Horror Writing

**Get ready for a heart-warming afternoon of readings in a cool, historic cellar - and guess what? It will cost you less than a cup of coffee (well, almost!)** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $25, strictly limited to 25 seats Your ticket includes a $20 food and drinks credit voucher ($5 goes to the venue to support costs). [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbournePoets.eventbrite.com.au) Budding poets, writers and lyricists join Melbourne Poets for our monthly Poetry & Prose Meetup! This is a true open mic event (usually without the need for a microphone). There'll be an opportunity to read your work (if you're brave enough) and listen to others over a drink or two. You don't need to be published; you just need to be passionate about your craft. So grab a support buddy and come along to our luxe loungeroom hidden away in the 170-year-old bluestone cellars in East Melbourne's Tribeca precinct. We've got great cocktails, back-vintage wines, craft brews, amazing food, and good vibes in a chilled and supportive safe space. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. $20 of your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day. Please ensure each piece is less than 5 minutes for those wanting to read. Depending on attendance and number of readers, there may be multiple opportunities to read. Please no "clicking" or trauma porn, and no self-promotion allowed during the readings but networking after the event is absolutely OK. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. UNABLE TO ATTEND? Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another day or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473. #poetry #readings #poets #writers #prose #lyricists #melbournepoets #melbournepoet #melbournepoetry #melbournewriter #melbournewriters #melbournetodo #poetryandprose #poetrylovers #openmic

Silent Book Club Melbourne is hosting a special **in-person fundraiser** in support of **[Fly By Night Bat Rescue](https://www.flybynight.org.au/)** — a volunteer-run organisation caring for injured and orphaned flying foxes and microbats across Victoria. **The idea is simple:** We read quietly together, just like always — and we raise funds to support flying foxes and bats who urgently need our help this week. **Join us in person for:** * A relaxed, welcoming Silent Book Club gathering * Time to read whatever you like (no set book, no pressure) * A chance to give back to an incredible wildlife rescue **Why are we doing this?** Melbourne is forecast to experience its hottest days since 2009. As temperatures soar this week, our critically threatened community of Melbourne flying foxes is at serious risk. Temperatures over 38°C can cause heat stress. Temperatures over 42°C can trigger mass fatalities. We need our flying foxes — and they need us. Flying foxes play a vital role in our ecosystem, and Fly By Night Bat Rescue relies on community support to continue their work. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. **How it works:** * RSVP for the event (please consider [donating](https://www.flybynight.org.au/donate.html) a suggested ticket price of $10 to Fly By Night Bat Rescue). * Bring your book and get comfy amongst the beautiful trees at Fitzroy Gardens * Donate if you're able: [Fundraiser by Tamsyn Hogarth : Flying fox mass orphan emergency](https://www.gofundme.com/f/flying-fox-mass-orphaning-crisis?attribution_id=sl:3a8af205-2da6-4344-b5a6-cfeff5453948&lang=en_AU&ts=1769405801&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=email) * Read. Rest. Support bats. All readers are welcome. You don’t need to be a regular Silent Book Club attendee — just someone who enjoys quiet reading and wants to support a good cause. 📖🦇 **Books for Bats — read quietly, support wildlife.**

Program 10:00 am – Morning chanting and meditation 11:15 am – Alms offering to the monastic community 12:45 pm – Robe and fund offering for Dhamma propagation 1:30 pm - Buddha Puja and meditation 2:30 pm – Merit Dedication Ceremony, blessings, and conclusion White clothes is appreciated

For 2026, I thought it would be fun to explore Melbourne in alphabetical order. Let's start with A for Altona (by popular demand). **ITINERARY** 11am - Meet at the entrance of Altona station. Walk down to the pier together and enjoy the sun, sea, summer breeze, and introvert-friendly conversation. 12pm - Picnic lunch in the park. Takeaway options nearby: * Altona Pines Fish and Chips * Mascalzone Altona * Between 2 Buns * Matteo's Delicatessen 1pm: Explore the town centre or the beach. * Altona Library is open till 4pm. * Louis Joel Arts & Community \| Gallery & Ceramic Studio is open till 2pm\. P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low) or bring cash on the day.

