Creative Writing Toronto

Open Mic: Part XVI

Hello Fellow Writers! We got some great news. **Toronto Writers Community** is having an Open Mic event (our 16th) on June 3rd at the **Tranzac Club** (**292 Brunswick Ave**). Let's make it count for our 16th Open Mic.Things are getting even warmer in Toronto and it's time to gather and share our work in the spirit of renewal and rebirth. Let me know either here on Meetup or through [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torontowriterscommunity/) or the night of, if you would like to present. We can't wait to see you! Bring a friend or two or three and get ready for a night of sharing work and taking in the talent that Toronto has to offer. Feel free to read or to come and listen. Meet new people, get inspired. This is going to be a good one. The event starts at 6:30pm, ends at 9:30pm. At TRANZAC CLUB - 292 Brunswick Ave, On Thursday, June 3rd. Hope to see you there! As always, the event is free, but a donation bowl will be present.

Saturday Writing Meetup – near Bloor-Yonge

\*\*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.

IN-PERSON Saturday Meeting!

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

In-Person Writing Sprints

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

Shut Up & Write — West Queen West

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.

Emptiness: One-Shot Anthology Launch Party

Join us for the **launch party** for ***Emptiness*, our latest one-shot anthology**! We will have: \- Copies of the gorgeous trade paperback for sale \- Signings \- Speeches \- Readings \- Annnnnd\.\.\. prizes\! *Emptiness: A One-Shot Anthology of Speculative Fiction* features 48 stories from your fellow Toronto SFF Writers, all written in a single day. It is our longest one-shot anthology to date, clocking in at nearly 120,000 words. It is also a **#1 Amazon Bestseller** in: Canadian Short Stories, Science Fiction Short Stories, Fantasy Anthologies, and Genre Fiction Anthologies. **Vote for your favourite stories:** [Go here for the voting link.](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1vRL2WAx-RRwg-umEEAzyEQDtMMYY2aomEayi2wUV6p65dA/viewform) Voting closes Sat. May 23, 2026 at 11am EST. **Book sales:** [Get your paperback](https://www.amazon.ca/Emptiness-One-Shot-Anthology-Speculative-Fiction/dp/1069418846) [Get your ebook](https://www.amazon.ca/Emptiness-One-Shot-Anthology-Speculative-Fiction-ebook/dp/B0GL42LJJZ/) You will be also be able to purchase the paperback during the launch party. Cash, card, and e-transfer accepted.

Sunday Shut Up & Write!® in Sheppard-Yonge

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** 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://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But 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. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 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 red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

The Toronto Artist's Way Meetup Monthly Meetup

The purpose of the group, based on the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, is for people to meet and talk about their artistic challenges in any field (painting, writing, music etc.) and encourage each other to break their creative blocks and fulfill themselves in their art. If you find people who are sympathetic, you may want to form your own group, meeting regularly to explore the book and supporting each other in their artistic journeys. I have gone through 2 such clusters and can say that it is a very powerful experience. Why not come to a meeting and see for yourself?

🌸🌆 FLEURS DE VILLES VOYAGE – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK AND LUNCH🌆🌸

🌸🌆 FLEURS DE VILLES VOYAGE – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK 🌆🌸 **A Floral Trail, Daytime Stroll & A City in Bloom** For a few days each year, Bloor-Yorkville transforms into a living, walkable art exhibit — filled with flowers, colour, and creativity around every corner. Join us for Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE, a one-of-a-kind experience where top floral designers partner with local businesses to completely “flower-bomb” the neighbourhood. This daytime version is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace — giving us time to wander, explore, and really take in the details. Expect over 30 unique installations scattered throughout the area — from fashion-inspired mannequins to floral archways, window displays, and even edible creations popping up where you least expect them. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — come explore, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere together. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll meet at the Toronto Reference Library and begin our walk through Bloor-Yorkville, following the floral trail and discovering installations as we go. There’s no rush — we’ll take our time, stop for photos, and enjoy the creativity throughout the neighbourhood. After the walk, we’ll head over to Jack Astor's for food, drinks, and a chance to hang out and connect. 🍔🍹 You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* 🌆 **Vibe & Expectations** This is an easy, relaxed city walk — no distance pressure, no intensity. Just: ✔️ Beautiful visuals ✔️ A lively neighbourhood ✔️ Good company Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about enjoying the experience and being social. \*\*\* **🧢 Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the Toronto Reference Library 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Yonge & Bloor \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable walking shoes Camera or phone for photos 📸 Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card if joining for food & drinks afterward Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the flowers. Stay for the stroll. Leave feeling like the city surprised you — in the best way. 🌸✨

