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Creative Writing San Francisco

Explore Creative Writing Groups and Events in San Francisco

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The Geography Within Us: A Poetry Gathering on Place, Memory, and Belonging

Sat, Oct 17, 9:00 PM

From Kaavya Connections: World Poetry, Literature & Music

5.0

Perhaps home is not simply the place we come from. Perhaps it is a language in which our name sounds different. A kitchen where someone knows what we like to eat. A city whose streets our feet remember. A landscape whose seasons still live somewhere in the body. A person beside whom we do not have to explain ourselves. A song that returns us somewhere. Or a place where we arrived as strangers and, slowly, unexpectedly, learned to belong. We carry many geographies within us. The place where we were born. The neighborhood where we grew up. The cities we chose and the ones circumstance chose for us. The landscapes we left behind. The languages through which we learned to understand the world. The people who made unfamiliar places feel like home. Over time, these places become more than locations on a map. They enter our memories, our gestures, our food, our music, our language, even the ways we understand distance and belonging. Sometimes we leave a place and discover that it never entirely leaves us. And sometimes a place we never imagined belonging to becomes part of who we are. **The Geography Within Us** is **a gathering devoted to place, memory, and belonging, and to the many landscapes, languages, people, and journeys that quietly become part of our inner lives**. Together, we will explore not simply where we come from, but the more mysterious question of **what places have become part of who we are.** Across traditions, poets have carried entire worlds within their poems. Mahmoud Darwish carried Palestine through memory and language. Agha Shahid Ali recreated Kashmir across distance and longing. Derek Walcott explored the ways landscape, history, and identity become inseparable. Naomi Shihab Nye finds belonging in family, language, ordinary encounters, and the crossings between cultures. Joy Harjo writes of land, ancestry, memory, and our deep relationship with place. Their poems remind us that geography is not only something outside us. It can also become something we carry within. This gathering asks: **What places have become part of who we are?** **How do landscapes, languages, cities, and communities continue to live within us long after we leave them?** **And how do the places we discover unexpectedly change our understanding of where we belong?** We will read poems about childhood streets and adopted cities, familiar landscapes and distant homelands, kitchens and train stations, migration and arrival, language and memory, journeys and returns, and the unexpected places where belonging finds us. You are welcome to bring: * A poem about a place that has shaped you. * A piece connected to a city, landscape, language, neighborhood, or community you carry within you. * A poem about leaving somewhere, arriving somewhere, or unexpectedly finding a sense of belonging. * A song, photograph, recipe, memory, or passage that transports you to another place. * An original work about a geography, real or imagined, that has become part of who you are. We invite poetry from all languages and traditions. Together, we will read, translate, reflect, and listen, allowing the different geographies we carry to meet in the same room. As always with Kaavya Connections, the gathering may wander beyond the theme. We follow where the poems, memories, and conversations lead. Join us for an afternoon exploring the places that made us, the places that changed us, the places that surprised us, and the places that continue to live quietly within us. Bring a friend, a poem, a place, or simply come to listen. **Above all, bring the worlds you carry within you.** Please find more about us here — Kaavya Connections Website: [https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Please also join the mailing list for upcoming gatherings and events: [https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) If you would like to volunteer to help organize future gatherings and performances, please email: [contact@kaavyaconnections.com](mailto:contact@kaavyaconnections.com) **Kaavya Connections**

15 attendees

Sit Down and Write

Sun, Oct 18, 6:00 PM

From Oakland Creative Writers

4.8

Writers write. And if you haven't written in a room full of writers writing, you haven't lived! It's a nice feeling, at the least. 11:00 a.m. Arrive, find a spot, support our patron by purchasing a beverage and/or snack and tipping well. Then socialize until writing-time begins! A few minutes before, we'll go around the circle introducing ourselves, our writing passions, and our goal for the day. 11:15 a.m. The organizer will start the clock, and for the next 1 hour conversation shall be discontinued as everyone works on whatever writing or reading (or what-have-you) strikes his or her fancy. The key here is a nice, courteous quiet. Headphones are recommended. 12:15 p.m. Writing-time ends. You're welcome to continue writing, resume socializing, hail a cab, do whatever you want, because you're an adult.

