Book Writing

In 2026, Barcelona marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death — a year in which the city has also been designated World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO, placing it at the heart of a global conversation about one of history's most extraordinary creative minds. To celebrate, we are welcoming one of the world's leading authorities on Gaudí and Barcelona's modernist architecture for an evening of conversation, stories and discovery. **Gijs van Hensbergen** is a Dutch art historian, Hispanist and author whose work has brought Gaudí to readers around the world. Trained at the Courtauld Institute of Art, he wrote the first critical biography of Antoni Gaudí, widely praised as the definitive account of the man and his work. He has since written on Gaudí's Sagrada Família for Bloomsbury, appeared on CBS 60 Minutes, BBC Radio 4 and TV3, and lectured at institutions including the Museo del Prado, the National Gallery London and the Reina Sofía. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Times, the Wall Street Journal and El País, among many others. This evening, in conversation with moderator **Nick Lloyd**, Gijs will take us behind the stones and spires — into the life, obsessions and genius of Gaudí, and what it means to be in Barcelona during this once-in-a-century year. Nick Lloyd is a writer, historian, and founder of Spanish Civil War Tours, a project dedicated to bringing the stories of the conflict to life through guided visits to key sites across Catalonia and Aragón. Over the years, his work has helped connect countless visitors with Spain’s complex past, weaving together the political, cultural, and personal dimensions of the war. This event is made possible thanks to ***Seven Dreams of Gaudí***, an ambitious concert project co-created and produced by Renée Cooke, premiering at the Palau de la Música Catalana as part of the Year of Gaudí celebrations. Find out more at [sevendreamsofgaudi.com](http://sevendreamsofgaudi.com/). **[ORDER GIJS BOOKS HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/browse?s=Gijs+van+Hensbergen&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1)**

**BOOK YOUR GAME TABLE FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY AT THE ARCHIVO ARCANO** 🎲 Welcome to the best board games club in Barcelona! Become a free member and enjoy a unique space to play, with its own games library, shop and themed rooms. **What is a board game club?** The ARCHIVO ARCANO is not just a store with tables to play; It is an exclusive space for members, where you can enjoy your games quietly while having a drink or something to eat surrounded by games and manuscripts. **How to be a member?** Easy. You can become a member for free by purchasing a Primigenia Membership. If Arcanism gets the better of you, you'll always be in time to upgrade to Cult or Arcane membership, with more and better perks. You can become a member directly in the ARCHIVO ARCANO or at [ARCHIVO ARCANO](https://www.archivoarcano.com) **Table reservations** You can reserve a table at any time. For a price of €6 per person, you will have your table for a whole 5-hour time slot (morning, noon or evening) from Monday to Sunday between 10am and 10pm. You can book through meet up, on wahtsapp at +34930253566 or at [BOOK A TABLE HERE](https://www.archivoarcano.com/reservas) **Board Games** Do you want to try games before buying them or just don't want to bring your own? Take a look at more than 200 games available in the Arcane Archive and come play any of them: you can request it when making your reservation or directly at the venue. You already know the advantages, you are just one step away from enjoying them all. Look through the lock, the ARCHIVO ARCANO awaits!

Let's watch *Project Hail Mary* together! We'll meet at **20:30** outside **Mooby Glòries Cinema** before the movie starts at **21:00**. This is a great chance to meet fellow movie lovers, grab a quick drink or snack, and enjoy one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of the year together. 🎬 Movie: *Project Hail Mary* 🗣️ Original English audio with Spanish subtitles 📅 Monday, June 1st 🕣 Meet at 20:30 📍 Mooby Glòries Cinema, Barcelona Whether you come alone or with friends, everyone is welcome. See you there!

