Writer's Block

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

20 minutes of movement + 20 minutes of journaling + 20 minutes of reading = All the Energy You Need to Enjoy a Great Day as You Create Your Best Self - One Morning at a Time. Let's try this morning routine: Schedule: 5:15 AM Wake Up 5:30 AM Join Zoom Call (sometimes I’m a few minutes late) Link to meeting: https://meet.google.com/jvr-hhvh-tyr 5:30 AM Exercise/Movement 5:50 AM Stop Exercise and take a 5 minute cool down 5:55 AM Journal 6:15 AM Read 6:35 AM Go have an amazing day Inspired by the book, "The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma, we will meet on a 5:25 AM zoom call less to interact but more to create accountability and a community to support a common goal of getting up early and starting our day with energy, reflection and great intentions. (and perhaps a Super Big Gulp of Strong Coffee) Below, are some links that will educate you on the book and give you ideas for exercises you can do in your apartment, prompts for journal writing, and books you may want to read. Email me with any questions (kvolandes@volandeslaw.com) and see you bright and early! 5 AM Club Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGAUDm4PyEo&feature=youtu.be Home exercises - https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/strength-training-plyometrics Journal Prompts - https://jour.com/blog/journaling/morning-journaling-prompts Reading - Read a memoir of someone you are interested in learning more about Call me with questions 917-699-4558. Kenny

We are getting ready to take our Novel Ideas writers group to a writers world! With such uncertain times, a website that is designed FOR writers! We can meet - we can list ideas and group meetings. Oh And the best- they have writer races - it's a new site and we hope to see you there. WWW.BOOKPRESSED.COM

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Start your Monday sketching with pencil, pen or watercolor. We'll take turns posing for seven minutes each with a different theme each week. We are always fully clothed. At the end of each session we share our work. Beginning or experienced artists are welcome. We'll do every Monday from 9AM - 11AM. **IMPORTANT!** **You will receive an email with the Zoom link, so make sure that Meetup.com has your correct email address.** Also check that your Settings are turned on to receive Mailing list messages "As they are sent" (it's the last one on the list of email settings). ZOOM TIPS ◦ Make sure you have updated your browser (Chrome works best) and your operating system ◦ If you are on a tablet, download the Zoom app before entering the room. ◦ If you are new to Zoom please read: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/200941109-Attendee-Controls-in-a-Meeting ◦ Set up a free zoom account if you’ve had trouble accessing Zoom events in the past. If you already have a Zoom account, make sure you've upgraded to version 5. ZOOM ETIQUETTE ◦ Arrive at the waiting room 5 to 10 minutes before the start time. ◦ We can chat while drawing, but remember to mute yourself if there's a lot of background noise or you need to shuffle things around or talk to someone at home.

Systems are better than goals! This is an idea I first read about it Scott Adam's(Dilbert Cartoon Creator) book "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big". This concept is further developed in the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. If you've never heard about idea before you might think this is a vague statement. You might be curious as what this idea fully entails. Well, tune into Monday Morning Motivation and you'll find out! I'll give a short synopsis of how you can better use systems in your life to get what you want. \*\*\* THIS WILL BE AN ONLINE EVENT\*\*\* Please login 5 minutes early. We will do brief introductions and get into our topic of discussion for the day. Please understand that if you ask to be admitted after 8:05 it will likely be denied, due to the fact that we're probably already in a discussion and it would disrupt the flow. I use "Google Meet". It's Google's version of Zoom. Most people are familiar with it. If you're using your phone you will need to download the app. Just go to the app store and search "google meet". If you'll be on your desktop, you should be able to just click on the link and it will open a new web browser and you can just click on join the meeting. Starting out the week right can set the tone for your whole week! Imagine just starting this simple ritual of tuning into hear something that could motivate your life. It could be something that makes you feel good for the rest of the day. There's nothing like connecting with like minded positive people for a few moments, sharing some smiles and then moving on through your day holding that positive energy. Bring your favorite beverage! I'll have coffee! We'll enjoy a simultaneous sip.

Grab your writing utensil of choice, whatever you need for comfort, and your commitment to two hours of solid writing. Note: Some people have had trouble logging in to Meetup to attend the event. It's more important to me to have you here than have an accurate count of who's coming – or reduce the odds of being zoom bombed – so if you can't figure out how to jump through Meetup's hoops then just... [Click here to join the Zoom meeting](https://us04web.zoom.us/j/669489316) Order of biz: • 9:30-10: Introductions and socializing. We're a friendly group! • 10-12: Two hours ACTUAL WRITING. Work on your own project or ask us for a prompt or three. • 12-1: One hour read-back. Anyone who wants to gets five minutes to read from what they wrote. Please read only from what you wrote during the session. This avoids people comparing their first draft to someone's polished piece. NOTE: This is NOT a critique session. Please limit your feedback to clapping after each person reads. It IS a chance to read your work out loud, which is good for you and good for the group. Reading is voluntary, so don't get stressed. But try it sometime. It will make your writing better.

