Mystery

**It's ALIVE!** This interactive workshop invites writers to **step away from the page** and into a **hands-on creative process** using playdough to design original monsters, aliens, or creatures. Participants will **sculpt their own creations**, then collaborate with others by responding to and building on each other’s designs. The workshop also includes **writing a brief history or micro-short story for each creation** to flesh out its personality, culture, and purpose. By creating characters in a **visual and tactile medium**, writers can unlock new ideas, deepen believability, and discover details they might not find through writing alone. **Suggested donation of $5 to cover the cost of workshop supplies**

🔪 **WHAT’S IN THE BOX?! A DARK & TWISTED MOVIE NIGHT** 🔪 Join us for a **chilling Saturday night Meetup** as we descend into one of the most disturbing and unforgettable thrillers ever made… *** ## 🎬 Movie: **Se7en** (1995) 📍 **Imagine Cinemas Carlton** 🗓 **Saturday, January 10** ⏰ **Showtime:** 6:40 PM 👋 **Meet:** **6:30 PM**, outside **Auditorium #6** 🔍 Look for **Nick holding the Meetup sign** 🎟 **Tickets:** **Only $5.99** — an absolute steal for a modern classic on the big screen. Seriously… this movie for under six bucks is criminally good value. Purchase your ticket in-person or [online ](https://omniwebticketing6.com/imaginecinemas/carlton/?schdate=2026-01-10&perfix=132266) 🪑 **Seating:** General admission (no assigned seats) *** ## 😱 About the Movie A serial killer stalks the city, selecting victims according to the **seven deadly sins**. Two detectives — one seasoned, one idealistic — race against time to stop a murderer whose crimes are as calculated as they are horrifying. Dark. Gritty. Unrelenting. **Se7en** is a psychological thriller that crawls under your skin and stays there long after the credits roll. ⏱ **Runtime:** **127 minutes** 🎥 **Trailer:** 👉 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI) *** ## 🩸 Good to Know * RSVP is **appreciated**, but feel free to **just show up** if your schedule is uncertain * Come early if you want to sit together * Not for the faint of heart 😈 *** If you like your movies **grim, intense, and unforgettable**, this one’s for you. See you in the darkness… 🍿🖤

On Saturday, Jan 10, thousands of people in hundreds of cities will gather for Global Heroic Activation Day. I’m hosting one of those workshops here in Toronto, and I’d love to see you there. In this 4 hour workshop, we’ll: ✅ Forge clarity on what matters most in 2026 ✅ Build a simple daily protocol for Energy, Work, and Love ✅ Strengthen antifragile confidence through real follow-through ✅ Leave grounded, energized, and connected If you’ve been feeling the pull to close the gap between who you’re capable of being and who you’re currently being, this is your invitation! Reserve your seat: [https://go.heroic.us/jaber-howlader-csz3](https://go.heroic.us/jaber-howlader-csz3)

Join us for a winter walk through some great book stores in Toronto. We will meet in near the [Dufferin Subway Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qfK6SXowHoRRfRc6) (north east end of the Bloor St. W and Dufferin St intersection). Then we will visit the following book stores by walking to them through the (thawing) winter streets 1. [The Monkey's Paw](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuPmjbCQrsQi4wS28) 2. [Doug Miller Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcwYFUixHrEceehS7) 3. [BMV Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ETHNifRbmGcgRyrZ7) 4. [Balfour Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/etWMdx8LwEGtv8Lr8) 5. [Re: Reading Used Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qCaXFuFU7L4NHWcJ7) The entire route can be found [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vjVUAfjCJjhep2ad7) You can get coffee in one of these shops or somewhere along the route (Click the links above for google maps location) Approx distance is 10 km **Assumption of Preparedness:** You agree to come prepared for the event with clothing, gloves, cap, and shoes as appropriate for the weather and conditions as prevalent on the day of the event. It is also assumed that if you need to leave the event midway through the event, then you will inform the organizer before doing so.

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

library has over 200 copies in all formats

Have a completed manuscript and ready to take the next step? Need to polish up your submission materials? Curious about the submission process for trad publishing? Then you'll want to join our query letter and synopsis workshop. The meeting will run the same way as our usualy Saturday in-person meetups, but we'll be reviewing query letters and synopses instead of actual stories. Feel free to bring in a query letter, a synopsis, or both. Not sure what any of this means? In trad publishing, with few exceptions, publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts (which means you can't submit to them without an agent). But before an agent will even read your full manuscript, they usually ask that you send a query letter, possibly along with a synopsis and sample pages. A query letter is basically a one-page pitch for your book, providing all the relevant stats (genre, age category, word count), a brief summary of the premise meant to entice them into reading more, and a bio. See here for a more detailed breakdown: https://janefriedman.com/query-letters/ A synopsis outlines all the major beats/plot points of your novel, including the ending. They can range anywhere from one page to a few pages (usually on the shorter side), depending on the agent. See here for more details: https://janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis/ We'll start the session with some time for questions and then launch straight into the critique, so come prepared! Listeners are also welcome. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building in the usual writing sprint spot (up the stairs near Teabot). Note: This process only applies to traditional publishing, but all are welcome to attend. If there's enough demand, more of these will be scheduled in the future.