🚀 **Ready to Master Your Public Speaking and Communication Skills?** Join **Success Toastmasters Barcelona** and become part of a vibrant, supportive community where you'll gain the confidence to speak clearly, think on your feet, and connect with any person or audience! 🎤 **Why Join Us?** * **Master Public Speaking:** Learn to craft and deliver powerful speeches with confidence and clarity. Each session is developed through prepared speeches, which are later evaluated, giving you constructive feedback to improve your skills. * **Think Fast & Speak Smart:** Practice responding to unexpected, challenging or even awkward questions with ease and confidence. **Ever been asked something like…** *"What made you decide to share that embarrassing story?"* *"What are your weaknesses?"* *"Who made you think that way?"* *"Why do you believe your approach is the right one?"* *"What is the greatest challenge of your life?"* *"Can you explain why your last project failed?"* *"Do you think everyone should agree with your opinion?"* These questions can be uncomfortable because they touch on sensitive topics or make you feel judged. At **Success Toastmasters Barcelona**, **you’ll build the confidence to handle tough questions and respond to unexpected challenges with poise and clarity**. * **Talk About Anything and with Anyone:** Develop the skills to speak confidently on any topic, planned or impromptu. Join us for impromptu speeches and fun dynamics, where everyone can participate from the very first day! * **Build Leadership Skills:** Gain leadership experience by organizing meetings, mentoring others, and managing projects. * **Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:** Overcome shyness and embrace bold, authentic self-expression. We are thrilled to feature **exceptional speakers** who embody confidence and the unique ability to turn any topic into an opportunity. Their journey and expertise **will inspire you to approach every conversation with self-assurance and use your voice to your advantage**. This is your chance **to learn firsthand how to communicate persuasively and transform challenges into strengths!** 🌍 **Inclusive, Diverse & Supportive Community** * **Open to everyone - no prior experience needed!** * **Hybrid Format:** In person in the heart of **Barcelona** or online from anywhere in the world. * 🌍 Our meetings are held **in English!** * 💲**Visiting a meeting as a guest Is totally FREE!** * There is no fee for guests requested by the Success club, but the **Hotel requests one compulsory drink (Wine, Beer or Soft drink) per person (7€)**. * It Would be a pleasure to meet you and accept you in our club. Step up to the challenge and join us! * **No pressure!** Simply come and watch if you’re not ready to participate yet. 📅 **When?** 🕕 **Time: 19:00** 📍 **Location:** ICON BCN, Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 21, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona (ask for more info if you are interested \*\*[success.toastmasters107@gmail.com**!](http://success.toastmasters107@gmail.com%2A%2A!/)) 📩 **Interested?** **Click ATTEND** button or just send us an email at \*\*[success.toastmasters107@gmail.com**](http://success.toastmasters107@gmail.com%2A%2A/) and our **Vice President of Membership** will get back to you with all the details. ✨ **Step up. Speak out. Succeed.** Join **Success Toastmasters Barcelona** and discover the speaker and leader within you! LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/34658490/admin/dashboard/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/34658490/admin/dashboard/) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/successtoastmasters/](https://www.instagram.com/successtoastmasters/)

Para tod@s los principiantes que queréis aprender a jugar beach voley, este es su evento. Enseñaremos paso a paso como se juega, la técnica, las posiciones en el campo y más que todo nos divertiremos. Espero veros pronto. For all the beginners who want to learn to play beach volleyball, this is your event. We will teach step by step how to play, the technique, the positions on the field and most of all we will have fun. I hope to see you soon.

Sessió de dibuix i shibari amb la model @matriarchyofmoans Tornem a Bou de Sant Pere 8, l'espai on fèiem aquestes sessions fa tres anys. Una sessió íntima i de grup reduït en què explorarem la figura humana a través del dibuix i l'art del shibari. Treballarem amb una combinació de poses curtes i llargues, ideals tant per a qui vulgui practicar l'esbós gestual com per a qui prefereixi desenvolupar estudis més detallats. Inclou material de dibuix, vi i aperitius. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Material de dibuix inclòs 🍷 Vi i aperitius inclosos 👥 Grup reduït i ambient íntim Places limitades. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sesión de dibujo y shibari con la modelo @matriarchyofmoans Regresamos a Bou de Sant Pere 8, el espacio donde celebramos estas sesiones hace ya tres años. Una sesión íntima y de aforo reducido en la que exploraremos la figura humana a través del dibujo y el arte del shibari. Trabajaremos con una combinación de poses cortas y largas, ideales tanto para quienes buscan practicar el gesto rápido como para quienes prefieren desarrollar estudios más detallados. Incluye material de dibujo, vino y snacks. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Material incluido 🍷 Vino y aperitivos incluidos 👥 Grupo reducido \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Life Drawing & Shibari Session with @matriarchyofmoans We're returning to Bou de Sant Pere 8, the space where we hosted these sessions three years ago. An intimate, small-group session exploring the human figure through drawing and the art of shibari. We'll work with a combination of short and long poses, ideal both for quick gesture studies and for more detailed, developed drawings. Drawing materials, wine, and snacks are included. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Drawing materials provided 🍷 Wine and snacks included 👥 Small, intimate group Limited spots available.

Tips for a great event Be descriptive A good title immediately gives people an idea of what the event is about. Get organized Describe things in a clear order so it's easy to digest. Start with an overall description of the event and include a basic agenda, before you move into really specific details. Add an image Upload a photo or image to give members a better feel for the event.

**[BUY HER BOOKS HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/browse?s=monika+radojevik&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1)** Join us for an evening with Monika Radojevic, one of the most exciting voices in contemporary British literature. Born in London to a Brazilian mother and a Montenegrin father, her writing has always been rooted in the questions that come with carrying multiple worlds inside you — identity, belonging, language and love. An inaugural winner of the [#Merky](https://www.backstorybookshop.com/search/posts?query=%23#Merky) Books New Writers' Prize, Stormzy's Penguin Random House imprint dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices, she has since published three books. Her debut poetry collection *Teeth in the Back of My Neck* (2021) established her as a fierce and urgent voice on womanhood and identity. Her short story collection *A Beautiful Lack of Consequence* (2025), awarded the Cosmopolitan Best Short Story Collection of 2025, weaves the surreal with the everyday across thirty tales about the ways the world bends and breaks women — and what happens when they snap back. Her debut novel *Strangerland* (2025) is her most personal work yet: a fictionalised retelling of how her own parents met, fell in love and built a life as immigrants in 1990s London. It has been listed as one of the must-read books of 2026 by Service 95, Dua Lipa's book club. At this Backstory Talk, Monika will share the story behind her writing life, introduce her work and open the floor to your questions. Join us! *If this has sparked something in you, Monika will also be running a [writing workshop the following day, 10th June](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/entradas-creative-writing-masterclass-from-idea-to-story-1988937671115?aff=oddtdtcreator).* **More about the author** Monika Radojevic is a London-born Brazilian-Montenegrin poet, writing mentor and author, and the youngest-ever winner of the Merky Books New Writers' Prize. She spent years working in feminist politics before moving to Berlin in August 2025 to write full time. Her writing is a continuous exploration of the messiness of power dynamics. Her book, A Beautiful Lack of Consequence, was awarded the Cosmopolitan Best Short Story collection of 2025. Her debut novel, Strangerland captures the incredible true love story of two immigrants in London in the 90s and was listed as one of the must-read books for 2026 by Service 95, Dua Lipa's book club.

