Creative Writing

Hi everyone, we will be having our first Artists who create meetup group at the food court (Near the A & W) of Erin Mills Town Centre, and we look forward to seeing everyone who can make it this coming Saturday, March 7th at 5 pm. This will be a very casual and fun moment to create, connect and engage in conversation as we work on our own art projects. I also look to have a theme for this session to ignite our creativity and give us something to go off of if we're starting from scratch. The theme is Life, and the powerful thing it can be to be alive despite all the uncertainty and struggles we might face. I will be providing some art materials for those who need them, but of course, it's highly encouraged to bring your own. Here is the full address of the mall: [5100 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga ON L5M 4Z5](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5d311852eda8388a98752d9e60a559294e636187efdb6acdad7ff1b4b53e5c93JmltdHM9MTc3MjMyMzIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=15c0c239-89a7-69ee-04c2-d4b288666820&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MH5-RW1iZWRkZWR-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9RXJpbiUyME1pbGxzJTIwVG93biUyMENlbnRyZSZzcz15cGlkLllORERFRDhERjc4MTg0OUMxOSZwcG9pcz00My41NTg2NTA5NzA0NTg5ODRfLTc5LjcxMTU3ODM2OTE0MDYyX0VyaW4lMjBNaWxscyUyMFRvd24lMjBDZW50cmVfWU5EREVEOERGNzgxODQ5QzE5fiZjcD00My41NTg2NTF-LTc5LjcxMTU3OCZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)

\*\*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.

Hobbyists, new writers, published authors, and those aiming at publication are called to gather in friendship and love to create and share work, help each other improve with well-meaning, constructive feedback, and build a Christian community of male writers. Members may read up to 2,000 words from a piece of fiction or non-fiction. Those reading work must print copies sufficient for the number of members who RSVP. All those members attending must RSVP. Though never required, members are encouraged to provide written feedback on their handout of the piece and take a turn giving a verbal “hot take” after the reader has finished reading their work aloud. I encourage members to approach writing as we do our faith: strength in numbers. Though writing is often solitary, we take and give support in a fellowship setting and in time invite two or three men in the fellowship to be our special allies in achieving our own individual artistic goals. Beta readers, is another name for these chosen few. These men will work with you reciprocally outside of the group, reading longer drafts of your work than can be read in group sessions. You will support them as they do you. I'll moderate and host the group once a month for starters, and we will hope to grow to a weekly fellowship.

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.

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

The next event is happening on Saturday March 7 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

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.

I’m participating in a **48-hour short film challenge**, where a team has just two days to write, shoot, and finish a short film. This meetup is for anyone who wants to **experience the process of making a film from scratch**. You’re welcome whether you want to: • act in the film • help with filming or ideas • see how filmmaking works • or simply hang out and watch the creative process unfold Our style is **very indie** — small team, simple gear, and lots of creativity. Even if you’ve never been on a film set before, this is a great chance to **see how a movie comes together in real time**. Film lovers are very welcome. Location: Chaffe Coffee Corner 2060 Ellesmere Rd Toronto, ON M1H 2V6 Inside Lazeez Shawarma.

The Downtown Literary Collective's March book pick is White Teeth. *"White Teeth* is British author Zadie Smith's debut novel, published in 2000. It focuses on the later lives of two wartime friends—the Bangladeshi Samad Iqbal and the Englishman Archie Jones—and their families in London. The novel centres on Britain's relationship with immigrants from the British Commonwealth." Join us at Pauper's Pub (539 Bloor St. West in the Annex) for food and a great book discussion, 2-4pm. New members welcome. We are a small group of women in our late 30s and 40s who have been meeting consistently every second Sunday of the month for many years. If you're looking for a great little book club to join, come and check us out! Also, you can find us on FB under The Downtown Literary Collective.