Join us for **Witness for the Prosecution,** Agatha Christie’s electrifying courtroom drama filled with betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the final verdict. ***You can use our promo code to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **THE PLAY:** Step into the courtroom for a gripping tale of betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists! Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow who made him her sole heir. As conflicting testimonies emerge, the truth becomes a puzzle that will leave you guessing until the final verdict. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s *Traitor’s Hands*, this tense courtroom drama will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you think you know. *Recommended for ages 14 and up. Depicts murder, emotional manipulation, and mature themes.* \*\*\* **PRICE** **Discount Tickets:** $24 (includes all fees) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code **THUMBSUP** to get your discount tickets. Use the code to purchase your tickets **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tscar&rd=1)** or call the box office at (416) 267-9292. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code THUMBSUP to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members may not be able to sit together. However, we will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in C-B27. *** **DETAILS** **When:** Saturday, January 10, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre. **Where:** Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough **Runtime:** About 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby beside the box office. Belinda will is very short and will be wearing a pink Los Gatos baseball cap and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance only. **Intermission & After-Show Meetup Spots:** Meet Belinda beside the box office in the same place as you met her before the show. **\*\*\*** **[THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:](https://www.meetup.com/Thumbs-Up-Theatre-Toronto/events/243426512/)** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows.

This month we’ll look at cantos 25 - 29, with emphasis on Ulysses and Muhammed. These cantos are pretty meaty; major characters include Ulysses, Muhammad, Bertran de Born, and, indirectly, Boniface VIII. What is the sin of the evil counsellors? How do the sinners of canto 27 differ from those of canto 26? What is the significance of the appearance of Guido da Montefeltro? How does Dante step up his attack on the Church? What is the impact of Bertran de Born?

❄️🚶‍♀️ **EXPLORATION WALK: YORKVILLE & U OF T** – **6 KM** 🎓🏙️ **Because winter is temporary… but missing this walk is forever.** “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So layer up, zip up, and let’s romanticize January like true Torontonians 😌❄️ This walk explores **two parts of the city that started out the same — and then went in completely different directions.** One got glitzier. One stayed timeless. Both are *very* walkable, dramatic, and worth showing up for. *** ### THE WALK 🗺️✨ We’ll start and end at **Rosedale Subway Station**, making a glorious winter loop. • **Rosedale Park** 🌳 – quiet, elegant, and shockingly peaceful. • **Yorkville** 💎 – once wealthy, then a hippie coffee-shop haven, and now one of the *richest* neighbourhoods in the city. Full-circle glow-up. • **University of Toronto** 🏛️ – once reserved for Toronto’s elite, now open to everyone. Unlike Yorkville, it’s beautifully **frozen in time**, with historic buildings that haven’t changed much — except for the degrees inside them. • **Bamboo Forest at U of T** 🎋 – we’ll try to sneak a peek if it’s open (because mystery is part of the fun). ☕ **WARM-UP BREAK:** We’ll make a **30-minute stop at Tim Hortons** to thaw our fingers, grab food and drinks, and question why winter feels personal. *** ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • Do **NOT** sign up if you’re not ready to walk in winter ❄️ • This walk happens in **snow, cold, wind, or vibes** • Event will only be cancelled if it hits **-20°C** (because we are sensible, not soft) *** ### MEETUP DETAILS 🧤🧣 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Rosedale Subway Station** 👀 **How you’ll spot me:** I’ll be wearing my **MOOSE HAT** (a winter icon) ⏰ **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM ⏱️ I wait **5 minutes only** — *Early is on time, on time is late* 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)) You can send it before or on the day of the walk.**m** 🏁 **End Point:** **Rosedale Subway Station** *** 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** Just show up. Literally. Winter plans are fluid. *** ### WHAT TO BRING 🎒 • Water • **Good boots** (non-negotiable) • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A snack *** ⏳ **HOW LONG?** About **3 hours**, including our warm-up break. 🚪 **Can you leave early?** Anytime you like — no judgment, only vibes. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, chat with other walkers, and stay in the loop for future events! *** Mathew is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact him, post on the wall or email: 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** ✨ Cold weather builds character. ✨ Good walks build community. ✨ Missing this? That’s on you. ❄️🔥

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other’s work. **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) . Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!