3 attendees

Sit Down and Write

Sun, Oct 25, 6:00 PM

From Oakland Creative Writers

4.8

3 attendees

Letter Writing & Tea @ Teance Fine Teas - Sunday Oct 11th

Sun, Oct 11, 10:00 PM

From Letter Writing & Tea @ Teance Fine Teas

4.8

Slow down and handwrite a letter, work on journaling, or just hang out with us over a cozy pot of tea! Free stationery, stamps, stickers, and envelopes will be provided, just show up and say hi! Feel free to bring your own supplies to share/destash as well. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 3-5PM at [Teance Fine Teas](https://www.teance.com/letter-writing-club-tea.html), a wonderful tea shop with a wide handcrafted selection of high quality teas. Guided tea tastings are available, or share a pot with a friend! Address: 1036 Grayson St, Berkeley, CA 94710 RSVPing is optional, feel free to just show up! :) Don't worry if the RSVP limit on meetup is reached, we'll make space for everyone!

5 attendees

Shut Up & Write! [UNHOSTED] NEW LOCATION in NORTH BEACH

Sat, Oct 17, 5:30 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® SF Bay Area

4.8

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN IN OCTOBER. This Meet-Up will be UNHOSTED through October. Continue to come to Cafe Francisco to write! You’rre sure to see some familiar faces 😃 The next hosted SU&W will be Saturday November 7th.** **===============================================================** ***Want to write in a café on a Saturday afternoon in the company of other writers?*** We’re doing just that, every week. Come and be inspired to complete your work! **NEW LOCATION!** Because Caffe Capriccio no longer allows customers to use their laptops, we have moved down the block and around the corner to **Cafe Francisco — 2161 Powell St.** Plenty of seating options (tables, booths, inside, outside), a large menu, great location. Here’s how it works: **10:45 AM** **Show up** at **Cafe FRANCISCO,** feeling productive and energized! We meet in the main cafe area, across from the counter. We’ll have Shut Up and Write signs on the tables, so we’re easy to find. Brace yourself for 90 minutes of writing in focused silence. * ***\*RSVP and please arrive by 10:45 am in order to get settled in, get set up, order food. We will introduce ourselves briefly and start promptly at 11:00 am.*** * * **11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: we shut up and write!** * **12:30 PM: Post-writing chat!** More writing if you like! Or break and head out to get a jump on your other weekend activities. ***Sound good?! Join us!*** \* \* \* If you are new to the "Shut Up & Write" concept... Shut Up & Write hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour (or more) of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** ***\*\*\* RSVP and please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled at an in-person event.\*\*\**** Our host will lead introductions and then everyone will write for a quiet, focused period of time. Afterward, we’ll have an optional time to chat and get to know each other. Members often talk about their successes and challenges as writers. Our events are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. **No one will read or critique your writing.** For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Being Late is Okay**: Just show up and get settled, without interrupting other writers who may be in the zone :-) Check in with me **after** the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write sign.) **\*\*If you RSVP that you will attend, and your plans change, PLEASE change your RSVP to indicate you will NOT be attending!** (\*\*That saves your host from trying to save seats/table space) This is a cozy cafe and can get busy on the weekend -- if it gets crowded, please be considerate and allow room for other patrons by sharing your table with writers in our group. **What Should I Bring?** Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s ambient music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Bring whatever you need to be able to write! **Other Important Details:** VENUE WIFI NAME/PASSWORD: [posted next to cash register] TRAVEL / PARKING: * The **#8/#30/#45 buses + the Powell/Mason Cable Car all pass by within a couple of blocks. Street parking.** GUIDELINES: **Please support a local business and thank our hosts by purchasing something**. No outside food. We want the owner to be glad we are there and see that we are good for business!

2 attendees

Glam Pumpkin Night: Halloween Paint, Decorate & Sip in San Francisco

Sun, Oct 25, 10:00 PM

From Feel. Create. Connect. SF — by TBArt Studio.

