Generally, I like to divide these categories up, but to streamline this post, I'm going to bring you events and contests at once.
Michigan Writer's Events
Ann Arbor: The Author's Forum Presents Ghost Writers: Dec. 7th
Ann Arbor: Meet Several Local Authors, such as Jonathan Rand, in December at Nicola's Books.
Detroit Area: Visit the Motown Writer's Network Monthly Calendar to see a variety of writing groups and events in the Detroit Metro area.
Lyons: Leaven Center presents The Sacred in Everyday Life: A Writing Workshop for Women: January 13-15
Marquette: Visit the Regional Author Extravaganza at Snowbound Books in December
Writing Contests
Beecher Magazine Fiction and Poetry Contest: Deadline Dec. 7
Hunger Mountain Ruth Stone Poetry Contest
Crab Creek Review Fiction Contest: Deadline Dec. 15
Toasted Cheese Fiction Contest: Deadline Dec. 21
Bayou Magazine Fiction and Poetry Contest: Deadline Dec. 31
Boulevard Short Fiction Contest: Deadline Dec. 31
River Styx Micro-Fiction Contest: Deadline Dec. 31
Gemini Magazine Poetry Contest: Deadline Jan 3
Diore Press Fiction and Poetry Chapbook Contest: Jan. 9