Authors

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/catharsis-how-to-achieve-emotional-revelation-and-release-in-creative-writing-food-drinks-a-free-book-a-pub-quiz ... Hello there! WHOEVER you are, you’re warmly invited to join us for a full-day creative writing workshop ✍️ with food & drink 🍴☕🍷, literary handouts 📖, and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure 🎉 Together, we’ll be exploring **Catharsis in Writing**: how stories, poems, and personal reflections can help us feel, release, and understand emotion. Over the course of the day, we’ll focus on **three key pathways to catharsis**: 1. **Interpersonal conflict** – tension between characters or people that is resolved, giving emotional release. 2. **Against-all-odds achievement** – following a protagonist (or yourself) through struggle toward success or triumph. 3. **Grief and letting go** – confronting loss and finding a sense of closure or understanding. Throughout the day, we’ll work with poetry, prose, memoir, hybrid forms, and even playful fragments, reading widely, writing freely, and following curiosity wherever it leads. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with new writing, ideas sparked, drafts begun, and plenty to keep working with long after the workshop ends. **What’s the plan? 🗓️** * **Start the day with teas/coffees ☕** and a gentle warm-up writing session ✍️ * **Break for brunch 🥐** at the Reliance Pub * **Settle into reading, discussion, and supported exploration**, experimenting with the three catharsis pathways 💬 * **Wind down with a late afternoon/early evening drink 🍺🍷🥤** * **Finish with a mini pub quiz 🧠🍻** purely for fun **When:** Saturday 28th March, 11am – 5pm **What’s included? 🎁** * A full day of creative writing workshops & exercises ✨ * Tea or coffee to start ☕ * A Reliance Pub brunch platter 🥗 * A late-afternoon/early-evening drink 🍻 * Thoughtful literary handouts 📄 * A little pub quiz 🧠🍻 for fun **What do you need to bring? 🎒** * Yourself 🙌 * A pen & pad 🖊️📓 (or a laptop 💻 if you prefer) **Our style 🌱** We create a friendly, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere 💜 Everybody is welcome — no experience necessary 🌈 No pressure to share or perform 🙅‍♂️ You can take part quietly, actively, or anywhere in between. If you have questions, feel free to text me on 📱 +44 (0) 7534 981 636 and I’ll do my best to help. Warm wishes 🌞, Sean A Write & a Pint

## **Hands On Skincare Making Workshop** Choose YOU. Create something that actually serves your health and wellbeing. ## **What Is This Workshop?** Clean Beauty for Hormone Health is a hands on, educational experience where you'll learn about hormone disrupting ingredients in everyday products, create your own natural skincare, experience traditional herbal botanicals, and connect with like minded people around wellness. This isn't just a skincare class, it's about understanding your body, taking agency over your health, and gaining skills you'll use for life. ## **What You'll Do:** * Learn what's really in your products and why it matters for your hormones * Create your own whipped body butter and nourishing massage oil from scratch * Experience a botanical tea ceremony with hormone supporting herbal blends * Connect with others navigating similar health journeys * **What You'll Take Home:** **Two products you made:** * Body butter * Massage oil **Practical skills:** Confidence to create hormone safe products at home and read labels **Real knowledge:** Understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals and clean beauty alternatives **Community:** Connections with people who understand **Resource guide:** Harmful ingredients to avoid, DIY recipes, and natural alternatives ## **Workshop Details:** **Time:** 2:00pm, 5:00pm (3 hours) **Location:** Bromley, South East London (exact address sent 48 hours before) **Capacity:** 8 participants only (intimate, hands on experience) **Investment:** £65 ## **What's Included:** ✓ All natural ingredients and materials ✓ Glass containers for your products ✓ Hands on guidance throughout ✓ Botanical tea ceremony with hormone supporting herbal blends ✓ Light refreshments ✓ Comprehensive printed resource guide ✓ Everything you create is yours to keep ## **Who Is This For?** This workshop is for you if: * You want to understand what's in your products and how they affect your body * You're curious about natural skincare but don't know where to start * You want practical skills, not just information * You're looking for community and connection around wellness * You're ready to take agency over your health * **No experience necessary!** Whether you've never made skincare before or you're already on your natural wellness journey, you're welcome here. ## **Private Workshops Available** Want to celebrate with friends? I offer private workshops for groups of 6 to 8 people, perfect for birthdays, hen dos, team building, or intimate gatherings. Email [hello@leighsamari.com](mailto:hello@leighsamari.com) to arrange. ## **Important Information:** **Allergies:** This workshop uses natural ingredients including tree nuts (almond oil), coconut, and essential oils. If you have allergies, please email us immediately at [hello@leighsamari.com](mailto:hello@leighsamari.com) so we can provide suitable alternatives. **Medical Disclaimer:** Information provided is educational only, not medical advice. If pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or undergoing fertility treatment, consult your GP before using herbal products. Always patch test new products. **Photos:** We may take photos for social media. Let us know on the day if you prefer not to be photographed. **What to Bring:** Just yourself! (And a notebook if you like taking notes, but comprehensive resources are provided) **Accessibility:** Please contact us about any accessibility requirements so we can accommodate you. ## **Cancellation Policy:** No refund, but you may transfer your spot to someone else. ## **Ready to Join?** Only 8 spots available per workshop. When these sell out, they're full. **This is self love that actually serves you.** *By purchasing this ticket, you agree that all products created are for personal use only and Leighsa Mari is not liable for any adverse reactions. Use at your own risk.*

