Book Writing

**Welcome to the first meeting of our cozy book club!** 📚☕ The idea is simple: we’ll pick a book together, read it at our own pace until the next meeting, and discuss it when we meet again. I created this club so we can discover new authors and genres together, connect with like-minded people, and enjoy a good cup of coffee, tea, or whatever drink you prefer. Feel free to bring book suggestions — these can be specific titles, authors, or even themes such as *modern Japanese literature*. As a small book club, we’re open to variety. If you don’t have a clear idea yet, don’t worry — I’ll come prepared with a list of suggestions. **Note:** These meetings are free and will always be. **About me**: I'm former Reuters journalist and creative storyteller. When I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably hiking somewhere. I moved to Barcelona from Gdańsk two years ago and would love to connect with fellow book lovers here.

**Silent Writing - Cállate y Escribe - Sabadell** **English** 🇬🇧 Do you have a story to tell but struggle to find the time? Stop procrastinating and join us for a focused session of pure productivity. No networking, no small talk—just you and your words. \* When: on Tuedays, 19:30 – 20:30. \* Where: SandwiCheZ, Sabadell. \* The Rule: We write in total silence for 60 minutes. You can use a pen or your laptop, but please keep your phone away to avoid distractions. \* Etiquette: As we are using the café space, please be kind and order at least a tea or coffee. Come turn your "someday" into "today." See you there! **Español** 🇪🇸 ¿Tienes un proyecto entre manos pero siempre encuentras una excusa para no avanzar? Se acabó la procrastinación. "Cállate y Escribe" es un espacio diseñado para dedicarle tiempo real a la escritura, sin distracciones ni interrupciones. \* Cuándo: Martes, de 19:30 a 20:30. \* Dónde: SandwiChez - Carrer de Gràcia 1, Sabadell \* La Regla: Escribimos en silencio total durante una hora. Puedes usar papel o portátil, siempre que el móvil se quede guardado para no romper la concentración. \* Cortesía: Ya que el local nos acoge, se ruega pedir al menos un té o un café. Menos excusas, más palabras. ¡Te esperamos! **FAQ & Rules / Preguntas Frecuentes y Reglas** 1\. Can I write anything? / ¿Puedo escribir lo que quiera? \* EN: Yes! Novels, poetry, thesis, journals, or even work emails. The goal is the act of writing. \* ES: ¡Sí! Novelas, poesía, tesis, diario personal o correos de trabajo. El objetivo es el acto de escribir. 2\. What if I’m late? / ¿Qué pasa si llego tarde? \* EN: Please enter quietly and start writing immediately without greeting the group to maintain the flow. \* ES: Por favor, entra en silencio y empieza a escribir directamente sin saludar al grupo para no romper la concentración. 3\. Digital or Analog? / ¿Digital o analógico? \* EN: Both are welcome. However, if you use a laptop, please make sure your keyboard isn't excessively loud and your phone is on silent/flight mode. \* ES: Ambos son bienvenidos. Si usas portátil, asegúrate de chequear que el teclado non sea ruidoso y mantén el móvil en silencio o modo avión. 4\. Socializing / Socializar \* EN: We save the chat for after 20:30! Once the session ends, feel free to stay and talk with fellow writers. \* ES: ¡Dejamos la charla para después de las 20:30! Una vez terminada la sesión, eres libre de quedarte y charlar con otros escritores.

¡Bienvenido a nuestro **taller de relato corto** de los martes! No importa si tienes experiencia o si acabas de empezar. Todo lo que necesitas es algo para escribir y ganas de pasar un rato agradable compartiendo tu pasión por la escritura. El moderador planteará una consigna y dará entre 20 y 30 minutos con el objetivo de que estructures un relato (poema, reflexión, ensayo...). Después cada participante leerá su texto en voz alta y lo comentaremos entre todos. Una manera divertida de mantener en forma el «músculo» creativo y de encontrar tu propia voz literaria, mientras aprendemos unos de otros. Taquilla inversa. Se paga según la satisfacción.

