DWW Newsletter
June 2026
Things are on a Roll
The month of June is upon us and things are rolling along with lots of activities. Don’t miss the following in this month’s edition of the newsletter:
* Author Events and Contests: scattered throughout newsletter
* Celebrate Success: Member Highlights
* Critique Group Information
* Emerging Writers Information
* Event Recap: Mindfulness, Creativity, & Connection
* Mentoring Group Information
* Michigan Notable Books 2026
* New Membership Committee Update
* Newsletter Deadlines
* President’s Message
* Rochester Writer’s Conference: Early Registration is Open
* Upcoming Event: Summer 2026 Cranbrook Library Tour
* Writer’s Weekly Podcast: 16 Possible Reasons Why Amazon KDP
Permanently Closed Your Account
* Writing Over the World Travel Abroad Program
PLEASE NOTE:
To view the full content of the newsletter you may need to:
1. Click on the “View in Browser” link at the top right of the email, or
2. Click on a link at the bottom of the page that states “View Entire Message,” or
3. Open the newsletter in the browser and download as a PDF.
If you haven’t seen my image and “thanks for reading” at the bottom of the newsletter, you haven’t viewed all the content.
Grace Grogan
DWW Secretary and Newsletter Editor
Dear fellow writers and members,
Happy Summer!
New Membership
The board is excited to announce that after a year on the New Membership committee, Karen Tintori is stepping into the role of chair. Diane VanderBeke Mager, who served as acting chair during that time, will stay on the committee as liaison between the Board and the committee, per our new Bylaws.
Speaking of new members, we’re accepting applications for both Established and Emerging Writer categories. (See further details in the body of this newsletter.) Help us grow DWW by reaching out to friends and colleagues who would enjoy being part of a supportive organization.
You’re welcome to download and share our most recent flyer available at https://www.detworkingwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DWW-flyer-Jan-2026.pdf.
2026-2027 Membership Roster and Directory
The online public member roster and private (behind the paywall) directory reflect our records of renewals.
If you don’t see yourself listed, please reach out to me at secretary@detworkingwriters.org. We may have missed your payment.
Summer wishes
Due to a family wedding, I missed the wonderful mindfulness event in Molly Beauregard’s beautiful garden. Many thanks to Molly for hosting the event!
I hope all of you have a chance to do something special this summer—both for your writing productivity as well as for your spirit. Hopefully, this photo, which I took in Scotland last month, will make you smile.
Laura Hedgecock, President
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/DWWSummer2026Tour
Find your match!
DWW Mentoring & Accountability Partnerships Chair and Director at Large Linda Sienkiewicz, lindasienk@live.com, is actively matching members.
Mentoring & Accountability is a process where partners help each other improve their skills while staying focused on set goals and accomplishments in the writing process.
If you are interested in being paired with another member to offer or receive mentoring, accountability, or both, please contact Linda.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
The 19th Annual Rochester Writer’s Conference will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. “Michigan’s Best One Day Conference” will host a variety of presentations for fiction and nonfiction writers, including topics in craft talks, business of writing workshops, and literary agent appointments.
Whether you’re starting your very first story, polishing your latest manuscript, or exploring new ways to share your words with the world, this is your day to connect, learn, and be inspired. The Rochester Writers’ Conference brings together writers, literary agents, and industry professionals for an energizing day filled with ideas, tools, and connections to fuel your writing journey. Come ready to discover fresh perspectives, strengthen your craft, and join a community that celebrates the power of words.
Registration to attend the 2026 Fall Rochester Writers’ Conference includes keynote, breakout sessions, coffee, snacks, lunch, and parking. Check-in will begin at 9:00 am with the first session at 10:00 am. The conference will end by 5:00 pm.
- ADVANCE REGISTRATION | Available ONLINE until August 1, 2026 | $175.00
- REGULAR REGISTRATION | Available ONLINE until October 1, 2026 | $195.00
- LATE REGISTRATION | Available ONLINE until October 16, 2026 | $215.00
- AT THE DOOR REGISTRATION | Available ON SITE on October 17, 2026 | $225.00
There will be multiple breakout sessions throughout the day for attendees to select from to best fit their writing goals.
Visit Rochester Writers for more information, including information on presentations, speakers, one-on-one appointments, and to register for the event.