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/catharsis-how-to-achieve-emotional-revelation-and-release-in-creative-writing-food-drinks-a-free-book-a-pub-quiz ... Hello there! WHOEVER you are, you’re warmly invited to join us for a full-day creative writing workshop ✍️ with food & drink 🍴☕🍷, literary handouts 📖, and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure 🎉 Together, we’ll be exploring **Catharsis in Writing**: how stories, poems, and personal reflections can help us feel, release, and understand emotion. Over the course of the day, we’ll focus on **three key pathways to catharsis**: 1. **Interpersonal conflict** – tension between characters or people that is resolved, giving emotional release. 2. **Against-all-odds achievement** – following a protagonist (or yourself) through struggle toward success or triumph. 3. **Grief and letting go** – confronting loss and finding a sense of closure or understanding. Throughout the day, we’ll work with poetry, prose, memoir, hybrid forms, and even playful fragments, reading widely, writing freely, and following curiosity wherever it leads. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with new writing, ideas sparked, drafts begun, and plenty to keep working with long after the workshop ends. **What’s the plan? 🗓️** * **Start the day with teas/coffees ☕** and a gentle warm-up writing session ✍️ * **Break for brunch 🥐** at the Reliance Pub * **Settle into reading, discussion, and supported exploration**, experimenting with the three catharsis pathways 💬 * **Wind down with a late afternoon/early evening drink 🍺🍷🥤** * **Finish with a mini pub quiz 🧠🍻** purely for fun **When:** Saturday 28th March, 11am – 5pm **What’s included? 🎁** * A full day of creative writing workshops & exercises ✨ * Tea or coffee to start ☕ * A Reliance Pub brunch platter 🥗 * A late-afternoon/early-evening drink 🍻 * Thoughtful literary handouts 📄 * A little pub quiz 🧠🍻 for fun **What do you need to bring? 🎒** * Yourself 🙌 * A pen & pad 🖊️📓 (or a laptop 💻 if you prefer) **Our style 🌱** We create a friendly, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere 💜 Everybody is welcome — no experience necessary 🌈 No pressure to share or perform 🙅‍♂️ You can take part quietly, actively, or anywhere in between. If you have questions, feel free to text me on 📱 +44 (0) 7534 981 636 and I’ll do my best to help. Warm wishes 🌞, Sean A Write & a Pint