dr bobbi shares a monthly morning in nature focussing on the magic of self-care, goal building, spiritual exploration & sensory development for a deeper connection with your craft. from dr bobbi: 1st Sundays of the month, limited to 20 witches, please. every lunar month is an opportunity to come together, relax the body, calm and focus the mind, and direct our energies into the cycles on Building Up and Letting Go. self care is essential to any spiritual practice. we will explore yoga postures, breathing techniques, mudras (hand positions), mantras (affirmations), self massage, and somatic therapy to prepare ourselves to manifest our magic for the month. bring a mat or blanket, wear witchy layers. you are also invited to bring a totem or charm to charge up with energy. donation based, pay what you can! (location given after registration) Learn more at drbobbiarts.com or sign up here. limit to 20 witches, please. Namaste & Merry Meet.

For 23 years I chased enlightenment. I lived the life of a seeker, meditated for long hours, followed gurus, convinced the next practice would finally deliver what I was seeking. The search became my identity and my prison. What the sages finally showed me was not another technique or higher state, but something unsettling and liberating: I was looking at it all wrong. This is not another talk on abstract philosophy. It's a raw sharing of what survived after devotion, discipline, ecstasy and illusions. We'll speak about what actually remains when the hunger to become someone spiritual falls away and how ancient Himalayan wisdom points back to that which was there all along. **Schedule** 3:00pm - 3:45pm Talk by Rajiv followed by open Q&A 3:45pm - 4:00pm Guided Meditation 4:00pm - 4:30pm **Spiritual networking to connect with fellow seekers.** This event is free and open to all adult seekers (18+). For inquiries please email Manpreet- [mysteriousmk@yahoo.com](mailto:mysteriousmk@yahoo.com) About Rajiv – Rajiv dedicated years of his life seeking enlightenment. His pursuit for truth, reality, emptiness and self-discovery took him through the profound depths of mysticism. He meditated 14 hours a day, stayed with monks, lived in the Himalayan caves, learned from wise sages and researched every major spiritual system, including Zen, Non Duality, Yoga, Buddhism etc. Then one momentous morning in 2005, he experienced his first shift into higher states of consciousness, an inner spiritual awakening. This was followed by days of infinite ecstasy and bliss. Finally, the years of seeking culminated and he realized his own true nature. He now shares his deep insights to help seekers progress on the path of awakening & meditation. His approach is secular, based on personal experience. You can read about his spiritual journey here- [https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/](https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/) Venue- Kathleen Syme Library 251 Faraday Street , Carlton, VIC We will be in Multipurpose Room 2 We may take some photos to capture the moment. If you prefer not to be photographed, please tell the organiser at any time.

**How Islam acts in the world** Reflecting on the recent 2026 revolution in Iran, we will dig deep into the political, spiritual and power motivations of Islamic movements in the world. **VIDEO** Coming soon ... **Discussion Outline** Thinking about how muslims want to rule the world and the historical basis for their ambitions. Is Islam a peaceful religion or a conquering empire? What is the motivation behind terrorists and suicide bombers? Do a minority of muslims support terrorism? Are all cultures created equal? Are all religions the same? Is the western media wilfully ignorant?

**HAPPY NEW YEAR!** 2025 was wonderful and we've already got more good stuff lined up for 2026. The perfect way to kick things off again for 2026 - a leisurely picnic in the gardens. Good food, good friends, good times! **Date and Time:** 12.30-2.30pm or whenever, Sunday 1st of February **Location:** Fitzroy Gardens, near the Dolphin Fountain. It's a 10min walk from both Parliament Station and Jolimont Station. And it should be easy enough to find parking in the area on the day. **What to Bring:** Snacks and drinks, bubbles, something to share, veg options are always appreciated, salads, cut fruit, dips, crackers, club sandwiches, etc. Be creative! Also think about cups, plates, forks, fold-out chairs, and picnic blankets. Whatever is practical. And most important, bring your good self and good vibes. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

