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Creative Writing San Francisco

Explore Creative Writing Groups and Events in San Francisco

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Sit Down and Write

Sun, Oct 11, 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.

7 attendees

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

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!

4 attendees

CWC Write-In at the Oakland Museum of California

Sun, Oct 11, 7:00 PM

From California Writers Club - Berkeley Branch

4.6

Join California's oldest writing club for a monthly 6-hour write-in with camaraderie and accountability! WHERE: The Oakland Museum of California. The big beautiful building has a bigger and more beautiful garden with lots of seats and tables and places to write. Please choose any publicly accessible spot in the garden or in the Cafe. The host is usually in the cafe or the picnic benches by the water lilies pond. Check in with the host, who will likely have a CWC sign on the table. HOW MUCH: This is a free event. While the museum charges a price for admission to the exhibits, there is no charge to use the Café or the gardens. Do buy lunch, drink, or something nice at the gift shop. We love OMCA! WHEN: Second Saturdays, 12-5pm. Come for as little or as much of that time as you like. Find a space and write! Socialize respectfully! If someone is too busy to talk, no worries, shut up and write! At 3:30 pm, we gather together so we can share what we have written. We usually meet behind the cafe, and the host will always check that spot if for some reason the reading location moves. BRING: 1) your favorite writing tools, such as a pen and paper or a laptop, whatever is portable. 2) a warm jacket, blanket, or hoodie, if you chose to write outside in the spacious and glorious gardens in winter, or a hat and sunscreen in the summer. 3) a pillow or cushion, if that will make you more comfortable to sit and write, and 4) lunch money or a bag lunch/snacks to help you power through. View for Monthly Dates: [https://bit.ly/cwc-write-in-at-the-oakland-museum-of-california-multipledates](https://bit.ly/cwc-write-in-at-the-oakland-museum-of-california-multipledates) Our [Google calendar](https://cwc-berkeley.org/calendar), if you want to save this event into your personal calendar or get notifications.

4 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 11, 5:00 PM

From East Bay Time to Write

4.8

NOTE: I CANNOT HOST TODAY - BUT I'VE LEFT THE EVENT ON THE CALENDAR SO OTHERS CAN STILL GATHER TO WRITE. 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!

5 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

Second Sunday: Writing & Weeding

Sun, Oct 11, 7:00 PM

From Art in the Garden at Hayes Valley Art Works

4.4

Join us Sundays for Writing & Weeding! Join us for Writing & Weeding! We've all had times when we just can't seem to figure out how to the words out. Sitting with other writers in the garden really helps break writer's block. In our unique garden setting, you can also literally weed out your thoughts by taking some time to pull weeds in a community garden. Getting our hands in the dirt can sometimes inspire creative flow. (Note, we recommend you bring your own gardening gloves.) We are at the gallery and garden at Hayes Valley Art Works - 295 Oak Street at Octavia - writing and pulling some actual weeds! We usually meet at the tables by the gate at Lily / Octavia. In damp weather, we may meet in the gallery in the converted shipping container with the red and black mural 295 Oak Street corner of Octavia. I Please note, we do not have heat in the gallery and run on solar power, so bring your laptop charged and dress appropriately for the weather! Writers are welcome to sit in either south or north garden, or the gallery, both are between Page and Oak on the east side of Octavia. We suggest bringing any devices fully charged as we don't have outlets or a restroom. We recommend stoppping at Mercury Cafe across the street at Page and Octavia - they have a restroom and great food and drinks we recommend stopping in there on your way over for a beverage and use the facilities if needed. If possible, or in bad weather, we will also open our Zoom meeting but this is not always an option due to internet access at the garden. Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84912436792?pwd=R0FOq4fHuBXaaz0zdoTVbiiSbCUtY8.1 Meeting ID: 849 1243 6792 Passcode: 94102 Theme is open. Poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction. Bring your own project to work on, or use the suggested themes and writing prompts announced at each meeting. Writers are free to share from their writing or not, as they wish. Introductions at 12:00. 12:05-12:45 writing/weeding time 12:45-1:00 discussion, weeding time, share writing if inspired share how the session went, stay on if you wish to discuss, share, or continue writing or help pull weeds! This event is linked with the Shut Up & Write event - https://www.meetup.com/shutupandwriteSFO/events/280885360 There is no fee for the meetup. Donations to support Hayes Valley Art Works are welcome either in our cash tip jar or at the link below. Suggested $5-10, but not required. Donate: [https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/donate/#:~:text=Learn%20more%20about%20our%20campaign,open%20space%E2%80%9D%20in%20Hayes%20Valley.](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/donate/#:~:text=Learn%20more%20about%20our%20campaign,open%20space%E2%80%9D%20in%20Hayes%20Valley.) Hayes Valley Art Works is focused on building community through art. More about Hayes Valley Art Works: https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/