Member Highlights
Jean Alicia Elster’s two award-winning middle grade/historical fiction novels—The Colored Car and Who’s Jim Hines?—have been selected for inclusion in the Detroit Public Schools Community District 2026 Local Authors’ Panel. As part of this recognition, the books will be featured on the District’s internal/faculty-staff Hub, website, and Instagram page. Additionally, Elster will have the opportunity to participate in events such as teacher and administrator book fairs, school visits, and community engagements. These opportunities are designed to connect the books with readers across the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Grace Grogan’s article “The History of Foster Care” begins on page 5 of the May edition of the Freshwater Reporter and her article “Juneteenth and Its Historical Significance” begins on the front page of the June Edition of the Freshwater Reporter. Her “Who Am I?” genealogy column, “Draft Cards in Genealogy” begins on page 7 in the May edition of The Lakeshore Guardian and her genealogy column “Was Your Ancestor an Indentured Servant?” starts on page 7 in the April edition of The Lakeshore Guardian.
Darlene House hosted NIRMV Kids Reading Festival on May 9, 2026 at the Detroit Public Library Chaney Branch. The event also served as official Tenth Anniversary Celebration for the NIRMV Recommended Reading List Kids Edition co-founded by House.
We want to hear from you! Submit your accomplishments to secretary@detworkingwriters.org for recognition in the next DWW Newsletter and on the DWW Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Writing Over the World
Travel Abroad Program
Jenna Gerds, an English professor at Macomb Community College, forwarded information on a Writing Over The World Travel Abroad Program she is leading. The group will travel to Costa Rica March 6-13, 2027. Here is her synopsis of the trip:
Whether you’re drafting a novel, crafting poetry or starting a memoir, this immersive experience could provide the perfect sensory backdrop. We’ll be going on a boat ride through the jungle, to hot springs at the base of a volcano, and pristine beaches. Everyday we’ll focus on a creative writing skill and get writing prompts. Flight, meals, and hotels are included.
The trip takes place March 6-13, 2027. For more information, visit TripSite Trip Overview | ACIS Educational Tours. If you want to attend an informational Zoom meeting in August, just leave your email there under the Tell Me More button.
EPISODE 43: 16 Possible Reasons Why Amazon KDP Permanently Closed Your Account
(But they won’t tell YOU why you were banned!!)
I have not listened to this podcast as I have not published anything onto the forum, nor is my book ready for publication at this time. However I thought this might be helpful to those who have.
According to Google, approximately 90% of author accounts that are terminated by Amazon KDP never get reinstated! This podcast shares 16 reasons Amazon will instantly and permanently ban an author from their platform, and also discusses the reasons why Amazon won’t tell authors why their accounts were terminated. If you are using Amazon KDP or thinking about using them, this episode will provide you with the potential risks.
You can listen to the June 5, 2026 podcast here.
Seeking to join a critique group? Always wanted to lead one?
DWW members wishing to join or lead a critique group are invited to contact DWW Treasurer and Critique Group Chair Bill Rathburg at rathburgw@yahoo.com.
The purpose of a critique group is to provide regularly scheduled feedback sessions where participants constructively review and analyze each other’s work to expand and improve their writing.
Bill will put members in touch to help form one or more groups based on interests and response levels.
Writers of non-fiction, novels, short fiction, flash fiction, poetry, journalism, children’s memoir, and beyond—now is your chance to connect and grow!
2026 Great Reads from
Great Places Selections
The Library of Michigan and Michigan Center for the Book are pleased to announce The Lions Finally Roar: The Ford Family, the Detroit Lions, and the Road to Redemption in the NFL by Bill Morris and The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson as the Adult and Youth selections representing Michigan on the 2026 Great Reads from Great Places.
Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories is distributed by the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book during the National Book Festival. Books are selected by the local Center for the Book affiliate, with titles for both children and adults. Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage.
The 2026 National Book Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. Library of Michigan staff will be at the event representing Michigan. More information will become available as we get closer to the event. Visit the Michigan Center for the Book page to read summaries of the 2026 selections as well as see a list of previous years items representing Michigan on the Great Reads from Great Places list.
2026 New England Book Festival
The 2026 New England Book Festival has issued a call for entries for its annual program celebrating the best books of the holiday season.
They will consider non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, memoir, children’s books, young adult, how-to, cookbooks, science fiction, photography/art, poetry, gay literature, regional literature, spiritual, wild card (anything goes!), business books, unpublished stories and compilations/anthologies.
All entries must be in English. Entry forms are available online at www.newenglandbookfestivals.com. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable entry fee of $50 in the form of a check, money order or PayPal online payment in U.S. dollars for each submission. Multiple submissions are permitted but each entry must be accompanied by a separate form and entry fee. Hard copies, electronic books and e-book entries are accepted. Deadline: November 25, 2026.