To help ensure we operate in a safe and inclusive manner we ask all members and guests to abide by the following guidelines [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **UPDATE - INFORMATION ON HANGING YOUR IMAGES ON 31 JAN** *Please bring your images and labels to the venue at Art Lark 325 Koornang Road, Carnegie on Saturday 31 January from 1pm to 3pm. Once you hang them you are free to leave. I will be there to help out and we will provide you with magnets to put your images up.* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **All members are invited to the exhibition!!** *All members are welcome to come along to support those who have participate. If you plan to come along to see this exhibition, please RSVP as I am planning to get some light snacks for the event.* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **SCHEDULE** **31 January 2026 (Time to hang your images)** **Time:** 1pm to 3pm **Venue**: Art Lark 325 Koornang Road, Carnegie **What to do**: Bring your printed images to the venue and hang them on the wall. Magnets will be provided to you at the venue and you can leave after hanging your prints. **1 February 2026 (The day of the Exhibition)** 3.00pm: Exhibition opens. Enjoy the exhibition, chat with members and participants, share stories about the images, enjoy the light snacks. 4.00pm: Welcome and introduction about the exhibition 4.30pm: Continue to enjoy the exhibition 6.00pm: Exhibition ends (participants to please remove the prints) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Big News, MW&S Friends!** We’re so excited to announce our first photography exhibition in over 8 years! 🎉 It’ll showcase amazing images taken during our 2024 & 2025 group events. *The main aim of this exhibition is for our members to showcase images taken at our events. Following some enquiries from a few members, and given you are highly skilled photographers, I am adding an **Open Section** for those who already have at least one image of shots taken at our events. See below for details on the Open Section.* **🗓️ Exhibition Details** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ✨ **How to Participate** We need at least 40 prints to make it happen! · Applications open: 15 Nov 2025 · Applications close: **15 January 2026** · Entry fees: A4 $10 \| A3 $15 · Members only — images must be from MW&S events (2024–2025) · ***Please print your images and accompanying information for each image. We will definitely go ahead with this event.*** · Prints must not be framed. · You may print your images at home, Officeworks, or via a professional printer (borders allowed). · Hang your own prints on 31 January 2026 (1pm to 3pm). **Just bring your prints to the venue and we will have magnets for you to put them up. No need to use blu tack anymore.** · Label each image with photographer’s name, title, and a brief description (100mm x 200mm). **Open Section** * To be eligible to enter in the Open Section, you must have at least one image taken at our MWS events in 2024-2025. * Images in the Open Section can be taken in your personal time and place outside the MWS events. They could be images that are your personal favourites. * "How to participate" applies to this section. * Add "Open Section" on your label for these images. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📬 **How to Apply** Email me and include: 1️ Your full name 2️ Your email address 3️ The number of images you’d like to submit *(email only when you are ready to pay to participate in this exhibition).* 💌 **Email address**: rowantan28@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 Payment Details** **Account Name**: Rowan Tan **Bank**: **BSB**: **Account Number**: (Include your full name + “MW&S Exhibition” in the reference) **\*Important\* Refunds apply only if the exhibition is cancelled.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🌟 Extra Info** · All proceeds help cover event costs (plus prize and light refreshments 🧁) · The People’s Choice image wins a special prize 🏆 – don’t forget to vote at the event. · Surplus funds go toward next year’s Meetup subscription Let’s make this a fun, creative, and memorable event together! If you don't usually process your images with Lightroom or have taken your images with your phone, don't let these hold you back from participating. 🙌 We can’t wait to see your photos on display! Thanks Catherine for helping me put these words together. Rowan

Join us for a free improv session each Sunday until Feb 22nd! Each week, a new experienced teacher from The Improv Pit will run some simple warmups and games for us to build up our skills, but most of all to have fun. Open to anyone so please bring any friends that might be interested and let’s all enjoy this beautiful summer weather ☀️

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

This month we’ll be reading Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

A quiet writing and sharing space, Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!