**EVENT OVERVIEW** Join us for an intimate Kundalini Activation session designed to awaken your life-force energy and reconnect you with your authentic self. Limited to just 6 participants, this 2-hour experience offers profound emotional release and spiritual transformation through gentle surrender - no yoga poses or breath-work required. **WHAT TO EXPECT - SESSION AGENDA** **12:00-12:15pm - Welcome & Introduction** * Meet fellow participants in our intimate group setting * Brief overview of the Kundalini Activation process **12:15-12:30pm - Body Scan Meditation** * Guided meditation to help you reconnect with your body * Entering a surrendered, receptive state **12:30-1:30pm - The Energy Activation Process** * Carefully curated music journey * Energy Transmissions and individual attention * Safe space for whatever wants to emerge naturally **1:30-2:00pm - Integration & Sharing Circle** * Tea and chocolate provided * Optional sharing of experiences * Connect with your new spiritual community **WHAT IS KUNDALINI ACTIVATION?** Unlike Kundalini Yoga that relies on physical postures and breath-work, this journey is one of complete surrender. The intelligent life-force energy naturally rises within you, awakening dormant parts of your being and fostering growth on emotional, mental and spiritual levels. This intuitively guided process works in harmony with your unique needs, gently releasing stored emotions and helping you rediscover your authentic self. **THIS IS PERFECT FOR YOU, IF YOU:** ★Want to find your authentic self through awakening your Kundalini ★Have tried therapy or other modalities but feel they haven't touched the deepest parts of what you need to release ★Are seeking the truth within - who you are at the level of identity OR beyond the identity ★Value intimate, personal, exclusive spaces (max 6 people) over large groups ★Are ready for deep transformation, not just relaxation ★Want tough motherly love from Kali energy that will destroy everything that isn't true for you **WHY SMALL GROUPS MATTER** This journey touches the deepest parts of who you are. In our intimate 6-person setting, you can surrender fully to whatever wants to emerge - whether it's tears you've held back for years, anger you've suppressed, or joy you've forgotten how to feel. The smaller group creates a safer space for emotional vulnerability and deeper connections that larger groups simply can't offer. **LOCATION & PRACTICAL DETAILS** Mind Body Soul Hub, Unit A, 222 South Street, Romford RM1 2AD (5-minute walk from Romford Station, Elizabeth Line) **INVESTMENT:** £55 per person **WHAT'S PROVIDED:** Yoga mats, blankets, and all equipment **WHAT TO BRING:** Just yourself and an open heart **SESSION TIMES:** Every Saturday 12-2pm and some Friday evenings 8-10pm **WEBSITE:** https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions **HOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT** **Do I need to purchase a ticket?** Yes! While you can RSVP to this meet-up event, you must also purchase your ticket through our website to guarantee your place. Sessions fill up quickly with only 6 spots available. **Steps to join:** 1. RSVP to this meet-up event or join the group or both 2. Visit https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions to purchase your £55 ticket 3. You'll receive confirmation and all session details via email **Ready to awaken your authentic self? 🌟** Visit https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions to book your spot!

⚠️ **Please read any of the books voted below** 🙏🏽, and avoid last minute AI summaries. This is a **book club** after all! 😊 **How Emotions Are Made** by Lisa Feldman Barrett **The Better Angels of Our Nature** by Steven Pinker Join us for Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking non-fiction books that challenge perspectives, inspire growth, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you're an avid reader or just curious about exploring new ideas, this is a space to reflect, share, and gain new insights into the world around us. 🌍💡 **How does it work?** * The above books have already been voted on for reading * We will split into groups based on the book you've read 💬 * Everyone shares summary / thoughts 🧠 * Focused Discussion on a specific chapter or topic / theme from the book for 30 minutes 📚 * Open Q&A regarding the book and any related topics ❓ **What to Expect?** 🔍 **Deep Discussions**: We’ll explore key themes, insights, and arguments from this month’s two books 💬📚 💡 **Critical Thinking & Reflection**: Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level takeaways. Challenge perspectives, question assumptions, and discover new ways of thinking. 🤔✨ 🌿 **Personal & Collective Growth**: Non-fiction books have the power to transform our understanding of society, relationships, and ourselves 🧠🚀 **How to get the most out of this event?** 📝 **Read the Book:** While reading the full book is ideal, even if complete significant amount can help you engage in the discussion. 📖✨ 🗣 **Respect & Openness:** Every perspective matters. This is a space for discussion, not debate. Stay curious, listen actively, and engage with an open mind. 🙏🌱 🤝 **Be Ready to Share & Learn:** What resonated with you? What challenged you? Personal reflections make the discussion richer and more meaningful. 💡🌍 📌 **Why a Non-Fiction Book Club?** 📖 **Expand Your Perspective:** Learn from diverse ideas, and real-world experiences. 🌏✨ 🧠 **Foster Growth:** Engage in stimulating conversations that challenge and refine your thinking. 💭🔄 💬 **Deepen Connections:** Connect with like-minded individuals who value insightful discussions and continuous learning. 🤝📚 **Who is this event for?** * You love exploring ideas that shape the world. 🌎 * You enjoy thought-provoking discussions. 🗣 * You want to engage in meaningful conversations beyond small talk. 💡 * You’re open to challenging your assumptions and learning from others. 🔄 **What's in it for you?** * 💡 **A Space for Reflection:** Step back and think critically about important ideas. * 📚 **New Perspectives:** Gain insights from both the book and fellow participants. * 🤝 **Deep Connections:** Meet others who share a love for learning and growth. **Ready to dive into big ideas?** 🌊 Join us for an evening of engaging, insightful discussions on a book that **challenges**, **inspires**, and **expands** the way we think. 🌟 We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