Haz **una pausa de las pantallas y únete a 2 horas de vida en el momento.** Durante dos horas, te invitamos a dejar de lado teléfonos, laptops y tablets, y **reconectar con placeres analógicos: leer, dibujar, escribir en un diario,** **jugar al ajedrez o simplemente disfrutar de una conversación tranquila.** Trae tu cuaderno o simplemente tu curiosidad. Este es un **encuentro sin pantallas**, pensado para desacelerar el tiempo, inspirar la creatividad y compartir un momento de la **vida en el momento** 🕕 Todos los Martes: 18:30–20:30h **Take a break from screens and join us for two hours of living in the moment.** For two hours, we invite you to put aside your phones, laptops and tablets, and **reconnect with analogue pleasures: reading, drawing, writing in a journal, playing chess or simply enjoying a quiet conversation.** Bring your notebook or simply your curiosity. This is a **screen-free gathering, designed to slow down time,** inspire creativity and share a moment of living in the moment Every Tuesday: 18:30 - 20:30

La propuesta de esta actividad es participar en *Historias de fantasmas*, evento en el que se proyectarán vídeos de la artista siria Huda Takriti, junto con un coloquio con la creadora y con la comisaria y escritora Chiara Cartuccia. Huda Takriti (Damasco, 1990) trabaja con formatos de vídeo e instalación para cuestionar historias ocultas en los archivos coloniales y estatales. La proyección y el coloquio tendrán lugar en el cine Zumzeig. Habrá servicio de traducción simultánea en el coloquio. Esta actividad se realiza en colaboración con La Fabra Centre d'Art Contemporani. Actividad gratuita Aforo limitado, es necesaria inscripción previa en el grupo de "meetup". Por favor, evita apuntarte si no tienes claro que asistirás. Gracias. Web de la artista: [https://hudatakriti.com/](https://hudatakriti.com/)

*Tome una bebida, busca un sitio y ponte a dibujar ✍️* **Sala de Artistas** es un espacio abierto para sentarse, compartir y dibujar en compañía. No es una clase ni un taller: **no hay estructura ni expectativas**. Trae tus propios materiales, elige un lugar y dibuja lo que te apetezca: a otras personas, el espacio, objetos o simplemente ideas sueltas. 🖤 Abierto a todos los niveles Ven un rato o quédate más tiempo. El espacio existe igual. *Grab a drink, find a spot, and draw ✍️* **Artists’ Room** is an open space to sit, share, and draw together. It’s not a class or a workshop — **no structure, no expectations**. Bring your own materials, choose a seat, and draw whatever you feel like: each other, the space, objects, or just loose ideas on paper. 🖤 Open to all levels Come for a while or stay longer. The room exists either way. -

[ENG] **Please read the full description for details on booking.** On this guided tour with a difference, discover how to live life lucidly in the present moment, open to your senses, listen to yourself and start to be your own guide! Using a walk through the streets of Barcelona as practice, I will guide you in a mindfulness meditation which will help you get out of your head, bringing attention to your senses and the felt sensations in the body, stepping into deeper awareness of yourself, making your experience of the city even more magical and vibrant. We will begin our time together in the hidden oasis of carrer d’Allada Vermell, in the barrio of El Born, with an initial guided meditation. From this point of connection to yourself, anchored in the present, will we continue the practice walking through El Born with its winding streets and surprises around every corner. On our magical tour of sensorial delights, lasting approximately 2 hours, we will take in such places as the Palau de la Musica, Casa Perris, Funky Baker, Santa Maria del Mar and Santa Caterina Market, ending up at a nearby square for a chat about your experience. Take the opportunity on your trip to tune into yourself and see how things start to unfold magically! Leave your guidebook at home, instead come into your senses and discover your inner guide! The experience is suitable for single travellers and includes a tea or coffee and delicious pastry. **Please note, this is a paid tour. For more details and to book:** https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1562789 or https://www.eventbrite.es/e/magical-mindfulness-tour-of-the-senses-el-born-barcelona-tickets-916187099277 *** [ESP] **Por favor, leerlo la descripcion entero para detalles de reservacion.** En este tour guiada única, descubre cómo vivir la vida con lucidez en el momento presente, ábrete a tus sentidos, escúchate a ti mismo y comenzar a ser tu propio guía. Mientras paseamos por las calles de Barcelona, te guiaré en una meditación de atención plena (Mindfulness) que te ayudará a salir de tu cabeza, poniendo la atención sobre tus sentidos y las sensaciones en el cuerpo, entraras en una conciencia más profunda de ti mismo, dándote una experiencia de la ciudad aún más mágica y vibrante. Comenzaremos nuestro tiempo juntos en el oasis escondido de la calle d'Allada Vermell, en el barrio de El Born con una meditación guiada inicial. Desde este punto de conexión contigo mismo, anclado en el presente, continuaremos la práctica caminando por el barrio con sus sorpresas en cada esquina. En nuestro recorrido mágico de delicias sensoriales, que dura aproximadamente 2 horas, visitaremos lugares como el Palau de la Música, Casa Perris, Funky Baker, la Basílica de Santa María del Mar y el Mercado de Santa Caterina, terminando en una plaza cercana para conversar sobre tu experiencia. ¡Aprovecha la oportunidad en tu viaje para sintonizarte contigo mismo y ver cómo las cosas comienzan a desarrollarse con magia! ¡Deja tu guía en casa, en su lugar, entra en tus sentidos y descubre tu guía interior! La experiencia es adecuada para viajeros individuales e incluye un té o café y delicioso pastel. **Esto es un tour pagado. Para mas info y reservar:** https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1562789 o https://www.eventbrite.es/e/magical-mindfulness-tour-of-the-senses-el-born-barcelona-tickets-916187099277

