Playwriting

Shut Up and Write is now alternating in person and Zoom meetings. Tonight's meeting is Zoom, next Monday's is at Namu, in the flesh. It's the same set-up either way: we meet at 5:30, introduce ourselves, get started writing at 5:45. Finish up 7:45-8. You can join late or leave early, no pressure. Whatever you want to write, it's good. The hope is that getting together for a focused writing time will stimulate our productivity, even though it's currently virtual.

**Release Your Inner Writer** **Release Your Inner Writer is for anyone who feels they are a writer, wants to be a writer, or those who want to explore writing in a comfortable and supportive setting. We’ll set the stage for you to write creatively with opportunities to share with the group, or not, whatever you’re comfortable with.** Have you ever thought: “I have an interesting story, but I don’t know how to start sharing it with people”? Have you ever thought of writing a book? Do you simply want to start journaling? Every person has a story to share, and all of them are transformational for us and sometimes for others. When we write our thoughts and ideas down, we move internal content to an external device like a notebook or a laptop. By doing this we’re able to clear our heads and uncover one layer after another. **Hosted by Kathy Nutt** **Kathy Nutt** is a creative who uses many media and styles to convey a glimpse into her mysterious, whimsical world. Although mainly focused on the visual arts, she dabbles in the written word and is endeavoring to cultivate a consistent practice of writing, whether it be poetry, essays, short stories, or journaling. Kathy believes a writing practice (along with any creative practice) is a beneficial way to break through the mundane and view our worlds through fresh new eyes. We may discover a breakthrough, change a pattern, or just experience catharsis. Or we may simply arrive in a place of joy. She believes the creative process is more important than the finished product and that creativity is for everyone, not just the gifted few. **CREATING CONNECTION CANADA** is a network of welcoming and inclusive communities committed to sharing authentic conversation, nurturing meaningful activities, promoting holistic wellness practices, and fostering compassionate action. We are LGBTQ+ affirming. People of every walk of life, culture, faith, or tradition, participate in a myriad of connection groups, forming meaningful community within this diversity. As a result, these communities are multi-faceted - expressing the inspirations, aspirations, wisdom, practices, and blessing of all. While we encourage you to share openly, we ask that you do so in a kind and considerate manner. **As a REGISTERED NON-PROFIT** charity working to bring community together through like-minded interests, we welcome and gratefully appreciate any financial support. Tax receipts are provided. CREDIT CARD: http://donations.creatingconnection.ca E-TRANSFER: donations[@creatingconnection](http://creatingconnection/).ca

Do you get nervous when you have to speak to a group? We can help. Tips and pointers on making better presentations Practice in running meetings. Laugh and learn with us Mondays at noon. An hour well invested. We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We are currently meeting online. Visit our website to contact us for a meeting link. https://1036597.toastmastersclubs.org/ or email at highnooncambridge@gmail.com Meeting attendance is usually 10 to 15

Sign up for this fun vocal class. learn and practice breathing exercises to strengthen your voice and vocal exercises to improve your pitch. This class is hosted by industry Vocal Coach , Eve Soto. 1pm Saturdays eastern Standard time You can continue your vocal training for only $45 a month

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We are currently meeting online, visit our website for a meeting link. https://www.facebook.com/SpeakStratford

Come and enjoy an hour of stimulating speaking. No pressure, no obligations until you choose to take an active role. Just bring yourself, and, maybe, a friend! Meetings online are fun and have freed us from the stress of the traffic.

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. For more information, contact Giovanna Jones at giovannajones46@gmail.com.

Thanks for joining us, writers! Because of COVID-19, we are hosting this with Zoom. When life returns to normal then we will be meeting again in downtown Portland. For now, we will be sending out the Zoom link with the stories that are sent by email the Saturday before the workshop. Please understand that we limit attendance to 15 or 16 writers to allow all the writers a chance to critique and have a voice during the workshop. Before you come: New? Send us your email so we can get the week's stories to you. pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com Please read the stories before coming to the meeting. (We don't read stories out loud.) Some of us print out the stories and make comments on the hard copies to give to the writer, but this is not obligatory. We always start with something we like about the story and then move into talking about what needs work. Writers must attend at least once before submitting a story to get a feel for the group. Submission guidelines: • 5000 word cap (excerpts of longer works OK) • Double-spaced • First line indention • No extra space between paragraphs • Drafts should be fairly polished • Narrative fiction and non-fiction only • Feel free to let us know if there's an aspect you'd like us to focus on, but please minimize any preamble • Stories should be submitted (pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com) no later than the SATURDAY at noon before the meeting • Send stories in Word or PDF All members should get in touch with the organizers and provide an email address so we can get you the week's story submissions. pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com How the group works: We encourage the submitting writer to listen while her/his story is discussed by other members and then ask questions or offer explanations at the end. If it's a novel, we don't need to know the ending. We like suspense. Many of us have beer/tea/wine and/or food while at the meeting. Feel free to eat or not. Please bring $2 to contribute to the group each meeting. These funds go towards our Meetup fees. Ask us about this if you have questions. Please contact us with other questions or concerns: pdxwritersworkshop(AT)gmail.com

This table reads meetup has been moved to https://www.meetup.com/Screenwriters - Please join there! The SF-Screenwriters will continue to exist and focus on SF -based events in the future

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: Take advantage of social distancing by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. They will now be taking place via Zoom and an RSVP will give you the link to join. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. In our healthy future we will meet at my home in Temescal District, Oakland as well as long distance participants online. You are invited to come to a workshop, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our participants have become published authors, including one American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this -- to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s foundation in Modernism, and his MFA from Columbia University, have supported a 40+ year career as one of the premier creative writing teachers that is unrivalled. He is among the last writers who lived the experience of the culmination of Modernism and will bring that experience to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response to the prompts that will unleash your own writer’s muse. And you will get feedback and advice with far more understanding and support than is usual in writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. Check out Clive's website, www.matsonpoet.com to learn more about Clive and his writing.