Award-winning author, Natalia Hooker, will read a selection from her children’s books. Colouring and activities to follow for children 3-8 years old. Readings will be in English, thanks! Books will be on sale in English and Spanish.

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.

**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.

**✍🏻 Run away with the Girls Who Write club this summer and make time for your writing – this will be a long weekend to remember!** Barcelona in the summer is the vibe...however, it gets really touristy, hectic and sticky...Imagine getting away from it all to a beautiful secret mansion to focus on your writing, while everything else is being taken care of! A long weekend to slow down, put pen to paper whenever you want, read by the pool – and meet like-minded women who love writing as much as you do. **Whether you're visiting or a local, this is the creative escape you need this summer.** 🏡 We are gathering in a perfect secret spot in Barcelona: far away from all the noise, but close enough to the center in case you want to get in and out on your own. Our beautiful hillside mansion features AC, pool and sauna – and nine individual rooms perfect for resting. You'll feel like you're away in nature...while being two metro stops away from all the buzz :) Here, nothing will distract you from writing! **📚 What you'll be working on?** Whether you're exploring self-discovery through journaling, crafting a memoir, creating short stories or poetry, or finally bringing that long-planned book to life, I aim to offer you a safe, nurturing space to connect with your words and creativity. Dive into cherished childhood memories, share fascinating anecdotes from your life that could inspire a captivating story, or pour your deepest emotions onto the page and witness how your perspective transforms. I believe every woman is a natural-born storyteller, and every girl's life is a compelling book waiting to be written. **Let’s uncover yours!** *What to expect:* 📝 **Journaling Workshops**: Dive deep into your emotions, memories and experiences through guided journaling sessions, unlocking the power of self-expression and introspection under the guidance of Marusha, founder of [Girls Who Write](http://www.girlswhowrite.club/), [Naked Words](https://mashamozolevskaya.com/mynakedwords) and Barcelona Journaling Festival. 📚 **Writing buffet:** try creating a memoir, a profound dialogue, a book character based on a person dear to your heart *(even if you don't have any book in the works yet!)* and explore some controversial topics in a safe, supportive community. 🌅 Sunrise SUP at Barceloneta. The most magical thing you can do in the summer in Barcelona – watch the sun rising from the horizon and waking up the city, while gently rocking on the waves. It's safe and fun! You don't even need to know how to swim. Bring your journal if you dare :) ✨ **Deep Connection to Self**: Throughout the day, immerse yourself in moments of stillness and self-discovery, cultivating a profound connection to your innermost being and fostering a sense of inner peace and alignment. We'll enjoy guided forest-bathing (sinrin-yoku) and embodiment sessions as well. 🍤 **Amazing food!** We'll be served lovely meals cooked by our private chef. The menu is Mediterranean, organic, and absolutely scrumptious! We'll take good care of you...while you write :) **Please read the full retreat description [here.](https://girlswhowrite.club/barcelona)** More info on what kind of workshops to expect, the price range, etc [www.girlswhowrite.club/barcelona](https://girlswhowrite.club/barcelona) *Barcelona residents get a special offer – please do not hesitate to message the organizer.* 🔥 Please note that there are two retreat dates available for this summer: **12-14 JUNE and 3-5 JULY.** Choose what fits your summer plans best and let us know when you'd like to come. Feel free to get in touch with Marusha via What's Up to secure your spot or ask any questions: +34695844901 **🧑🏼‍💻 About the organizer**: Hi! I'm Marusha Mozolevskaya, a non-fiction writer and expressive writing / journaling coach. I'm also a founder of the [Girls Who Write](https://girlswhowrite.club/) & [Barcelona International Journaling Festival](https://mashamozolevskaya.com/barcelonajournalingfestival). I'll be thrilled to have you writing with me this summer! 

¡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 plantea una consigna y da entre 20 y 30 minutos con el objetivo de que estructures un relato (poema, reflexión, ensayo...). Después cada participante lee su texto en voz alta y lo comentamos 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, según satisfacción. Los beneficios son para ayudar al mantenimiento de la asociación.

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).

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!

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.

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

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!