Need some inspiration and/or dedicated writing time for your current WIP? Grab your laptop or notebook and join us at Simply show up at Laie Bookstore (we'll be upstairs). Feel free to jump into working on your own writing project immediately, or wait until the quiet time starting at 5:30. at 5 pm for a bit of writer chat, before diving into an hour and a half of focused writing time. At 7, we head to a nearby bar to discuss how it all went.

In a world where fascists are winning elections, economic inequality is rampant, and the climate crisis is at its tipping point, it can feel like the amount of work needed to overcome these injustices is too much to handle. But what if there is a way to lower the threshold to action? Who will free us if not ourselves? In her new book Radical Justice, international human rights lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow offers a powerful and practical guide for strengthening the movement for freedom and equality for all. Drawing on decades of legal and activist work, she shows how each of us—within our own spheres of influence—can take meaningful action toward systemic change. Inspired by anti-racist and social justice thinkers such as Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò and Angela Davis, Radical Justice moves beyond despair and into action. The book explores concrete pathways including strategic litigation, digital rights, reparations, and climate justice, while inviting readers to learn, reflect, and act in a society that often tells us change is impossible. Brandee Butler, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and a long-time strategist working at the intersection of human rights, philanthropy, and responsible business, will host Jansen Reventlow in conversation. Taking inspiration from the book, they will explore some of the most pressing issues of our time and, most importantly, how each of us can be the revolution. **EVENT SCHEDULE** 17:30 Walk-in and informal mingling 18:00 Conversation begins 19:00 Book signing and continued conversation 19:30 Event ends *About the speakers* **Nani Jansen Reventlow** is an internationally recognised human rights lawyer who has worked with communities, movements, courts, and international institutions to challenge structural injustice and expand civic space. Her work spans environmental justice, corporate accountability, democratic freedoms, and the protection of frontline activists. She is the founder of Systemic Justice, which advocates for marginalised communities across Europe through strategic litigation. Previously, she founded the Digital Freedom Fund. Nani has been honoured with awards from Harvard, Oxford and Columbia University, among others. **Brandee M. Butler** is a lawyer, human rights advocate, and philanthropic strategist with more than two decades of experience working at the intersection of civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to advance justice and accountability. Her work focuses on strengthening social movements, mobilizing philanthropic capital, and engaging businesses and public institutions in efforts to build more equitable and sustainable economic systems.

A casual (but coordinated) coffee break to meet new friends, take a Zoom break, and get your AM caffeine fix. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time. Bring a friend or wander in solo. Come for the coffee and company, or just bring a book to read while surrounded by other in-real-life, community-seeking humans. Come by every Friday, or just when you happen to be in town. Make it whatever you need it to be that week. It's not an \*event\* per se, but we hope these Friday meet-ups can become a fixture of the bookshop! Gathering spot will be in the downstairs area of the bookshop (near the Community Library). Coffee and tea are 1.50€ and can be purchased at the cash register upstairs. Find more info on our Instagram (@backstorybookshop) or website (www.backstorybookshop.com).

This meetup is for anyone—anyone at all—who enjoys playing around with words. You’ll be given a prompt (usually one word, such as “playground” or “shiver”) and time to express yourself in writing in response to it. Anything goes: prose, poetry, lists, letters, lyrics; any form which calls to you and demands expression. After we have finished writing, you will be invited to share your piece with the group (totally optional, but the feedback can be fun). The feedback (this is the only part with rules): Responses should be in the form of what stayed with you, what you remembered from the piece, what resonated with you. This is NOT a writing or craft class; there is no good or bad here. Critiques or suggestions miss the point. This is new, tender writing, and we honor it as such. All writing is considered fictional. This is liberating for the writer, as you are free to write about literally anything and it will never be considered to be “about you.” The first person is always just a character. Please bring your own writing equipment. It is helpful to come on time so you can hear the prompt and have enough time to write. Please buy a drink or snack from Charcha, our generous host.

