Écriture de la vie

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) The Wharf Hotel by the river. Southern Cross Station is closest. Ask at the bar to find us. Or call us 0403193785. Tonight's Social Evening Schedule: (Ideas welcome) 6pm to 6.45pm: Socializing​​ 6.45pm to 6.55pm: Introduction and overview of the evening by Jim including go-around introduction​​ 6.55pm to 7pm: A word from Mat our founder​​ 7pm to 7.10pm A paired connection question to get people talking with one another​​ 7.10pm to 7.30pm: Guest Topic: Heath Ryan, a Canadian-Australian is an ultra-endurance cyclist and father who rode 4000k from the UK to Kyiv in Ukraine in 2024 raising funds for a Ukrainian children's charity 'Voices of Children'. He has written and published a number of books focusing on human achievement and social justice. He will talk about his journey. 10 mins talk. 10 mins Q&A. 7.30pm to 8.15pm: Readings section open to all to read out something from their work up to 4 minutes. Feedback optional.​​ 8.15pm to 9.30pm: Socializing. Optional. Many of us love this as a chance to connect personally in a screen-addicted culture. • Come out and meet some like-minded folks who enjoy writing and other entertainment and creative outlets. We'll hang around until at least 8.30pm, but often later. All age ranges, all writing types (and entertainment types), all the way from never writing and up to published authors. • This night is about you. So chat to people, read out your work, give feed back, get to know everyone... Or, feel free to sit back and chill. It's your night, enjoy it how you see fit. **Please only RSVP if you can make it.** **We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming.** **We have added an attendee limit, so please update your RSVP if you can not make it.** Thank you, Melbourne Writers. The Wharf Hotel food menu: https://www.wharfhotel.com.au/eat-and-drink Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by getting in contact so you can add to these social pages and site - matclarke.author@gmail.com**

**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **La Di Da — 577 Little Bourke Street (Melbourne CBD).** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3 at entry** to support the venue. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

The Great World of the title refers to the setting of "The Great World", a fairground in occupied Singapore serving as a Japanese prison camp, where the protagonists meet. It also refers to the mind "the same shape as the world, and really was the world, only on an infinitely small scale", as one character observes. The two main characters' relationship is central as the men feel out their stance to each other. The New Yorker calls it "a rare serious novel... (with) an elliptical sense of time... render(ing) it poetic." Since starting this book club a few years ago we have formed a nice core membership. If you haven't come yet, please look out for the books on the table, pull up a chair, order a wine and join us. We like to hear what everyone has to say and enjoy the conversation, we're not cliquey at all! Oh, and to defray the Meetup monthly bill I will accept gold coin contributions or wine if you want to pay for multiple in one hit. I hope to see everyone again at this one with some new faces.

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 100 - 150 people attending our Tuesday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6pm to 9pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

### ✨ KISMETRIX \| True Connection **Healing Circle & Fire Ritual** Pause. Reflect. Release. 📍 RYVE Level 1, 38 Shafton St, Huntingdale VIC 📅 Wednesday, 22 April 2026 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ## A SPACE TO PAUSE Life gets heavy sometimes. Not always in obvious ways — but in the quiet things we carry: Unspoken thoughts Emotional weight Stress, heartbreak, uncertainty This evening is a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself — gently. ## WHO THIS IS FOR This space is for you if: • You’ve been feeling overwhelmed or mentally full • You’ve been holding things in without space to process • You’re seeking clarity, grounding, or emotional reset • You want something deeper, but not overwhelming You don’t need to be “ready” or have it all figured out. Just come as you are. ## WHAT TO EXPECT A small, supportive and guided experience: • Calm and welcoming environment • Gentle reflection and awareness practices • Optional sharing (no pressure to speak) • Space to simply sit, listen, and be present • A symbolic fire ritual to close the evening ## FIRE RITUAL — LETTING GO You’ll be invited to write down something you’re ready to release. A thought. A feeling. A past story. Through a simple fire ritual, we allow that chapter to shift and move forward. Many people find this moment deeply grounding and freeing. ## SMALL & INTIMATE BY DESIGN This is not a large event. Numbers are intentionally limited to create a space that feels safe, real, and personal. ## ABOUT YOUR HOST Hosted by Vivienne Vu Founder of Kismetrix \| True Connection Vivienne creates spaces that support emotional awareness, presence, and authentic human connection. ## 🔔 IMPORTANT NOTES • This is a reflective group experience (not therapy or medical treatment) • Participation is always optional — you can simply observe • Respect, boundaries, and emotional safety are central to this space • Tickets are limited and kept intentionally small ## WHY PEOPLE COME TO KISMETRIX • Real experiences, not surface-level interactions • Spaces designed with intention and care • A sense of connection — with others and within yourself ### Hosted by KISMETRIX \| True Connection 📧 [social@kismetrix.com.au]() 🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")

''A Course in Miracles (ACIM)" is The Channelled Works of Jesus / Isa / Yoshua (Same Human Being - Named Differently by Different Religions) from 1965 - 1972. It Supplements and can go beyond anything The Bible, The Koran and The Torah has taught you. Find Out if you are ready to experience Spiritual Growth Beyond Religious Teachings (THE ACTUAL PROMISED: SECOND COMING) that have been Edited or Re-Translated over many centuries or EVEN Added to for The Suppression of Women. It Upholds the prophecies from those 3 holy books, but Clarifies More Deeply where they don't seem able to FULLY for the ordinary 21st Century human being, who finds it difficult to understand esoteric teachings handed down by Mystical Schools. You have free will to decide when you will commence your Journey HOME from Earth. We can Listen to Recordings of the above mentioned works. Alternatively, I also have DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Others. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. This event is stated to run 3 hours, but those not able to can leave early and this would never be a problem. The Nature of THE BIRTHER (ETERNAL UNCONDITIONALLY LOVING SOURCE) and The Nature of OUR ESSENCES (SOULS) are Identical (Made in God's Image). The Insane Human Ego is THE ORIGINAL MISTAKE. Our Goal is to use THE POWER of REASON to UNDO IT, while on Earth!!!

