Motown Writers Network Celebrates 10th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference

DETROIT - Nov. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- DETROIT, MI – “Celebrating Literacy through Writing” is the theme of the 10^th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference, hosted by the Motown Writers Network, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Detroit Impact.  The conference is November 8 and 9, 2013 at multiple locations in Detroit.

The Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference provides an opportunity for aspiring and established authors and writers to gain valuable information about the craft of writing, and to connect with colleagues, peers and most importantly, patrons of their art: readers.  Since 2000, the Motown Writers Network has served as a viable resource and networking organization for writers in the metropolitan Detroit area.

The two-day event opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 8 at Source Booksellers, 4240 Cass, with networking, comedy by local comedians, open mic poetry, and readings of classic African American literature and poetry.  The opening event is in partnership with EchoVerse and HollaIfYouHearMe.com. Attendees are encouraged to donate three or more gently used books for a book drive to support literacy efforts of the non-profit organization Detroit Impact, and SitOnIt.com, which provides bus stop benches filled with books around the community, or a minimum of $4 for entry.

On Saturday, November 9 the conference begins with registration at 8 a.m. at the Julian C. Madison Building, 1420 Washington Blvd. downtown Detroit. The day includes workshops on writing, print and electronic publishing, business and marketing for authors, a keynote luncheon, a Poetry Panel Discussion on the Roots of Poetry in Detroit hosted by Broadside Press, and an All-Male Literacy Panel Discussion to bring awareness of the issues surrounding literacy and ways to increase literacy in Detroit.  Attendees must register and pay for the workshops and keynote luncheon. All other activities are free.

“We’re especially excited because this is our 10th conference anniversary,” says Sylvia Hubbard, founder of the Motown Writer’s Network. “Our conference continues to bring in the community, confirming how important literary and literacy work is in the Detroit area. And we’re glad to bring back our All-Male Literacy Panel Discussion to build upon the conversation we started last year on increasing literacy in our community, and how literacy is impacted in the 21^st century.”

The All-Male Literacy Panel Discussion begins at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, with moderator Vicki Thomas, City Beat Reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950.  Panelists include Dr. Reginald Eadie, President of Harper-Hutzel Hospital and DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital;independent media consultant and political pundit Cliff Russell; Brian Dougherty president of the National Prisoner Education Foundation, Yusef Shakur, author and President of Urban Guerilla Network and owner of the Urban Network Café & Bookstore, author Ken Coleman, and poet and teacher Deonte Osayande.

Other conference highlights include a Vendor Marketplace, presentations by Detroit CARES Mentoring Movement, the Detroit Branch National Writers Union, Awesome Party Reunion, and Author Genre Panels.

Additionally, the community is encouraged to donate new or gently used books to increase literacy in Metro Detroit. Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to win a Kindle, literary swag bags and other prizes.

Sponsors of the 10th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference include Echoverse Poetry, Literary Voice, HollaIfYouHearMe.com, Boys2Books, My Girlfriend’s Business, 360 Digital, SSW Magazine, National Writers Union, AND Communications LLC, Cinema Bug, The Michigan Citizen, ScribalPress.com, RepYourCity.com, 23Exchange.com, Michigan Literary Network, and HubBooks.

The 10^th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference is November 8 and 9, 2013, at various locations. For information about tickets, sponsorship and vendor opportunities please visit www.motownliteraryjam.com or call (313) 289-8614.  You can also send an email to motownwirters@yahoo.com.