Writing Children's Picture Books

**[BUY THE BOOK HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/two-left-feet/)** Love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters! Our Romantic Comedy Book Club is a celebration of witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and feel-good stories that leave you smiling. **This month we have a special author visit! Kallie Emblidge with her debut romance *Two Left Feet*** **Kallie Emblidge** works for The Washington Post and is a former co-chair of the paper's union. She lives and writes in New York City. Two Left Feet is her first novel, but she's been a football fan forever. *A Premier League football star must defend his roster spot—and his heart—when a threateningly talented and handsome midfielder joins his team in this utterly charming debut romance, a profound love letter to the world’s most popular sport.* Oliver Harris is football royalty in London. Ordinarily the star of the Camden Roses is calm, cool, and collected, keeping his club relevant with his prowess in the midfield and his mighty left foot. But this season, the threats abound: There’s Camden’s management to contend with—complete with a prickly new Dutch coach, eager for better results—and a midseason injury, which sidelines him when his team needs him most. When a recruit is called up to fill in, Oliver fears he’ll be replaced. If he can mentor this younger talent, then they might just have a chance at winning, together. After a string of lackluster performances in his native Spain, Leonardo Davies-Villanueva is looking for one last shot with the club he always dreamed of, where he once played in the youth academy. Oliver immediately finds confident, eager Leo irritating. He can barely go through the motions, let alone coach him, without outright hostility. When he comes to admire Leo’s skill and warms to his humor and energy, though, he begins to see Leo as a friend—and then, to his mounting horror, as something more. Leo craves Oliver’s attention and partnership; Oliver can’t afford to fall in love with his teammate. He’s always kept a tight lid on his sexuality in a league that’s never had a player come out. As the season heats up, a lot more than football hangs in the balance. Can Oliver—and Leo—win when it counts most? “An exuberant heart-squeeze of a book . . . *Two Left Feet* is the kind of joyful, hopeful story the romance genre was made for.”—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of What Happens in Amsterdam **Instructions** 1. Swing by the shop to pick up a copy of your book 2. Read it 3. Come discuss it

Les esperamos el próximo lunes 20 de abril a las 19h en la presentación de la editorial guatemalteca @orbitaeditorial que realizará @memerodas. Esta charla propone un recorrido por el ecosistema literario de Quetzaltenango (Xela). A través de Órbita Editorial, exploraremos cómo la gestión independiente ha permitido descentralizar la cultura y dar voz a una generación que escribe desde la altura, el frío y la periferia. MANUEL RODAS MÉNDEZ (Quetzaltenango, 1992) Escritor, editor y librero. Es el fundador de la Feria Internacional del Libro en Xela. Del 2011 al 2017 colaboró con la organización del Festival Internacional de Poesía de Quetzaltenango. Ha publicado el libro 'Extracción breve de la soledad' (Serie Periferia, 2021). Sus textos se encuentran incluidos en diversas antologías de Guatemala y el extranjero. Actualmente dirige el proyecto independiente Órbita Editorial; y también colabora con Bosques Ambulantes Editorial. ¡Larga vida a la literatura centroamericana! 🇬🇹❤️

**BOOK YOUR GAME TABLE FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY AT THE ARCHIVO ARCANO** 🎲 Welcome to the best board games club in Barcelona! Become a free member and enjoy a unique space to play, with its own games library, shop and themed rooms. **What is a board game club?** The ARCHIVO ARCANO is not just a store with tables to play; It is an exclusive space for members, where you can enjoy your games quietly while having a drink or something to eat surrounded by games and manuscripts. **How to be a member?** Easy. You can become a member for free by purchasing a Primigenia Membership. If Arcanism gets the better of you, you'll always be in time to upgrade to Cult or Arcane membership, with more and better perks. You can become a member directly in the ARCHIVO ARCANO or at [ARCHIVO ARCANO](https://www.archivoarcano.com) **Table reservations** You can reserve a table at any time. For a price of €6 per person, you will have your table for a whole 5-hour time slot (morning, noon or evening) from Monday to Sunday between 10am and 10pm. You can book through meet up, on wahtsapp at +34930253566 or at [BOOK A TABLE HERE](https://www.archivoarcano.com/reservas) **Board Games** Do you want to try games before buying them or just don't want to bring your own? Take a look at more than 200 games available in the Arcane Archive and come play any of them: you can request it when making your reservation or directly at the venue. You already know the advantages, you are just one step away from enjoying them all. Look through the lock, the ARCHIVO ARCANO awaits!

