Book Writing

**[BUY THIS MONTH's BOOK HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/on-writing/)** A pop-up book club series exploring the creative process through some of the most beloved books on writing. Across three sessions, we’ll discuss craft, inspiration, discipline, and the realities of the writing life — open to writers at any stage as well as curious readers interested in how stories are made. ## **Series Schedule & Upcoming Titles** 📚 **April 14 — *On Writing* by Stephen King** A candid blend of memoir and masterclass on storytelling, discipline, and the writer’s craft. 📚 **May 26 — *A Swim in a Pond in the Rain* by George Saunders** A deep and generous exploration of storytelling through classic Russian short fiction. 📚 **July 7 — *The Writing Life* by Annie Dillard** A luminous meditation on creativity, solitude, and the realities of artistic devotion. ## **About the Host** **Olivia** is a writer based in Barcelona, where she has lived for the past seven years. Originally from the United States, she studied creative writing as an undergraduate and later completed a master’s degree in translation at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. A jack of all writerly trades, she has published poetry and nonfiction and is currently navigating the querying process for her first novel. **Instructions** 1. Swing by the shop to pick up a copy of your book 2. Read it 3. Come discuss it Easy peasy! Happy reading!

**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.

Studying rook endgames for beginners and above

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

📚 English-Speaking Book Club – Vilanova Hello everyone! This book club is for anyone who likes reading and would like to add a social element to their hobby, discover books outside their usual choices, and read roughly one book per month. Our plan is to meet once a month at IZZI Café-Bar in Vilanova i la Geltrú to discuss our chosen book and select a title for the following month. Everyone is welcome and we hope our group will include people from many different countries. You can read the book in English or in your native language, but the discussion will be in English. It’s free to attend. Come on your own or bring a friend. You’re welcome to join at any time, even if you haven’t read the current book, and don’t worry if you haven’t finished it before the meeting (as long as you don’t mind spoilers!). Our first book will be A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. A warm, funny and moving story about a grumpy widower whose life begins to change when new neighbours move in next door. 📅 First meetup: Tuesday 14 April 🕖 19:00–20:30 📍 IZZI Café-Bar, Carrer de la Unió 51, Vilanova i la Geltrú If you’d like to join the WhatsApp group, please message me here. Hope you can join us!

Instagram: @cercleahimsa Vine a gaudir i compartir una sessió basada en el ioga i en l'energia del cicle lunar. Cada setmana fem una sessió diferent aprofitant el moment lunar en el qual ens trobem, per exemple lluna plena: agraïment, lluna minvant: deixar anar... El pes central de la sessió està en la pràctica de ioga, però també fem una meditació profunda d'uns 10 min mínim i una conclusió de la sessió expressada a través de l'escriptura terapèutica o de l'expressió artística. Som un màxim de 8 persones i així creem espais de confiança i d'obertura on, a través del cos i el moviment, anem apropant-nos al camí de l'autoconeixement i la pau. Instagram: @cercleahimsa

[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

**3-hour studio session – Materials included – €25** **Languages: English**↓ **\| Español** ↓↓ **\| Русский** ↓↓↓ This is a guided painting session designed for both beginners and experienced painters who want consistent, structured practice in a calm atelier environment. You are free to work on your own project, or you can choose from structured exercises designed to strengthen technique and artistic understanding. **How the class works** * 3-hour studio session * Individual guidance throughout * Academic foundation in drawing and painting * Free choice of topic, technique and style You may: * Paint from life (still life setups available) * Work from reference * Study master paintings * Practice human figure from printed reference * Develop a personal project The format is flexible, the guidance is precise. **What makes this class different** The session takes place in a cosy sunlit atelier and is very relaxed and slow. Students create at their own rhythm, but with clear direction and constructive feedback on composition, colour and technique. **Materials** All basic painting materials are included in the price. **Price** €25 per session **Group Size** Maximum 5 people **Español:** **Sesión de estudio de 3 horas – Materiales incluidos – 25 €** Esta es una sesión de pintura guiada diseñada tanto para principiantes como para pintores con experiencia que buscan una práctica constante y estructurada en un ambiente de taller tranquilo. Puedes trabajar en tu propio proyecto o elegir entre ejercicios estructurados diseñados para fortalecer la técnica y la comprensión artística. **Como funciona la clase** **Sesión de estudio de 3 horas** Orientación individual durante toda la sesión Base académica en dibujo y pintura Elección libre de tema, técnica y estilo Puedes: * Pintar del natural (bodegones disponibles) * Trabajar a partir de referencias * Estudiar pinturas de maestros * Practicar figura humana a partir de referencias impresas * Desarrollar un proyecto personal El formato es flexible, pero la orientación es precisa. **Que hace diferente a esta clase** La sesión se realiza en un **atelier acogedor y luminoso**, con una atmósfera tranquila y pausada. Los estudiantes trabajan a su propio ritmo, pero con **dirección clara y retroalimentación constructiva** sobre composición, color y técnica. **Materiales** Todos los **materiales básicos de pintura están incluidos** en el precio. **Precio** **25 € por sesión** **Tamaño del grupo** **Máximo 5 personas** **Русский** **3-часовое занятие – Материалы включены – 25 €** Приглашаю Вас на занятие по живописи с преподавателем, предназначенное как для начинающих, так и для художников с опытом, которые хотят регулярно практиковаться в спокойной атмосфере ателье. Вы можете работать над собственным проектом или выбрать структурированные упражнения, направленные на развитие техники и художественного понимания. **Как проходит занятие** **3-часовая студийная сессия** Индивидуальные рекомендации на протяжении всей сессии Академическая база рисунка и живописи Свободный выбор темы, техники и стиля Вы можете: * Писать с натуры (доступны постановки натюрморта) * Работать по референсам * Изучать картины мастеров * Практиковать человеческую фигуру по печатным референсам * Развивать собственный художественный проект Формат гибкий, но руководство точное. **Что отличает этот класс** Занятие проходит в **уютном, залитом солнечным светом ателье** в спокойной и размеренной атмосфере. Студенты работают в своём ритме, получая **чёткие рекомендации и конструктивную обратную связь** по композиции, цвету и технике. **Материалы** Все **основные материалы для живописи включены** в стоимость. **Цена** **25 € за сессию** **Размер группы** **Максимум 5 человек** ***