ABCD Reads "What We Can Know" by Ian McEwan

ABCD Reads "**[What We Can Know](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C4683360)**" by Ian McEwan. [[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/6276009911648256) of the poll for this event] **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "A quest, a literary thriller and a love story, *What We Can Know* spans the past, present and future to ask profound questions about who we are and where we are going. 2014: A great poem is read aloud and never heard again. For generations, people speculate about its message, but no copy has yet been found. 2119: The lowlands of the UK have been submerged by rising seas. Those who survive are haunted by the richness of the world that has been lost. Tom Metcalfe, a scholar at the University of the South Downs, part of Britain's remaining archipelagos, pores over the archives of the early twenty-first century, captivated by the freedoms and possibilities of human life at its zenith. When he stumbles across a clue that may lead to the great lost poem, revelations of entangled love and a brutal crime emerge, destroying his assumptions about a story he thought he knew intimately. *What We Can Know* is a masterpiece that reclaims the present from our sense of looming catastrophe, and imagines a future world where all is not quite lost." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223854881-what-we-can-know)) "A love story about both people and the words they leave behind, a literary detective story which reclaims the present from our sense of looming catastrophe and imagines a future world where all is not quite lost." (from [Bookmarks.reviews](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/what-we-can-know/)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book before attending (though finishing any book is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT BOOK ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next book. If you have a good one in mind, please ensure it is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules). When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

🌸🌆 FLEURS DE VILLES: FLORA – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK AND DINNER 🌆🌸

🌸🌆 **FLEURS DE VILLES: FLORA – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK** 🌆🌸 A Floral Trail, City Streets & A Peak Bloom Experience For a few days each year, Bloor-Yorkville transforms into something completely different — a curated, walkable floral experience right in the heart of the city. Join us for Fleurs de Villes: FLORA, a one-of-a-kind event where local florists, designers, and businesses come together to “flower-bomb” the neighbourhood with stunning installations. And here’s the bonus — we’re going earlier in the week, right during peak viewing time. That means fresher displays, fewer crowds, and the best chance to experience everything at its fullest. Expect to see over 30 creative floral displays popping up in unexpected places — from fashion-inspired mannequins to floral archways, window installations, and even edible creations along the way. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — come explore, wander, and take it all in together. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet at the Toronto Reference Library and begin our walk through the Bloor-Yorkville area, following the floral trail and discovering installations as we go. There’s no rush — we’ll take our time, stop for photos, and enjoy the creativity of each display. After the walk, we’ll head over to Jack Astor's for food, drinks, and a chance to hang out and connect. 🍔🍹 You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. *** 🌆 **Vibe & Expectations** This is an easy, relaxed city walk — no distance pressure, no intensity. Just: ✔️ Beautiful visuals ✔️ A lively neighbourhood ✔️ Good company Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about enjoying the experience and being social. *** **🧢 Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the Toronto Reference Library 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 6:00 PM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Yonge & Bloor *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable walking shoes Camera or phone for photos 📸 Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card if joining for food & drinks afterward Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. *** **🌈 Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the flowers. Stay for the atmosphere. Leave feeling like you walked through a version of the city you didn’t expect. 🌸✨

Photography Walk: Kensington & Graffiti Alley