**🌿 Yoga and Creativity for Families at Ciutadella Park 🌿** Join us for a unique experience of connection and fun in nature! In this special class, children and families will enjoy a magical blend of yoga, creativity, and healing sounds. **What will we do?** 🌈 We’ll start with a gentle and playful yoga practice to awaken the body and imagination. 🎨 Next, we’ll explore our creativity through expressive games and group art activities. 🌱 To end the session, we’ll relax with calming sounds from healing instruments like Tibetan bowls and maracas, bringing peace to the body and mind. **Event details:** 🕰️ Duration: 1 hour 💰 Price: 20 euros per family 1 adult + 1 kids 📍 Location: Ciutadella Park (meeting point: near the central fountain) 📲 To book your spot, **please always call me on WhatsApp:** +34 66 119 2530 Come and enjoy a unique experience filled with movement, creativity, and family harmony. See you at the park! 💚 **🌿 Yoga y Creatividad para Familias en el Parque Ciudadela 🌿** ¡Únete a una experiencia única de conexión y diversión en plena naturaleza! En esta clase especial, niños y familias disfrutarán de una combinación mágica de yoga, creatividad y sonidos sanadores. **¿Qué haremos?** 🌈 Empezaremos con una práctica de yoga suave y divertida para despertar el cuerpo y la imaginación. 🎨 Luego, exploraremos nuestra creatividad a través de juegos expresivos y actividades artísticas en grupo. 🌱 Para finalizar, nos relajaremos con un momento de calma al ritmo de instrumentos sanadores, como cuencos tibetanos y maracas, permitiendo que el cuerpo y la mente se llenen de paz. **Detalles del evento:** 🕰️ Duración: 1 hora 💰 Precio: 20 euros por familia 1 Adulto + 1 nino@ 📍 Lugar: Parque Ciudadela (punto de encuentro: junto a la fuente central) 📲 Para reservar tu plaza, **por favor llámame siempre por WhatsApp:** +34 66 119 2530 Ven a disfrutar de una experiencia diferente, llena de movimiento, creatividad y armonía en familia. ¡Nos vemos en el parque! 💚

Taller de cocción cerámica Raku Después de semanas construyendo el horno —cortando, probando y ajustando cada detalle— por fin estamos listos para compartirlo. Este taller propone una aproximación práctica y experimental a la cocción cerámica mediante distintas técnicas de Raku, explorando procesos, materiales y resultados únicos. *** ### ¿Qué es el Raku? El Raku es una técnica de cocción cerámica tradicional japonesa caracterizada por extraer las piezas del horno al rojo vivo (aprox. 1000 °C) y colocarlas en contenedores con materiales orgánicos (serrín, hojas, plumas, etc.). Este proceso genera una atmósfera de reducción que produce efectos únicos: acabados metálicos, ahumados y craquelados irrepetibles. *** ### Técnicas que exploraremos Durante el taller experimentaremos con diferentes tipos de cocción, según su nivel de intervención: ### **Menos agresivas** * Enfriado natural sin choque térmico * *Sagar*: piezas envueltas en aluminio con materiales orgánicos * *Pit firing*: cocción al fuego con la pieza envuelta en tejidos y materiales orgánicos * Carbonación / cocción en gaceta: reducción en contenedores cerrados ### **Medio agresivas** * Extracción a alta temperatura sin choque térmico posterior * Rakú dulce (pelo, azúcar, etc.): intervenciones directas sobre la pieza caliente ### **Muy agresivas** * Técnicas con choque térmico para generar efectos más intensos * *Naked Raku*: con preparación previa de engobes y reducción en serrín * *Obvara*: inmersión en mezcla de agua, harina, levadura y azúcar *** ### Formatos del taller ### **Para ceramistas** * Trae tus propias piezas listas para Raku (bizcochadas) * Experimenta con diferentes técnicas de superficie * Duración: 4–5 horas * Precio: 80 €/persona ### **Para público general** * Día 1: creación de piezas * Día 2: cocción Raku * (Día 3 opcional según formato) * Horario: de 9:30 h a 14:30 h No es necesario tener experiencia previa. Estamos preparando sesiones con piezas incluidas para que puedas vivir el proceso completo desde cero. *** ### ¿Qué te llevarás? * Introducción práctica a la cocción Raku * Experimentación con diferentes técnicas y acabados * Comprensión de procesos de reducción y choque térmico * Piezas únicas e irrepetibles *** ### 📅 Información práctica 📍 La Clandestina (Poblenou) 🗓 Viernes 13 de abril ⏰ De 9:30h a 14:30 h 💸 Precio: 80 € (materiales incluidos) 📩 Inscripciones: hola@laclandestinadepoblenou.org