Judges read and consider submissions on an ongoing basis, comparing early entries with later submissions. Entrants in each category will be notified by e-mail and on the website.
DETROIT WORKING WRITERS
WELCOMES
EMERGING WRITERS!
Writers with a minimum of three published works with single authorship or byline (at least one of which is impartially published) are invited to apply for membership in the Emerging Writer category.
Please check out our updated Apply to DWW page for details and share it with prospective applicants.
MICHIGAN NOTABLE BOOKS 2026
List of Notable Author Events and
How to Contract and Submit Titles to the
Michigan Notable Books Program
Every year, the Library of Michigan selects twenty notable books, either written by a Michigan author or about Michigan or the Great Lakes. The selected books are honored in the year after their copyright date through the annual Night for Notables celebration. Many authors also participate in the statewide Michigan Notable Books tour and virtual Author Conversations. Each title speaks to our state’s rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes State.
A list of 2026 Notable Books can be read on the Library of Michigan Website. Events have been taking place throughout the year. Here are those still to happen:
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Tim Mulherin – “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan”
Host: Benzonia Public Library
Event Address: 891 Michigan Ave., Benzonia, MI 49616
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Khadijah Queen – “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: A Veteran’s Memoir”
Host: Harper Woods Library
Event Address: 19601 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, MI 48225
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:30PM
Author: Rob Miller – “The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music”
Host: Dearborn Public Library – Henry Ford Centennial Library
Event Address: 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 2:00PM
Author: Zoe Persico – “How to Talk to Your Succulent”
Host: Comstock Township Library
Event Address: 6130 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026 at 4:00PM
Author: Zoe Persico – “How to Talk to Your Succulent”
Host: Branch District Library – Coldwater Branch
Event Address: 10 E. Chicago St., Coldwater MI 49036-1615
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Zoe Persico – “How to Talk to Your Succulent”
Host: Bridgeman Public Library
Event Address: 4460 Lake St., Bridgman, MI 49106
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Tim Mulherin – “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan”
Host: Manistee County Library – Main Branch
Event Address: 95 Maple St., Manistee, MI 49660
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 7:00PM
Author: Rob Miller – “The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music”
Host: Northville District Library
Event Address: 212 W Cady St., Northville, MI 48167
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Tim Mulherin – “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan”
Host: St. Ignace Public Library
Event Address: 110 W Spruce St., St Ignace, MI 49781
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 6:30PM
Author: Rob Miller – “The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music”
Host: Saline District Library
Event Address: 555 N Maple Rd., Saline, MI 48176
Date: Monday, July 27, 2026 at 5:30PM
Author: Jeffrey Holden – “Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project”
Host: Gladwin County District Library
Event Address: 402 James Robertson Dr., Gladwin, MI 48624
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 5:30PM
Author: Jeffrey Holden – “Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project”
Host: Escanaba Public Library
Event Address: 400 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 5:30PM
Author: Jeffrey Holden – “Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project”
Host: DeTour Public Library of Superior District Library
Event Address: 202 S. Division St., DeTour Village, MI 49725
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Tim Mulherin – “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan”
Host: Charlotte Community Library
Event Address: 226 Bostwick St. S., Charlotte, MI 48813
Date: Monday, August 3, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Todd Goddard – “Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, a Writer’s Life”
Host: Alcona County Library – Harrisonville Branch
Event Address: 312 W. Main St., Harrisville, MI 48740
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 5:30PM
Author: Todd Goddard – “Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, a Writer’s Life”
Host: Tahquamenon Area Public Library
Event Address: 700 Newberry Ave., Newberry, MI 49868
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at TBD
Author: Todd Goddard – “Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, a Writer’s Life”
Host: Negaunee Public Library
Event Address: 319 W Case St., Negaunee, MI 49866
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:00PM (Central Time)
Author: Todd Goddard – “Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, a Writer’s Life”
Host: Ironwood Carnegie Library
Event Address: 235 East Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:30PM
Author: Cheryl Neely – “No Human Involved: The Serial Murder of Black Women and Girls and the Deadly Cost of Police Indifference”
Host: Adrian District Library
Event Address: 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Robert “Carlos” Fuentes – “The Vacation: A Teenage Migrant Farmworker’s Experience Picking Cherries in Michigan”
Host: Van Buren District Library – Webster Memorial Library
Event Address: 200 North Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045
Date: Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 5:30PM
Author: Jeffrey M. Holden – “Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project”
Host: Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
Event Address: 211 N 1st Ave., Alpena, MI 49707
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00PM
Author: Aram Mrjoian – “Waterline: A Novel”
Host: Community District Library – Corunna Branch
Event Address: 210 E Corunna Ave., Corunna, MI 48817
Date: TBD
Author: Aram Mrjoian – “Waterline: A Novel”
Host: Tecumseh District Library
Event Address: 215 N Ottawa St., Tecumseh, MI 49286
How to Contact and Submit Titles to the Michigan Notable Books Program
Every year up to 20 books highlighting Michigan People, Places, and Events are awarded a place on the Michigan Notable Books list. To be considered for selection, books must:
- Be either about or set in Michigan or the Great Lakes (with a Michigan focus) or written by a Michiganian (current or previous resident),
- Be of high quality in research and writing, and have strong current interest or wide audience appeal.
