum. Some have worked as editorial interns at Wayne State University Press . Some edit or contribute to our student literary journal, The Wayne Literary Review.

We offer an assortment of fellowships, scholarships and awards for undergraduate and graduate students.

Meet our creative writing faculty

Undergraduate studies in creative writing

In undergraduate courses, students study multiple genres reading exemplary works, learning about elements of craft and aesthetic tendencies in modern and contemporary literature as they generate and revise their own original poetry and prose. We offer introductory and advanced workshops in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, along with seminars that combine the practice of creative writing with literary study.

The most introductory course we offer is English 2800: Techniques of Imaginative Writing, but the prerequisite for all upper-level creative writing courses is English 3800: Introduction to Creative Writing. Our most advanced course, English 6800: Advanced Creative Writing, is graduate level and to gain entrance, undergraduates must complete the necessary prerequisites and obtain the permission of the instructor by submitting a brief writing sample: several poems, several pages of prose. Undergraduates majoring in English may specialize in creative writing by following the course sequence.

Minor in creative writing

The creative writing minor allows students to focus their studies in reading and writing poetry, fiction and other creative forms.

For more information and guidance, please contact either the English department's undergraduate advisor or the coordinator of creative writing .

Creative writing undergraduate coursework

All creative writing minors and all English majors who wish to specialize in creative writing are required to take English 3800, a prerequisite for all 5000-level creative writing courses. Visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for a complete set of course descriptions.

• ENG 2800: Techniques of Imaginative Writing
• ENG 3800: Introduction to Creative Writing
• ENG 3810: Poetry Writing
• ENG 3820: Fiction Writing
• ENG 4992: Honors Project
• ENG 5695: Topics in Writing and Publishing
• ENG 5860: Topics in Creative Writing
• ENG 5870: Poetry Writing Workshop
• ENG 5880: Fiction Writing Workshop
• ENG 5885: Topics in Creative Non-Fiction Writing
• ENG 6800: Advanced Creative Writing

Graduate studies in creative writing

Wayne State University offers a master's in English with a creative writing track. Our graduate writing program combines an artistic apprenticeship with advanced literary study and culminates with a creative thesis, a chapbook of poems, a collection of stories or essays and a significant portion of a novel or memoir. Students who don't wish to leave a job or interrupt a career are welcome. Nearly all of our workshops and advanced creative writing courses are regularly offered in the evening.

M.A. vs. M.F.A.

The master's (M.A.) can be an advantageously flexible degree. Because it is not a terminal degree, graduates from our program who wish to may pursue other degrees that are terminal, including the M.F.A . Some come to our program in hopes of beginning or finishing a first book. Some come to produce a nationally competitive portfolio with which to apply to M.F.A. programs or complete coursework that might be credited toward a Ph.D. Our program has also prepared students for careers outside academia, in professional writing, journalism and publishing. For most, the program is valuable in itself. During your four semesters at Wayne State, you study and practice a literary art in a community of equally devoted writers under the expert guidance of distinguished poets, novelists and essayists.

Multi-genre and cross-genre study

Most M.A. students specialize in one of three genres - fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction but many of our writing workshops, seminars and craft courses are multi-genre by design. We believe that writers of prose benefit from the study of poetry, poets from the study of prose and we invite students to experiment in different genres or to blur the boundaries between them.

Creative nonfiction

In addition to poetry and fiction, Wayne State invites graduate students to specialize in Nonfiction. Nonfiction specialists are invited to experiment with and study the genre in all of its variety. They may work in the personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, lyric essay, narrative essay or any of the many species of prose encompassed by the term "nonfiction." We also welcome students interested in such genre-blurring forms as documentary poetry and auto-fiction.

We offer an assortment of fellowships, scholarships and awards . The most generous for creative writers is the Daniel Keyes Graduate Scholarship in Creative Writing. Supported by a gift from the family and estate of author Daniel Keyes, an alumnus of our writing faculty, the scholarships fund three incoming masters students: one specializing in poetry, one in fiction and one in nonfiction. Qualified M.A. students may also apply to work as instructors in our undergraduate composition program. All graduate students and applicants are invited to apply for administrative or teaching assistantships by contacting the director of graduate studies and filling out the English Graduate Admissions and Funding Application Form .

Creative writing graduate coursework

M.A. candidates in creative writing take a multi-genre workshop taught on rotation by the creative writing faculty, giving students the chance to work closely with different professors. These workshops help students generate and revise the new work that they will subsequently shape into a thesis. Additional coursework can include craft courses in a single genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction), seminars in modern or contemporary literature and graduate-level courses outside of creative writing.

Candidates for the master's in creative writing are expected to take English 6800 Advanced Creative Writing in three out of their four semesters of coursework. They may take no more than two courses at the 5000 level. For graduate-level offerings in disciplinary fields of English outside of creative writing or course descriptions, please consult the Graduate Bulletin .

• ENG 5695 Topics in Writing and Publishing
• ENG 5860 Topics in Creative Writing
• ENG 5870 Poetry Writing Workshop
• ENG 5880 Fiction Writing Workshop
• ENG 5885 Topics in Creative Non-Fiction Writing
• ENG 6800 Advanced Creative Writing
• ENG 7800 Seminar in Creative Writing