**🇬🇧 The Language Exchange Meetup in Barcelona 🌍** Are you ready for an evening filled with language practice, new friendships, and tons of fun? Join our vibrant community in Barcelona where language enthusiasts gather to enhance their proficiency in various languages and expand their social circles. Embark on a linguistic adventure with us! Our language exchange sessions take place in the heart of the city, within the unique atmosphere of Space Cowboy 🤠 🗓️ **When**: Every Monday at 7pm 📍 **Where**: Space Cowboy: 31 Carders street (5 minutes from Jaume I or 8 minutes from Arc de Triomf station) 🆓 **Admission: Free**, with a friendly request to support the venue by ordering a minimum drink (€4). Please, remember that SIGNING UP IS MANDATORY for all the events, thus we can bring enough stickers for everyone. This inclusive event welcomes everyone, so come and mingle with us! (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) 📸 We'll seek your permission before capturing any moments on camera. Agreeing to be in a photo means you're okay with us sharing it on social media. 🗣 A friendly host will hand you a sticker with your name, native language, and the language you're eager to practice. Feel free to stick to your mother tongue if you prefer. Let's make language learning a joyous journey! 😊 Our events are published on various platforms so there are always more attendees than those confirmed. **Stay Connected**: 📸 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 Like our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange) to see all the albums! 🌐 Discover more about us on [our website](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Connect on WhatsApp**: [Join the group here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3UQm1CAFECGyE5RknlvXQ) See you there for an evening of laughter, language, and lasting friendships. **Come alone, leave with friends!** 🌍🗣️ \-\-\- 🇪🇸 **¡El Intercambio de Idiomas de Barcelona!** 🌍 ¿Estás listo para una velada llena de práctica de idiomas, nuevas amistades y mucha diversión? Únete a nuestra animada comunidad en Barcelona, donde entusiastas de los idiomas se reúnen para mejorar su nivel y ampliar sus círculos sociales. ¡Embárcate en una aventura lingüística con nosotros! Nuestras sesiones de intercambio de idiomas tienen lugar en el corazón de la ciudad, en el ambiente único de Space Cowboy 🤠 🗓️ **Cuándo**: Todos los lunes a las 19h. 📍 **Dónde**: Space Cowboy: calle Carders 31 (a 5 minutos del metros Jaume I o a 8 min de Arc de Triomf) 🆓 **Entrada Gratuita**, solo te pedimos que tomes una consumición mínima (4€). Por favor, recuerda que LA INSCRIPCIÓN ES OBLIGATORIA para todos los eventos, para que podamos llevar suficientes pegatinas para todos. Este evento inclusivo da la bienvenida a todos, así que ¡ven y únete a nosotros! (Los participantes menores de 18 años deben ir acompañados por un adulto.) 📸 Pediremos tu permiso antes de capturar cualquier momento en cámara. Al aceptar estar en una foto, nos permites compartirla en las redes sociales. 🗣 Un anfitrión te entregará una pegatina con tu nombre, idioma nativo y el idioma que deseas practicar. Siéntete libre de hablar en tu lengua materna si lo prefieres. ¡Hagamos del aprendizaje de idiomas un viaje lleno de alegría! 😊 Nuestros eventos se publican en varias plataformas por lo que siempre hay más asistentes que los que aparecen confirmados. **Mantente Conectado**: 📸 ¡Síguenos en [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 ¡Dale 'me gusta' a nuestra [página de Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange), para ver todos los álbumes! 🌐 Descubre más sobre nosotros en [nuestra web](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Conéctate en WhatsApp**: [Únete al grupo aquí](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3UQm1CAFECGyE5RknlvXQ) Nos vemos para una tarde de risas, idiomas y amistades duraderas. **¡Ven solo, márchate con amigos!** 🌍🗣️

