Detroit Working Writers (DWW) was founded on June 5, 1900 by 13 professional women journalists and literary writers as the Detroit Press Club, the first group of its kind in the city. Historic highlights of the organization include publishing three books and establishing the DWW Writers' Conference (first held in 1961). Today, DWW is made up of men and women from around the country working, writing and publishing in numerous genres with a common goal: to foster excellence in writing and serve as a creative and professional resource for one another and the community. Join DWW



"What a thrill to be in the company of those who do what I do. Nobody understands the life of a writer like another writer."-- Ruth Ryan Langan (R. C. Ryan), author of 98 novels and counting

"DWW gave me confidence, audience, opportunity to mentor while learning. Few literary writers have a circle of like minds such as DWW which exemplifies synchronicity of purpose. I thank DWW for doing for me what it has to further my work."-- Kathleen Ripley Leo, poet

"Writing is a solitary craft and profession, which is why it's so important to find a supportive group of writers on similar paths. Whether I need marketing advice, a good quote for a story, or a morale boost, I know I can count on my DWW colleagues."-- Cindy La Ferle, author of Writing Home

"My first picture book, Dougal Looks for Birds, sat in my file un-offered for 5 years because my agent did not like it. I met Norma Ainsworth at one of DWW's fine conferences, and she said what her editor was looking for at Scholastic sounded like Dougal. That editor took Dougal and The Star in the Forest and, after she moved to Macmillan, Sarah the Dragon Lady, Kate of Still Waters and my next picture book, Island Magic. Thank you, thank you, DWW!-- Martha Bennett Stiles

"I came to DWW because I needed other writers to validate who I wanted to be. Those writers kept me on track through bad years and good years. I wouldn't have the publications I have today without all these good friends who kept me going."-- Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli, author of Gift of Evil, Dead Dancing Women, Dead Floating Lovers, Dead Sleeping Shaman, Dead Dogs and Englishmen
(chosen one of the best mysteries of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews)

"Several women I met through DWW have become lifelong friends. We  still get together once a month to have lunch and read manuscripts.  All had, and several still have, successful writing careers. The criticism is always on a professional level and extremely helpful."-- Co Abatt