**DANFORTH WALK, BUTTERFLY MURAL & GREEK LUNCH️** Street Culture, Public Art & A Proper Greek Feast There’s something about the Danforth that feels like old-school Toronto in the best possible way — vibrant, layered, proudly local, and full of stories. Join us for a social walk along one of the city’s most iconic stretches: **Danforth Avenue**. As we stroll west toward downtown, we’ll pass lively patios, long-standing family restaurants, cozy cafés, independent shops, and the everyday rhythm of a neighbourhood that has shaped Toronto’s cultural identity for generations. This area is famously home to the annual **Taste of the Danforth**, one of the largest street festivals in the city — and historically, it was once home to the largest Greek community outside of Greece. You feel that history in the bakeries, the signage, the music drifting from open doors. It’s not just a walk. I t’s a little slice of Toronto heritage — experienced together. **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* The Butterfly Mural Stop Along the way, we’ll stop at the Butterfly Mural, sponsored by the **David Suzuki Foundation** as part of The Great Canadian Butterflyway Project. It’s bold, colourful, and rooted in environmental awareness — a reminder that even in the middle of the city, we are connected to something larger. We’ll pause, take photos, chat, and enjoy a little moment of art-meets-nature in urban Toronto. \*\*\* ️ Greek Lunch at a Danforth Institution After our walk, we’ll sit down for lunch at the historic **Astoria Shish Kebob House**, one of the most well-known Greek restaurants in the city. Expect: Classic souvlaki Lemon potatoes Fresh Greek salad Big, generous comfort food energy Menu: Click Here! Nothing bonds people like sharing a table and passing the tzatziki. \*\*\* ‍♂️ What to Expect We’ll walk at a relaxed, social pace — stopping to observe, chat, and enjoy the neighbourhood. The route will take us toward Danforth & Chester. You’re welcome to leave at any time. \*\*\* ❄️ Weather & Commitment Please don’t sign up if you’re not ready to walk in real winter conditions. This event happens rain, snow, or classic Toronto wind. The only exception: if temperatures reach -20°C, the event will be canceled. Bundle up — this one is for the walkers. ❄️ \*\*\* Meetup Details Meetup Location: Outside the station (exact station noted in event listing) I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM ❗ I will only wait 5 minutes Please arrive on time so we can begin together. End Location: Danforth & Chester \*\*\* Meetup Fee ️ **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! \*\*\* What to Bring * Water * Good winter boots * Gloves & hat * Something warm to drink * A small snack (optional) Layers are your best friend. \*\*\* Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether you’re single or not. We also host: Movies Walks & hikes Arts & culture ️ Restaurant outings …and lots of welcoming, low-pressure community gatherings. You’re always welcome. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You can just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes life happens and plans may need to shift — please keep an eye out for updates. \*\*\* Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the culture. Stay for the conversation. Leave full — in more ways than one. The Danforth has heart. Let’s go feel it together. ️✨

❄️ WINTER STATIONS WALK + SOCIAL + LUNCH ❄️ Art, Architecture & a Brisk Boardwalk Adventure Why hibernate when you can bundle up and experience one of Toronto’s most imaginative winter traditions? Launched in 2014, **Winter Stations** invites the international design and art community to reimagine the lifeguard towers along Toronto’s east-end beaches for the winter season. What began as a bold local collaboration between RAW Design, Ferris + Associates, and Curio has grown into a global design competition, attracting entries from over 90 countries and transforming the quiet winter shoreline into an open-air gallery at the water’s edge. It’s creative. It’s architectural. It’s windswept and wonderfully Canadian. And it’s even better with good company. **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll meet at Woodbine Beach and walk along the boardwalk, stopping to admire and chat about each installation as we go. The walk will take us along the waterfront (approximately 1 hours total, depending on our pace and how long we linger). Once we reach the end point, we’ll make our way back toward Woodbine Beach along the boardwalk. Afterward, for those who’d like to warm up, we’ll head toward Queen Street East to find a cozy spot to grab something to eat and continue the conversation. ☕ End Spot: Queen & Silver Birch \*\*\* ❄️ Weather & Commitment Please only sign up if you’re ready to walk in true winter conditions. This event is happening rain, snow, or classic Toronto wind. We embrace the elements. The only exception: the event will be canceled if temperatures reach -20°C. If you’re not sure you can handle the cold, it’s absolutely okay to skip this one. This is for the winter warriors. \*\*\* How to Find Me I’ll be waiting in front of the washrooms and changing area near the parking lot at Woodbine Beach. I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat. Please do not wander off without checking in — I will only wait 5 minutes. \*\*\* Meetup Fee Meetup Fee: $5 Cash in person or e-transfer to: [mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com) ️ **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! \*\*\* What to Bring * Water or a warm drink * Proper winter boots or good walking shoes * Warm winter clothing (layers are your friend!) Comfort is key — we’ll be outdoors the entire time. \*\*\* ⏰ Can I Leave Early? Absolutely. You’re welcome to head out at any point. The full walk is about 1 hour but you can participate for as long as you like. \*\*\* Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social, make friends, and enjoy shared experiences — whether you’re single or not. We also host: Movies Walks & hikes Arts & culture outings ️ Restaurant meetups …and plenty of cozy, community-focused gatherings all year round. You’re always welcome here. \*\*\* ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder If you’re unsure about your schedule, feel free to decide on the day of. You’re welcome to just show up. And as always, sometimes circumstances change 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 art. Stay for the fresh air. Leave feeling invigorated, inspired… and maybe just a little proud of yourself for choosing winter over the couch. There’s something magical about the beach in February — especially when you don’t experience it alone. ❄️✨

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, March 25 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 are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

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!

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!