[Follow us on Instagram! ](https://www.instagram.com/bcnchatnchapters?igsh=aXkycTJsdTNzaHN3) 📷 [Join our WhatsApp group!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGcQUlOiwM69tuPm6hBwNt) 📞 Are you guilty of collecting books without finishing them? Struggling to carve out time to delve into that novel you started ages ago? Distractions abound or work piling up? Well, here's a beautiful opportunity: Dive into a unique experience with our Reading Party concept, as featured in the **NY Times**. Picture this: an hour of silent reading followed by lively discussions about the books we've brought along. It's not your typical book club—it's a chance to dust off those neglected novels and party with fellow bookworms! Join Barcelona Reading Party every **two Sundays** at **CRAI UPF** in **CIUTADELLA**. Sunday's is perfect for those who would like to relax before the new work week! Leave your phone on silent and immerse yourself in the joy of reading. Here's the plan: 📕 ***5:00 PM - Arrival*** Arrive early, chat with fellow book lovers, and perhaps snag the best reading spot. 👓 ***5:10 PM - 6:10 PM - Reading Time*** Quietly dive into your book of choice. Feel free to join in whenever you arrive. 📚 ***6:10 PM - 7:10 PM - Book Chats*** Engage in lively conversations about your current reads with other attendees. It's like speed dating, but for bookworms! **Don't forget to bring your book!** *It's a chance to connect with fellow book lovers, swap literary treasures, and engage in thought-provoking discussions in a cozy setting. All are welcome, whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your literary journey. Get ready for an evening filled with books, tea, and stimulating conversations.*

**Join us in May for a book club discussion of Strangerland by Monika Radojevic, followed by coffee or drinks nearby.** This month, we’ll be reading Strangerland, the debut novel by Brazilian-Montenegrin writer and poet Monika Radojevic, **ahead of her upcoming visit to Backstory Bookshop on June 9th.** Set between London, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, the novel follows Zivoin, newly arrived in England as he watches his homeland begin to fracture, and Alegria, a bright and ambitious young woman preparing to leave Uberlândia behind in search of a different future. When their paths cross, they find in each other a brief but profound sense of home. Come discuss this moving new novel with us! The discussion will be held in English, but you’re welcome to read the book in any language. We’ll meet at Backstory Bookshop downstairs. We’ll continue the evening with a casual get-together over coffee or drinks nearby. New readers are always welcome!

**Fecha:** Miércoles 27 de mayo **Horario:** de 19.00 a 20.30 **Lugar:** [Amora Libros](https://www.instagram.com/amoralibros_bcn/) \- C\. Ramón y Cajal\, 142 **Inscripción: Gratuita** a través del siguiente enlace: [Entradas](https://entradium.com/events/presentacion-libro-para-ella-que-siempre-ha-sido-extraordinaria) [Libros del Ciempiés](http://www.ciempies.es/) tiene la convicción de que ayudar a impulsar nuevas carreras es otra manera de promover la diversidad y la inclusión. Cada una de las Voces del Ciempiés es única y singular, y esto se refleja en las historias que escribe y los recursos estéticos y literarios que elige para hacerlo. Esta colección aspira a convertirse en una caja de resonancia para una pluralidad de perspectivas, estilos e imaginarios que muy probablemente no tendrían cabida en circuitos editoriales más comerciales. Ojalá, querida persona ávida de nuevas páginas, que las Voces del Ciempiés te lleven a viajar por otros mundos posibles. Que te hagan soñar. Que te emocionen. Que te diviertan. Que te inviten a la reflexión. Que no te dejen indiferente. Y, por qué no, que te inspiren tal vez a contar con tu propia voz. **Sobre el libro** Alice es una adulta aparentemente funcional hasta que un diagnóstico sacude su mundo y la obliga a replantearse todo. Entre Río de Janeiro y Barcelona, su vida se convertirá en un territorio incierto donde las preguntas pesarán más que las certezas: ¿A dónde pertenezco? ¿Qué lugar ocupo en el mundo como mujer, hija, pareja, amiga y migrante? ¿Dónde aferrarse cuando todo parece tambalear? En esta novela, Camila Fiuza nos mostrará que todo lo malo, todo lo bueno y todo lo que hay en el medio son apenas distintas caras de una misma moneda. Que el pasado, el presente y el futuro pueden convivir perfectamente tomados de las manos. Y que por más que haya cosas que intentemos dejar atrás, estas siempre encontrarán la manera de seguir permaneciendo.

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.

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

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 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!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!