Creative Writing

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.

Hi everyone! We're doing the usual Wednesday afternoon sketch hangout for artists and creatives at Chefs Hall. Please bring your own art supplies (mainly dry medium or a small watercolour set). Digital drawing tablets are welcome too! You can bring almost anything that doesn't require too much space to setup and is easy to pack up. Nothing too smelly or toxic obviously. **Since it's in a food court, we can not guarantee the safety of your belongings.** Feel free to grab a drink or snack 😋 **Location 111 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2G** A sort walk from Osgoode subway station. head south on University till you reach Richmond St and head east along Richmond St. you should see Chefs Hall on the south side of Richmond ***We will be meeting in Chefs Hall next to the bubble tea stand and bar at the long tables **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe**? Check out photos from**[ past in-person events of 202](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Looking forward to meeting you all ============== **Support This Group 🥰** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD a[t https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoron](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.)to This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more inf Thank you all so muc

We attend the **Griffin Poetry Prize** every year! *A superb literary night of prose!* https://griffinpoetryprize.com/ *The Griffin Poetry Prize has been acknowledging and encouraging poets for twenty-two years. At a time when censorship and attacks on a diverse array of writers are on the rise in many countries – including the United States – it’s heartening to see such a strong vote of confidence in poets coming from Canada. Poetry is not a minor art form; it is the crucible of human language.* Margaret Atwood, Founding Trustee **Tickets are $25 or $30,** with the purchase link below. Tickets have just gone on sale. Includes a lovely WINE reception. Any seat is a great seat. I am sitting in Orchestra, Row M. On Wednesday June 3rd-- The evening will include a selection of readings by some of the **world’s best poets,** including the five poets shortlisted for the **$130,000 Griffin Poetry Prize,** this year’s Lifetime Recognition Award recipient, and the Canadian First Book Prize winner. It will be a celebration of poetry not to be missed! A harvester of words at the highest level. Language artists! If you've **not** attended before--take a chance this year. You will experience nothing like it. This is our 8th year attending. **Ticket link--any seat is a great seat** https://www.rcmusic.com/events-and-performances/2026-griffin-poetry-prize-readings \-\-\-In 2023\, 2024\, 2025\-\-30\+ of us attended each year\. Your ticket also **includes** an anthology of poems by short-listed authors (worth $20 at book shop), and some wine! NOTE: the 6:00 pm start time (wine reception/yummy snacks) Plan ahead so you can get there in time. Arrive by 630pm.

**AGO Night Out 🎨** Did you know the AGO is free on the first Wednesday of every month? Let’s go enjoy some art from 6-8 PM! We’ll walk around the gallery together, appreciate some beautiful art, and then head out for a lovely dinner nearby after. They also open their vault to display works that will usually be kept locked in the south-west wing of the museum. [https://ago.ca/events/open-door-wednesdays](https://ago.ca/events/open-door-wednesdays) **🎟️ Tickets** You’re responsible for reserving your own ticket in advance. Free tickets will be released on Monday at 10:00 AM via the link below: 👉 [https://ago.ca/visit/free-wednesday-nights](https://ago.ca/visit/free-wednesday-nights) **📍 Meeting Point** We’ll meet at **6:30 PM** inside the **Village by the Grange mall** next to the Baskin-Robbins on **Dundas St West and St Patrick.** Location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/FuR2vVPMaiGNMwku5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FuR2vVPMaiGNMwku5) We will **only** wait for up to **15 minutes**. If you are late, that is on you. Feel free to message if you are lost or if you have any questions before the event. Looking forward to exploring art with you all! ✨

Deeper Connections Disguised as Game Night \| Skip Small talk\. Start Playing\! \| Facilitated Games & "Cards FOR Humanity " Play \#1 Card Game\! #### **😍 Deeper Connections *Disguised* as a Conversation Game Night \~ Curated Community** #### 5️⃣ **Welcome to "Wildcard Wednesdays!"** *Inspired by "Timeleft"* we also curate tables of 5+ people based on your **"Play Personality**" a quiz we created exclusively for our events = Intimate Experience & every week is different depending on the group & games. 🎲 **Board Game ForePlay!** \~ "Choose your own Adventure" **100+ Games** Collection \~ Something for Everyone! Connect based on our different themes ***🃏 BYOB \~ Welcome to Bring your own Board Games/convo cards/tarot deck & Booze***🍺🍹 **[💌 PLEASE](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator) *[CLICK ME](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)* [TO RSVP ON EVENTBRITE 🎟️](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)** ### **👩‍❤️‍👨 OUR HOSTESS RAINBOW:** ### **Extremely talented in meeting strangers & also connecting them with other strangers, one of the reasons is because she is an Airbnb Superhost = Strangers in your home - what's more personal then that! This had her realize WOW no matter where were from... "Were Not Really Strangers!"** ### **🤗 WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?...EVERYONE! :)** * 👩‍❤️‍👨 **SINGLES** & Looking to Mingle? Curated Games "Slow Connection" vs "speed dating" * 🙋‍♀️🙋🏽 **FRIENDS/FAMILY** \~ Fun way to reconnect & deepen friendships in a playful way * 💝 **COUPLES:** New Date Nights vs "Netflix & Chill" Learn something new about your boo * **🌈 ALL-INCLUSIVE \~** Including (& not limited to) LGBTQ2S+ & BIPOC & All Ages/Abilities)

Join us for a fun, relaxed yoga practice with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop — right by the Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Danilo and Tia guide Hatha/Vinyasa flow classes that blend breathing exercises, restorative postures, and active sequences to strengthen both body and mind. All levels are welcome. Classes are donation-based — pay what you can. Please bring a yoga mat or sarong and a water bottle. Follow us on Instagram @innerpath.yoga Come practice, breathe, and connect with our community. 🙏 Namaste.

Looking for some casual hitting here in the (north)west-end.

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!

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.

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.

\*\*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.

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.

Do you consider rolling dice strength training? Can you run a D&D campaign, but not a city block? If so, **WIZARDS & WORKOUTS** is for you. My name is Peter Reynolds. I'm a writer and lover of role playing games. I'm also out of shape. I've been looking for ways to motivate myself to start working out with the same enthusiasm I bring to my Dungeons & Dragons campaign. The plan is simple: host a fun, live role playing game where players take on the role of their favourite fantasy characters. The catch? You need to exercise if you want to succeed. Fighting a dragon? A fireball might cost you 5 pushups. Crossing a rooftop? Can you balance on one foot for a minute? By combining simple, low impact exercises, including walking & stretching, with an interactive adventure, we'll all get healthier, have fun and maybe meet some new friends along the way. All fitness levels are welcome (as are dogs), and no previous knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons is necessary. We meet in front of Broadview subway station at 10:00 am sharp and then walk to the Outdoor Fitness Station in Riverdale Park East (there are washrooms). At 11:30 we start walking west, through the park, ending at the Blake House Restaurant \* (Wellesley & Jarvis) by 12:30. There's no costs for the first session. If it proves successful, I'll be looking to create an multi-week campaign that will run through the summer. Details to follow for those that register. Hope to see you there! *\*The Blake House is where our Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers' Group meets every Saturday from 1pm - 4pm to critique each others work. For more information on this event. Check out our Meetup events page.*

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** * Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** * Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

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, February 11 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!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.