We'll meet using the same Discord server as the Tuesday night Quite Write. The schedule for the Thursday night Dawnodoro is: -8pm - 8:15pm - Group Chat -8:15 - 9pm - Breakout for Writing -9pm - 9:15pm - Group Chat -9:15 - 10pm - Breakout for Writing -10pm - 10:30pm(ish) - Group Chat

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: This workshop will now be taking place via Zoom. Please phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. He'll answer your questions, ask a few of his own and give directions. And perhaps give you an exercise to get you up to speed. Take advantage of social isolation by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10 am to 1 pm. Until this pandemic passes we will be meeting via Zoom. You are invited to come to a meeting, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our writers have become published, including an American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this - to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s foundation in Modernism, and his MFA from Columbia University, have supported a 40+ year career as one of the premier creative writing teachers that is unrivalled. He is among the last writers who lived the experience of the culmination of Modernism and will bring that experience to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response to the prompts that will unleash your own writer’s muse. And you will get feedback and advice with far more understanding and support than is usual in writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Honoring the Source of Creativity, Clive Matson Author of Let The Crazy Child Write! (1998)

***\*PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR ATTENDEES DO NOT RSVP ON MEETUP.\**** ***IF THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST TIME ATTENDING OUR CRITIQUE GROUP, PLEASE CONTACT US AT THECRITIQUERY@GMAIL.COM TO ARRANGE A DATE TO OBSERVE ONE OF OUR UPCOMING MEETINGS.*** Greetings, fellow writer. Do you seek to someday have a short story published in a literary magazine? Do you dream of finally finishing that novel that’s been living in the back of your head for the past few years now? Congratulations, because you’ve found what you’ve been looking for, and it won’t cost you a dime. We’re The Critiquery, an online home for writers who want to have live discussions of submitted work. Instead of a giant, impersonal critique forum, we offer weekly workshops of no more than 15 people where you can ask specific questions and get specific answers. All workshops are held over ZOOM so you can participate from anywhere in the world. We’re open to any narrative prose, fiction or nonfiction. Learn how to receive and give the feedback that is so essential to the success of any author. Whether it’s the first step in your literary journey or the thousandth, take the next one with our trained facilitators and dedicated community of writers. For more information on The Critiquery, please visit our website - thecritiquery.com. We look forward to seeing you!

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: This workshop will now be taking place via Zoom. Please phone Clive at 510-508-5149 or email him at clive@matsonpoet.com for more information on the workshops. He'll answer your questions, ask a few of his own and give directions. And perhaps give you an exercise to get you up to speed. Take advantage of social isolation by focusing on creative endeavors! These workshops are a wonderful way to stay inspired and connected from the safety of your home. If you're curious about writing, now is the time to join our workshops. We have openings in two groups, one meeting Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm and the other Friday mornings 10 am to 1 pm. Until this pandemic passes we will be meeting via Zoom. You are invited to come to a meeting, for free, and find out how well it works for you. These groups have been meeting for forty years. We combine insights from Dorothea Brandt's Becoming a Writer (1934) and Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers (1973). We use inspired guidance from Diane di Prima's "Rant" from Pieces of a Song (2001), which proposes that we, each of us, come into this world with our own cosmology. This cosmology is a birthright and needs no alteration. Our writer's journey involves finding our view of the world, giving it respect, developing it, and expressing it in its own terms. Much inspired writing comes from these workshops. Many writers have opened doors into huge arenas of vivid stories, poems, essays, and novels they had no idea exist. Many of our writers have become published, including an American Book Award winner. Why do these groups work? Because we embrace the creative unconscious as the source of our inspiration, in accordance with Carl Jung's vision. And we give it simple appreciation. In these groups your first drafts, even very rough drafts, are read as portals into vivid, energetic writing. Our job is to help you go through the portals and gain confidence that you are the right person to do this - to delve into your own creativity. Your unique way is the way that's best for your material. Clive began his writing career among the Beat Generation in 1960s New York City, mentored by Allen Ginsberg, John Wieners and Diane Di Prima, who published his first book, Mainline to the Heart. Clive’s understanding of the current template – from earning an MFA at Columbia University in 1989 – plus his foundation in Modernism have supported a forty-plus year career as one of our premier writing teachers. He is among the last writers to experience the culmination of Modernism in the Beat Generation and he brings that knowledge to the workshops. You will be the creator as Clive elicits your response via prompts that will unleash your own personal muse. Clive will give you feedback and understanding far beyond what can be found in other writing classes. As one participant has written, "Thank you, Clive, for creating and holding the sacred space where decomposition of creative self-doubt can occur, and up-lifting, cultivation and refinement of one’s voice can rise up." Honoring the Source of Creativity, Clive Matson Author of Let The Crazy Child Write! (1998)

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, April 22 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.

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!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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!

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, 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!**