**PARA CONFIRMAR TU ASISTENCIA ENVÍA UN MENSAJE A [hola@laperaverde.es](mailto:hola@laperaverde.es) \- EN EL CASO DE NO RESERVAR VÍA CORREO NO SE PUEDE GARANTIZAR LA PLAZA** Clases de acuarela en Poblenou para descubrir el mundo de la acuarela. Pasa un día a la semana aprendiendo y descubriendo esta técnica de la forma más fácil y divertida a través de las clases de acuarela en La Clandestina de Poblenou, Barcelona. En este taller de acuarela aprenderás a utilizar la técnica de una forma sencilla a través de distintas temáticas. Durante 2 horas trabajaremos en una actividad a través de consejos, correcciones, para dominar la técnica a través de distintas temáticas. Sin necesidad de experiencia irás conociendo la acuarela en todos sus formatos y como combinarla con otras técnicas. Ven con muchas ganas de aprender y a empezar la semana de la mejor manera posible; entre colores. **INFORMACIÓN Y HORARIOS** \- Todos los lunes de 18h a 20h \- Las clases se pueden impartir en aulas interiores o en el patio\, depende el tiempo y/o temática\. \- No se cancela la clase por lluvia\. \- Dispondrás de todos los materiales\, pero podrás traerte los tuyos si tienes y quieres practicar con ellos sin problema🙂 **PARA RESERVAR UNA PLAZA** \- A través de la[ web](https://laperaverde.es/clases-acuarela/) o enviando un correo a hola@laperaverde.es \- Si tienes dudas puedes escribirme a hola@laperaverde\.es \- El precio de la clase individual de acuarela es de 25€ **¿QUIÉN LO IMPARTE?** Soy Victoria, la persona de detrás de[ La Pera Verde](https://laperaverde.es/), una marca de ilustración aplicada sobre joyería, papelería y objetos para el hogar. A través de la acuarela y los lápices de colores. Desde 2016 me podréis encontrar en distintos markets y como tallerista para enseñar toda aquella experiencia que he ido adquirido con la acuarela y otras técnicas.