Are YOU Ready and Willing to go further along your SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, without forcing yourself to FIND TIME TO READ ABOUT IT? ''A Course in Miracles (ACIM)" is The Channelled Works of Jesus / Isa / Yoshua (SAME HUMAN BEING - Named Differently By Different religions) from 1965 - 1972. It Supplements and can go beyond anything The Bible, The Koran and The Torah has taught you. Find Out if you are ready to experience TRUE Spiritual Growth Beyond Religious Teachings (THE ACTUAL PROMISED: SECOND COMING) that have been Edited, Re-Translated across One or More languages or Added to for The Suppression of Women. It Upholds the prophecies from those three mentioned holy books, but explains Truth more easily than they are able to for the ordinary 21st Century human being. We don't need to know esoteric teachings handed down by Mystical Schools, to RETURN HOME TO SOURCE ENERGY. You have free will to decide when you will commence your Journey HOME from Earth. We can Listen to Recordings of the above mentioned works. Alternatively, I also have DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Others. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. This meet up is stated to last 3 hours, but as some can be too busy for that length of time, you are welcome to leave early, without it being a problem to me. NOTE: LEARNING SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be strange and stir up The Human Ego/ The Fake Will for some on this planet, but without putting in the time to do so, our Spiritual Growth is HINDERED GREATLY!!! SOURCE ENERGY IS ETERNAL AND IS ALWAYS UNCONDITIONALLY LOVING. There has never been and there can never be The Wrath of God or a Final Judgement Day where The Creator, God, Allah, Yhvh or The Man-like Figure with The Long White Beard surrounded by Angels, who support Him as He deals out what The Ego believes humans deserve. WE ARE ETERNAL SOULS CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER'S SOUL AND SOURCE ENERGY FOREVER. WE APPEAR TO BE LIVING IN MORTAL BODIES ON PLANET EARTH AT THE EFFECT OF THE HUMAN EGO, BUT IS THAT COMPLETELY TRUE?

Join us for a relaxed street art walk through Melbourne's CBD, exploring laneways, murals, and hidden creative spots while enjoying easy, natural conversation along the way. If you love photography, bring your camera or smart phone (charged) to snap some fun photos along the way. We often pose in front of our fave artworks. Be prepared to be silly with me 🤪… (optional of course) This event is about moving at a comfortable pace, noticing what’s around us, and letting conversation unfold organically as we walk. There’s no need for art knowledge - curiosity is more than enough. The walk has a **light structure to help things flow**, but nothing rigid. You’re welcome to chat as much or as little as you like and enjoy the experience in your own way. After the walk, there will be the option to stay on for dinner nearby for anyone who’d like to continue the conversation (completely optional). This event is best suited to adults **approx. 25–50 who are young-at-heart** and enjoy exploring the city, being outdoors, and connecting through shared experiences. Strict age limit = 18+ Recommendation: Download the "Street Art Cities" app which we will use to hunt down the art. Please comment below if you're keen to stick around for dinner too. Stay updated in our WhatsApp group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EwT1BMFaCSJ32cfApGYt8U

Melbourne Central Food Hall on Level 2. Far back corner near large windows to outside. Look for the colourful piano! See below for exact instructions on finding us. IMPORTANT: Please turn up if you RSVP. Other writers are counting on you being there with them so no one sits alone!!! Currently we have part-time hosts and regulars who will turn up and sit together. EVERYONE, please keep a look out for newly arriving people in the group and make them feel welcome, especially if they say: Are you with the writing group? If you arrive first and have an A4 piece of paper, it is a good idea to write on the paper: Writing Group. This way everyone will find each other. Bring your writing tools, and anything that you have written recently (optional). Remember your earphones if you like to listen to music while you write. There are no rules :) You can write. Or you can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a public space.) Bring pen and paper as a backup. Melbourne Central wifi available. Who: People who write and/or want to write (more) What: An open group of writers who meetup in a stimulating space to write together, share writing and ideas and support each other’s writing goals Why: Inspiration, motivation and space to write. Where: Melbourne Central - see photo for our location. Red shaded area would be ideal if available when you arrive. Detailed instructions if you do not know the area: 1) Go to the Shot Tower (the old building inside Melbourne Central with the big cone glass roof above it). 2) Go up the the escalators (there’s only one set of up- escalators near the Shot Tower, you can’t miss it). 3) You are now on level 2, Dining Hall (there are signs to the right, just slightly, stating this). 4) Top Juice store is to your right. Turn right so you pass Top Juice and walk toward the food hall. 5) You are now in the food hall near a black piano. Go past this. Go to the seating at the far back corner where there are large windows facing outside. 6) Look for us writers. There should be a sign on the table. Call out your hosts name and ask if this is the writing group. We will say YES, here we are! Additional hosts wanted!!! Please contact Mat Clarke. Please only RSVP if you can make it. And also un-RSVP if you need to cancel. Thank You, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters What we have written so far: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

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.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

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

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

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)