**Halloween, but make it glam. ✨🎃** Spend your Sunday afternoon in San Francisco with wine, beautiful food, good company and a little creative escape. GLAM PUMPKIN NIGHT is a stylish Halloween-weekend experience at Bar & Bean Fusion where we’ll paint and decorate beautiful pumpkins with pearls, rhinestones, metallic details and acrylic paint. Come with your friends, make it a creative date — or come on your own. You absolutely don’t need to know anyone before you arrive, and you don’t need any painting experience. This isn’t a traditional painting class and it definitely isn’t a kids’ pumpkin craft. Think more: a beautiful Sunday afternoon, a glass of wine, music, conversation, creativity and a glam pumpkin you’ll actually want to display at home. **WHAT’S INCLUDED** 🎃 Artificial pumpkin to decorate and take home 🎨 Acrylic paint + all art and décor materials 💎 Pearls, rhinestones, metallic and decorative elements 🥂 One glass of wine 🧀 Cheese, fruit & small snacks ✨ 3-hour guided creative experience 📸 Halloween photo zone Choose your own look — dramatic black, elegant cream, classic orange, or create something completely your own. **WHO IS IT FOR?** Anyone who loves creative experiences, Halloween, home décor, beautiful spaces, wine and trying something a little different. Come with girlfriends, friends, your partner, or come solo. Solo guests are very welcome — Meetup is actually a perfect place to discover an experience like this when you don’t already have someone to go with. No artistic experience is required. I’ll guide you through the process while still giving you plenty of freedom to make your pumpkin your own. LGBTQ+ welcoming. 🧡 **SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25** **3:00–6:00 PM** 📍 Bar & Bean Fusion 1 Polk St San Francisco, CA 94102 Hosted by **Tetiana / TBArt Studio × Bar & Bean Fusion** **TICKETS** Early Bird — $85 Standard — $95 Couple Ticket — $171 for two ⚠️ **Your Meetup RSVP does not purchase your ticket.** Space is limited and your spot is confirmed only after purchasing your ticket through Eventbrite. 🎟️ **GET YOUR TICKET:** [GLAM PUMPKIN NIGHT — Eventbrite Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glam-pumpkin-night-tickets-2002894191443?aff=Meetup&utm_source=chatgpt.com) See you for a little Halloween glam. ✨🎃🥂

1 attendee

Shut Up & Write!® at Precita Park Cafe

Tue, Oct 13, 5:00 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® SF Bay Area

4.8

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **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:** Free WiFi available. Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

9 attendees

Take Time to Write at Cafe Leila

Sun, Oct 18, 5:00 PM

From East Bay Time to Write

4.8

Let's meet up to write on Sunday at Cafe Leila at 1724 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley (cross street is Francisco St). Anyone who writes is welcome! Please not that this event is in ADDITION to the ongoing meeting at Cafenated Coffee on Vine St. (we are outgrowing that space). We'll be inside of the cafe, and I'll have a sign saying "Take Time to Write". We'll write in two 50-minute blocks, with breaks in between and after. Come find us between 10 and 10:30 to get set up in time for our first one at 10:30. Schedule: 10:00 - arrive, get drinks, chat 10:30 - Focused writing block 11:30 - End. (This is the time that we need to vacate to make space for other customers of the cafe) About the location: There will be wifi and some (limited) outlets. We'll be indoors, but they typically leaves the doors open so that the space is well-ventilated. The casual restaurant offers coffee, tea, bottled drinks, and a wide range cooked food. Please buy something to support them! About the group: Anyone who writes is welcome -- novelists, playwrights, academics, journalers. This isn't a critique group, and there's no pressure to share your work. We're here for camaraderie, moral support, and friendly peer pressure, so you can focus on taking time to do what you love to do. This meetup is for people who want to write! Take some time to sit down with other writers and focus on your work. We're here for camaraderie, moral support, and friendly peer pressure, so you can focus on taking time to do what you love to do. Anyone who writes is welcome -- novelists, playwrights, academics, journalers. This isn't a critique group, and there's no pressure to share your work. We meet in the East Bay and use the pomodoro method, with blocks of focused writing and breaks to socialize in between. Come join us!