Do you want to meet new people in a relaxing chill atmosphere surrounded by new books? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs and clubs? This is the event for you. Science and Philosophy Book Club is creating a new kind of meetup where people who love books and knowledge can meet new friends in a big book shop. We will explore around different sections of the book shop together as a group while making interesting conversations with each other. We will go to both fiction and non-fiction areas. If you feel shy and feel nervous to come alone, I will make sure you will feel comfortable and accomodate to your needs. I will help introduce you to others so you can go over the barrier of anxiety when approaching a new person. We will meet on the ground floor lounge area of Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 6 p.m. It is an amazing cosy bar with classy vibes. We will wait for everyone to show up while getting some drinks and socializing. At 7 p.m we will head to the Waterstones book store near Russel Square and UCL. After we explore the book store, we will come back to the hotel bar and stay there for the rest of the night. This event requires £5 donation to cover the venue fees. You can pay via cash or card. Thank you for helping the book club!

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Same format as Saturdays but an hour later, please sign up below and arrive by 12.30. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 12.45 - everyone will be quiet and writing. If there's no spare places ASK THE CAFE STAFF, they may be able to seat you in the adjacent restaurant section (without having to buy food). If not then there's sofas on the sales floors below as well as one cafe at the back of the ground floor and another in the basement. The hosts won't have any other alternatives to offer you. Please feel free to join us for the break and afterwards. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura and Anna

In the Sunday meeting for March, we will read Emily St. John Mandel's sixth novel, 2022 effort *The Sea of Tranquility*. The winner of that year's Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction, '[it] is a novel that investigates the idea of parallel worlds and possibilities, that plays with the very line along which time should run. Perceptive and poignant about art, and love, and what we must do to survive, it is incredibly compelling.' (Book jacket) 'Another tour de force of imagination and dazzling construction from the author of *Station Eleven* and *The Glass Hotel*, Mandel's audacious time travel novel intertwines the stories of an Edwardian exile in British Columbia and an Earth-hopping writer two centuries later.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58446227-sea-of-tranquility The meeting will take place at The New Moon in Leadenhall Market. So come along for some classic pub food as we dive into this fascinating book! N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

📚 Reading of Colour – Book Club Meetup Join us for this month’s Reading of Colour, a book club dedicated to exploring stories from different cultures and celebrating the diversity of voices in literature. Each month we read a book by an author from a different background and come together to share perspectives, insights, and thoughtful discussion. This month we’ll be reading Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin, a cult classic of Taiwanese literature that explores identity, love, and belonging through the lens of queer youth culture in 1990s Taipei. Whether you’ve finished the book or are still making your way through it, everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Come along to share your thoughts, hear new perspectives, and enjoy a friendly discussion with fellow readers. 📖 All are welcome—bring your curiosity and love of books!

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

**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!**

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

LICKING COUNTY LIBRARY Author & Artist Julie Zickefoose Saturday, April 11, 2026 1 p.m. Licking County Library 101 W. Main St. | Newark, Ohio Julie Zickefoose: Author, Painter, and Bluebird Extraordinaire Zickefoose is an American nature book writer, naturalist, bird artist, and blogger. She lives in Ohio on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, which she said inspires much of her work, including her 2012 novel, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Bird, and NATURAL GARDENING FOR BIRDS The novel is illustrated with 320 of Zickefoose’s colored paintings, life sketches, and drawings, and it was one of Oprah’s 2012 book club reads.