Motown Writers' Network Hosts Essence of Motown Literary Conference & Jam for the 9th Year!

Oct. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- “Literary Digital Detroit” is the theme of the 9th 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 9 through 11, 2012 at the Northwest Activities Center on Detroit’s west side. The goal is to celebrate the literary arts in the digital age with Detroit area authors, writers and avid readers.

The three-day event opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 9 at the Lafayette Lofts, 1301 Lafayette (Detroit) with networking, and poetry by the InsideOut Youth Poets, followed by the Passion Fruit Poetry Festival hosted by EchoVerse at 7:30 p.m. (must be 18 years and older to attend) with Comedian Mic Larry bringing the laughs. On Saturday, November 10 the conference starts at 8 a.m. and includes writing, print publishing and electronic publishing, business and marketing workshops (must be registered to attend), a Poetry Panel Discussion on the history of spoken word in Motown, and an all-male Literacy Panel Discussion.  Sunday, November 11th, conference attendees are invited to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Museum at 5pm to see the play “Chatline,” produced and written by Detroit playwright, Raquel L. Draper.

The Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference is an opportunity for aspiring and established authors and writers 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.  

“This is our 12th year as an organization, and our ninth conference. As it grows every year, it confirms how important literary and literacy work is in our community,” says Sylvia Hubbard, founder of the Motown Writers' Network.  “Our All-Male Literacy Panel Discussion returns this year to continue the conversation we started last year on increasing literacy in our community, and how literacy is impacted in the digital age.”

The Literacy Panel Discussion begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, with moderator Vicki Thomas, City Beat Reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950.  Panelists include, Detroit City Councilman James Tate; Dr. Ray Johnson, Educational Consultant, founder and former Principal of Paul Robeson Academy (Detroit, MI); John Cromer, President and CEO of Lolamax Management; Truman Hudson, Jr., President of DEX Design Associates, and adjunct faculty member at Wayne State University and Wayne County Community College District; Jesse Cole, author of Walk Like A King, and founder of 1,000 KINGS teen leadership initiative; Eddie Connor, author, educator, evangelist, motivational speaker, and TV host, and other community leaders.

Other conference highlights include the Detroit Poetry sponsored panel discussion on the History of Spoken Word in Motown; the Detroit Police Officers’ Book Fair with Detroit Police Officer authors displaying and selling their books, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Fallen Police Officers’ Fund; Sandy’s Land Open House for parents and children; Book Party 2012 for authors to announce new and upcoming book releases, and Detroit’s Independent Film Highlights featuring local film makers’ movie trailers or productions. These activities are free!

Additionally, the community is encouraged to donate new or gently used books to the Motown Literacy Project to increase literacy in Metro Detroit.

Sponsors of the 9th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference include Passion Fruit Poetry, VKI, Literary Voice & HollaIfYouHearMe.com, DetroitPoetry.com, Sandysland.com, AND Communications, LiteraryLoft.com, ScribalPress.com, RepYourCity.com, 23Exchange.com, Michigan Literary Network, and HubBooks.

The 9th Annual Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference is November 9 through 11, 2012, at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers. For information on tickets, sponsorship and vendor opportunities please visit www.motownliteraryjam.com or call (313) 289-8614.  Or email to motownwirters@yahoo.com.