Come on board our Zoom online meetup and share your work to receive gentle supportive feedback - as well as take part in a writing exercise (Optional). Contact us by phone or txt to book your place - Sydney 0432 289 311. Our experienced convenor, Dr Christine Williams has her own work published, as well as currently the Director of Sydney School of Arts & Humanities. Now focussed on nurturing emerging writers. The fee is just $15 for 2 hours! This is a ZOOM online Memoir & Creative Writing workshop where everyone is invited to share her/his own work, get feedback, learn new techniques and hear from other participants. An invitation to any member who is committed to improving their craft - those who've taken part previously as well as newcomers. Only $15 for the session, to be paid in advance after booking a place. Christine - Organiser

ZOOM WRITERS' MEETUP TO SHARE FEEDBACK ON SPIRITUALITY IN WRITING Come on board our Zoom online meetup and read your work to other emerging writers to receive gentle supportive feedback - as well as take part in a writing exercise (Optional). This group of authors focuses on how to avoid sentimentality in writing about spiritual elements of living. Contact us by phone or txt to book your place - Sydney 0432 289 311. The fee is just $15 for 2 hours! Our experienced convenor, Dr Christine Williams, has her own work published, as well as currently the Director of Sydney School of Arts & Humanities. Now focussed on nurturing emerging writers.

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, 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: 10:30 a.m. - quick intros. 10:45 a.m. - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 8:15 - (the end) chat / take off / keep writing. 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 we're meeting in person.) Happy writing! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Other Important Details: - Remember to be respectful! - we are now using Discord. I will drop a link in the comments on the morning of our meeting and send out messages with the link, too.

**This event is hosted on the Shut Up & Write website, so please [sign up here](https://shutupwrite.com/series/shut-up-write-online-with-lorraine-s/7480) for your writing event.** **ABOUT THE EVENT** Welcome! I will email passcode to those who register. Be sure to enable email on MeetUp! Then, please check your email! Join us virtually for an hour + of writing using Zoom. Let's keep together as much as we can during these uncertain times and keep on writing. Look for the schedule online and join us. We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 3pm on Friday afternoon. 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. JOIN US! 1. RSVP - space is limited to 12 people. (registration closes at one half hour before the event starts). You will receive the link to access the event at that time. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR PASSCODE! 2. Before or at 3pm join the meeting with the link you receive AND ADD PASSCODE. Please note: 1. If you don't have Zoom set up on your computer yet, leave 15-30 minutes ahead of time to get it set up! 2. If you have difficulty with audio (don't have a microphone set up), as long as you have a speaker, you can call in (you'll see phone numbers when you log in). 3. If you are late, you won't be able to intro with us, but you are still welcome to join in. 4. If you won't be able to make it, please cancel so that the space is available to another writer. SCHEDULE: 3:00 - quick intros. around 3:10 - timer starts: write for 70 mins. 4:20 - (the end) wrap up Wherever you are, we hope to see you online! Keep on writing... Regards, Lorraine Segal

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 10:00 on Wednesday morning. Be it a book, essay, dissertation, article 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. 10:15 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:15 - (the end) check in. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83370056454?pwd=b3dydW9SYjNueVFRNGFpdlAxZGpWUT09 Meeting ID: 833 7005 6454 Passcode: SU&Wri

Hi, Writers! After a long, long hiatus, our Wednesday Sessions are back! Join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm CST for our online writing accountability group. What we do: We gather on Discord to chat for a few minutes before starting a timer where we will write separately for one hour (mics muted, and you can disable your camera if you like). When the hour is up, we reconvene to see how useful the time was for you. We'll often stick around to chat about what we've written, or to suggest books, etc. The basic schedule: 7:00pm - 7:30pm. Gather, say hello, make introductions if you're new! 7:30pm - 8:30pm. Concentrated writing period. Mute your mics and get writing! 8:30pm - 9:00pm. Discuss what we wrote, ask advice, etc. It's okay to be late. Just know that if it's past 7:15pm CST, we are writing. We use Discord. It's a free service with text and video chat, as well as message board functions.

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.

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

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

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!

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