2 attendees

Shut Up & Write Already! Fremont & East SF Bay

Sat, Oct 24, 5:15 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® SF Bay Area

4.8

**IMPORTANT NOTICE:** This event is listed on the Shut Up & Write! website. To see full event details, RSVP, or ask any questions, make sure to join the group here: [https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00](https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00) Please see the listing on the Shut Up & Write! website for full and updated event location details. \-\-\- Hello, Starting a Shut Up & Write group in Fremont. Location : Tables in large open atrium area in the back of the Fremont Library (May be changed later, with notice, to reserved rooms in Library, or to local Niles area cafes) Simple Format : 15 min : Meet & Catch up, share what you like about your writing goals 1 hour 30 min : Write in quiet 15 min : Share what you like (or didnt like) about your writing session! \*\*\* Join fellow writers each week to show up, sit down, and get words on the page. No critiques. No sharing. No pressure. Just focused writing time alongside others doing the same. After the session, you're welcome to stick around to chat, connect, and build your writing community. Wherever you are in your project, you're not doing it alone—this is your space to write.

1 attendee

The Write Time on Piedmont

Thu, Oct 15, 12:30 AM

From The Write Time

4.9

Welcome to Write Time! We'll meet up on Wednesday at 5:30 PM on the upstairs deck of Doña on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland and wrap up by 7:30 PM. In terms of structure, we'll write in two 45-minute blocks and aim to follow this structure: 5:30 - Meet up, say hello, settle in 5:45 - Writing block #1 6:30 - Break and check in (not required! keep writing if you're in the flow) 6:45 - Writing block #2 7:30 - Finish Doña has food if you're hungry and coffee, tea, beer, and wine if you're thirsty. They are kindly letting us use their space to meet, so please buy something to support them. A few common questions: * **Yes, there is wifi.** But it can sometimes be hard to join when there's a lot of people. * **You can come and go at any time.** Don't worry about showing up late or leaving early. * **You are welcome to wear a mask.** We'll be outside, but some people are still more comfortable masked and that is 100% fine. * **Everyone who writes is welcome.** It doesn't matter if you're writing a novel or a blog, a dissertation or a poem. If you write, this is is the space for you * **This** **gathering is about getting words onto the page**, not about getting feedback or critiques. We don't typically work from prompts either, but I'm happy to help you think of something to write about if you don't have any current projects or ideas. Finally, if you've found yourself on the waitlist but really want to come, I encourage you to just show up. It's common for people to RSVP, then not show up. We'll almost certainly have space for you!

2 attendees

Shut Up and Write - In-person at Sana'a Cafe! - Monday Nights

Tue, Oct 13, 1:30 AM

From Shut Up & Write!® SF Bay Area

4.8

We're getting into our writing groove in person for the first time since the pandemic. The original Shut Up and Write, formerly of Crossroads Café in SF, is now at Sana'a Cafe, 199 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Join us at our new location at Sana'a Cafe, where there is wonderful Yemenite Coffee, tea, chai, ice chocolate, other drinks, and various tasty pastries to quench your writer's hunger and thirst while in our session. No matter when you arrive, please first stop at the table with the "Shut Up & Write" sign so we know you've joined us. 🙂 Any kind of writing is welcome - poetry, prose, non-fiction, academic, literary, comedy, tragedy - homework, grunt work - all will be made better by drinks, snacks, teamwork, and accountability from a collegial group to cheer you on. We're not a critique group, so that no one will give you unsolicited advice. The schedule will be as follows: 6:30 Introductions and Chat 6:40 Write 7:50 Check-In and Head Out Attendance is free, but please buy a drink or a snack occasionally--we want to keep feeling welcome here. And if you want to stay after we finish, the café is open until 10:00 PM!

6 attendees

Shut Up & Write!® in the Richmond

Tue, Oct 20, 5:00 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® SF Bay Area

4.8

Shut Up & Write!® hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** RSVP and please arrive on time to get settled at an in-person event. Our host will lead introductions and then everyone will write for a quiet, focused period of time. Afterward, we’ll have an optional time to chat and get to know each other. Members often talk about their successes and challenges as writers. Our events are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). 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 are on time, please be willing to make room for any friendly latecomers. **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s ambient music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** GUIDELINES: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something. WIFI pw: Enchante!