**3-hour studio session – Materials included – €25** **Languages: English**↓ **\| Español** ↓↓ **\| Русский** ↓↓↓ This is a guided painting session designed for both beginners and experienced painters who want consistent, structured practice in a calm atelier environment. You are free to work on your own project, or you can choose from structured exercises designed to strengthen technique and artistic understanding. **How the class works** * 3-hour studio session * Individual guidance throughout * Academic foundation in drawing and painting * Free choice of topic, technique and style You may: * Paint from life (still life setups available) * Work from reference * Study master paintings * Practice human figure from printed reference * Develop a personal project The format is flexible, the guidance is precise. **What makes this class different** The session takes place in a cosy sunlit atelier and is very relaxed and slow. Students create at their own rhythm, but with clear direction and constructive feedback on composition, colour and technique. **Materials** All basic painting materials are included in the price. **Price** €25 per session **Group Size** Maximum 5 people **Español:** **Sesión de estudio de 3 horas – Materiales incluidos – 25 €** Esta es una sesión de pintura guiada diseñada tanto para principiantes como para pintores con experiencia que buscan una práctica constante y estructurada en un ambiente de taller tranquilo. Puedes trabajar en tu propio proyecto o elegir entre ejercicios estructurados diseñados para fortalecer la técnica y la comprensión artística. **Como funciona la clase** **Sesión de estudio de 3 horas** Orientación individual durante toda la sesión Base académica en dibujo y pintura Elección libre de tema, técnica y estilo Puedes: * Pintar del natural (bodegones disponibles) * Trabajar a partir de referencias * Estudiar pinturas de maestros * Practicar figura humana a partir de referencias impresas * Desarrollar un proyecto personal El formato es flexible, pero la orientación es precisa. **Que hace diferente a esta clase** La sesión se realiza en un **atelier acogedor y luminoso**, con una atmósfera tranquila y pausada. Los estudiantes trabajan a su propio ritmo, pero con **dirección clara y retroalimentación constructiva** sobre composición, color y técnica. **Materiales** Todos los **materiales básicos de pintura están incluidos** en el precio. **Precio** **25 € por sesión** **Tamaño del grupo** **Máximo 5 personas** **Русский** **3-часовое занятие – Материалы включены – 25 €** Приглашаю Вас на занятие по живописи с преподавателем, предназначенное как для начинающих, так и для художников с опытом, которые хотят регулярно практиковаться в спокойной атмосфере ателье. Вы можете работать над собственным проектом или выбрать структурированные упражнения, направленные на развитие техники и художественного понимания. **Как проходит занятие** **3-часовая студийная сессия** Индивидуальные рекомендации на протяжении всей сессии Академическая база рисунка и живописи Свободный выбор темы, техники и стиля Вы можете: * Писать с натуры (доступны постановки натюрморта) * Работать по референсам * Изучать картины мастеров * Практиковать человеческую фигуру по печатным референсам * Развивать собственный художественный проект Формат гибкий, но руководство точное. **Что отличает этот класс** Занятие проходит в **уютном, залитом солнечным светом ателье** в спокойной и размеренной атмосфере. Студенты работают в своём ритме, получая **чёткие рекомендации и конструктивную обратную связь** по композиции, цвету и технике. **Материалы** Все **основные материалы для живописи включены** в стоимость. **Цена** **25 € за сессию** **Размер группы** **Максимум 5 человек** ***

NEW MEMBERS: REMEMBER TO SEND US YOUR EMAIL TO BARCELONAWRITERS@GMAIL.COM IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY DONE SO!! You need to read the submissions! Working on a novel or short story? Get feedback from other writers, find motivation to meet your deadlines, and bemoan the difficulties of the writer's life with like-minded people. We will discuss up to two submissions of 3,000 words at this event. Submissions will be sent out a few days in advance. Please come with the pieces read. New here? Wonderful! But come to a session before you submit, to see what we're all about and how we do things. Please email submissions (3,000 words max.) to barcelonawriters@gmail.com

Need some inspiration and/or dedicated writing time for your current WIP? Grab your laptop or notebook and join us at Simply show up at Laie Llibreria Cafè, second floor. Feel free to jump into working on your own writing project immediately, or wait until the quiet time starting at 5:30. at 5 pm for a bit of writer chat, before diving into an hour and a half of focused writing time. At 7, we head to a nearby bar to discuss how it all went.

Este año, Barcelona Escribe tendrá su **puesto en la calle Sicilia 191**, ¡a partir de las 10h! Un espacio lleno de historias, creatividad y mucho amor por la palabra. Los 18 autores comprendidos en **Tras el Mosaico del Beso** estarán a lo largo del día en diferntes momentos. Además, la **Asociación Barcelona Escribe** pondrá a disposición sus libros publicados en años anteriores, Algunos escritores de la Asociación estarán también en nuestra parada, firmando ejemplares de sus libros publicados. * **Enric Gisbert** (@enricgisbert) firmará libros de 10:00 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30. * **Concha Mayo** firmará libros de 11:30 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30 * **Federico Firpo Bodner** (@piluxfirpux) firmará libros de 10:00 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30. ¡Los esperamos!