- Be judicious in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Books with significant AI generated text or content are not eligible.
- Be reflective of Michigan’s diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience.
- Revised editions and updates of previously published works are not eligible.
- Be copyrighted the year under consideration. All books selected for the list will be honored in the year after their copyright date.
- Be received before December. Early submission is encouraged to allow sufficient consideration by the committee. Advance review copies (ARC) and electronic/PDF copies are acceptable.
There are no additional requirements, application fees, or other restrictions for submissions to the selection committee. All genres and age-levels are accepted for consideration. Any publisher, author, or interested person who wishes to submit books or titles for review is encouraged to do so. There is no limit on the number of titles accepted from any one publisher or author. Submission does not guarantee a place on the awards list.
For additional submission information visit the Library of Michigan How to Submit page.
2026 Halloween Book Festival
The 2026 Halloween Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its annual program honoring the best work of the fall.
They will consider works in science fiction, horror, general fiction, general non-fiction, biography/autobiography, young adult, fantasy, photography/art, monsters, comics/graphic novels, unconventional romance, wild card (anything goes!), alternative future/time travel, children’s books and fan fiction.
There is no date of publication restriction. Multiple entries require a separate fee for each book. Deadline: October 25, 2026. Judges read and consider submissions on an ongoing basis, comparing early entries with later submissions at our meetings. Entry forms are available at HalloweenBookFestival.com
NEW MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE UPDATE
We are pleased to announce Karen Tintori, ktintori@gmail.com, has assumed the role of DWW New Membership Committee Chair, responsible for coordinating and shepherding membership applications through committee and board review.
Karen generously served on the committee for the past year along with Linda Laderman and outgoing chair Diane VanderBeke Mager. The trio successfully admitted sixteen new Established Writers to the DWW roster, and they are just getting started!
As Vice President, Diane will continue to serve on the committee per DWW Bylaws, as well as in her role as Programs Chair. And Linda remains an invaluable member of the committee. We thank them for their service and Karen for her willingness to take the lead.
Awarding $2,800 + Publication
April 20-June 2, 2026
There’s an unforgettable electricity that courses through the first chapters of a terrific novel. So much magic and mystery. So many potential paths for our protagonists. This summer, CRAFT wants to be transported by your early pages. The CRAFT First Chapters Contest encourages novelists to harness the energy of their openings for the opportunity to win a $2,000 award, excerpt publication, and a full manuscript critique by Artful Editor.
Our annual contest is designed to reward and encourage the diligent novelist. Your manuscript need not be complete for you to enter your first chapters. We just want to see that spark.
Submissions are open April 20 to June 28, 2026. Everyone who submits will also receive a 10 percent discount from Artful Editor on any editorial services. Learn more and submit here.
If you have any content that may be of interest to other members, upcoming events, author readings, information on your own accomplishments, etc. please email them to: secretary@detworkingwriters.org with “Newsletter” in the subject line by the deadline shown below. Thank you!
July Newsletter — Saturday, July 18, 2026
August Newsletter — Saturday, August 15, 2026
September Newsletter – Saturday, September 12, 2026
October Newsletter — Saturday, October 10, 2026
November Newsletter — Saturday, November 14, 2026
December Newsletter — Saturday, December 12, 2026
Grace will share your news with Richard Stiennon who handles our LinkedIn account, and Linda Sienkiewicz, who manages our Facebook Page to provide the most recognition and event coverage possible.
Happy 4th of July
and
Thank You for Reading!
Grace Grogan
Newsletter Editor