**🌸 Spring Journaling Adventure with Marusha** As much as we love our bookshops, libraries and cozy cafes, there is **nothing like journaling in nature**! Let's open the season of outdoor writing sessions with a lovely picnic by the lake. Join me for a soul-nourishing afternoon of mindful wandering, grounding and connecting with nature, writing out things that have to be written, flexing that imagination biceps with some creative assignments – all while snacking and gently sun-baking :) We'll kick off our adventure with a cozy picnic by the pond at Montjuïc, where we'll spread our blankets and let the spring breeze inspire our first words. Whether you're a seasoned journal enthusiast or someone whose last diary entry was "Dear Diary..." in middle school – you're absolutely welcome here. After we've warmed up our writing muscles (and enjoyed some treats), we'll embark on a spring-inspired conscious walk through the park. No intense hiking, more of a *stop-and-smell-the-roses* (or whatever happens to be in bloom) kind of stroll. We'll use this time to gather inspiration, practice gratitude, and maybe even find profound meaning in a random butterfly crossing our path (hey, it happens!). Journaling practices for this gathering will feature some *embodiment work* (letting your senses guide you) – it's relaxing and inspiring in equal measures. After the picnic, we may continue with some sundowners at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Barcelona with the city spread out before us like a story waiting to be told – it's Friday, after all! **What to bring:** \- Your journal and favorite pen\(s\) \- A cozy blanket to sit on \- Snacks and drinks\* to share \(optional but encouraged – writing evokes wild hunger\! \- An open mind and your sense of humor **🍎 Important: BRING A FRUIT that represents you this spring :) Yes, this will be one of our creative assignments.** *\*Some wine, cheese and other little treats will be provided* No pressure, no judgment, just a lovely afternoon of connecting with yourself and fellow humans while surrounded by spring's finest showing. Come as you are – your winter sweatpants stories are safe with us. ABOUT THE ORGANIZER Hi! My name is Marusha, I'm a writer, book writing coach, journaling mentor, creator of the [Naked Words](www.mynakedwords.com) writing program, and founder of [Barcelona Journaling Festival](www.barcelonajournalingfestival.com). I preach the superpower of feel-good writing to everyone. I use journaling for self-therapy and as dynamic meditation. It also works great to boost your creativity and overcome writer's block if you feel stuck or drained. Feel free to follow [my Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/followmarusha/) for tips and inspiration or [sign up for the Naked Words newsletter](https://girlswhowrite.kit.com/eb1ce8ec40) to be the first one in the know about the upcoming events.

Tema sugerido "En el borde del acantilado" En Barcelona Escribe fomentamos la escritura, y realizamos encuentros literarios dos domingos al mes para realizar críticas sobre nuestros relatos escritos en casa. Escribe con total libertad desde tu perspectiva y conocimientos. Usa tu imaginación y ejercita tu creatividad ... Nos vemos el 26 de abril a las 11.30h te prometo que la pasaremos genial, y aprenderemos mucho

A casual (but coordinated) coffee break to meet new friends, take a Zoom break, and get your AM caffeine fix. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time. Bring a friend or wander in solo. Come for the coffee and company, or just bring a book to read while surrounded by other in-real-life, community-seeking humans. Come by every Friday, or just when you happen to be in town. Make it whatever you need it to be that week. It's not an \*event\* per se, but we hope these Friday meet-ups can become a fixture of the bookshop! Gathering spot will be in the downstairs area of the bookshop (near the Community Library). Coffee and tea are 1.50€ and can be purchased at the cash register upstairs. Find more info on our Instagram (@backstorybookshop) or website (www.backstorybookshop.com).

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!

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!

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.