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 Camelia Art Cafe. 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.

Whether you're writing for pleasure or for publication, international journalist and author **Anna Hart** has some tools of the travel-writing trade to share. In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore how to find your own distinct voice as a travel writer, how to banish writer's block, and how to write about other people and places with respect, understanding and relevance. **[Buy her book here!](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/departures-2/)** **About the host:** Belfast-born Anna Hart is an international culture and travel writer, with a specialist interest in social trends, migration patterns and urban culture. As an award-winning journalist, author, presenter and documentary director, she contributes regularly to The New York Times, Gourmet Traveller Australia, The Times, The Guardian and Conde Nast Traveller. Her first book, the solo travel memoir Departures, was published by Little, Brown Book Group in 2018, accompanied by a book tour that included Glastonbury Festival, Wilderness Festival, Stoke Newington Literary Festival and Port Eliot Literary Festival. Anna is currently working on her second book, Homes, about freedom of movement.

Calling all Barcelona-based writers! It's about time we come together again, meet others of our kind, and discuss our business-y matters: what we write, how we write it, and how we get about our creative lives. All of it while sipping on great wine! This informal "industry" meetup is for anyone who self-identifies as a writer – or is *almost ready* to do so :) This time around, it's not exactly a gathering for the journaling fans...but if you're into both journal- and book-writing, this event is for you! If you write books (of any kind), poetry, screenplays, film scripts – or something else entirely – you're more than welcome to join us! Feel free to bring a writing friend or two – the more the merrier. And your book(s), of course! Let's **celebrate** each other's works! **We are meeting at a friendly wine shop, Cuvée 3000 Bottleshop 🍷** **The organizational fee for this meetup is €5, which includes a glass of great wine (or a non-alcoholic refreshment). It's time to get festive!** *In collaboration with [International Writers Of Barcelona.](https://www.meetup.com/international-writers-of-barcelona-iwb/?eventOrigin=your_groups) The main language of this meetup is English.* **🧑🏼‍💻 About the organizer**: Hi! I'm Marusha Mozolevskaya, a non-fiction writer, journalist and journaling guide based in Barcelona. I'm also a founder of the [Girls Who Write](https://girlswhowrite.club/) & [Barcelona Journaling Festival](http://www.barcelonajournalingfestival.com/). Happy to meet other writers and have a good chat about our creative process!

Calling all Barcelona-based writers! It's about time we come together again, meet others of our kind, and discuss our business-y matters: what we write, how we write it, and how we get about our creative lives. All of it while sipping on great wine! This informal "industry" meetup is for anyone who self-identifies as a writer – or is *almost ready* to do so :) If you write books (of any kind), poetry, screenplays, film scripts – or something else entirely – you're more than welcome to join us! Feel free to bring a writing friend or two – the more the merrier. And your book(s), of course! Let's **celebrate** each other's works! **We are meeting at a friendly wine shop 🍷** **The organizational fee for this meetup is €5 (in cash), which includes a glass of great wine (or a non-alcoholic refreshment). It's time to get festive!** *The main language of this meetup is English.* **🧑🏼‍💻 About the organizer**: Hi! I'm Marusha Mozolevskaya, a non-fiction writer, journalist and journaling guide based in Barcelona. I'm also a founder of the [Girls Who Write](https://girlswhowrite.club/) & [Barcelona Journaling Festival](www.barcelonajournalingfestival.com). Happy to meet other writers and have a good chat about our creative process!

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).

En la antesala de Sant Jordi, nos reunimos en Drapaire Art para celebrar la poesía como espacio de expresión y transformación. Desde Barcelona Escribe —donde muchas y muchos de vosotros exploráis vuestra propia voz en los talleres— os invitamos a la presentación oficial de la segunda edición de Caminos tortuosos para escapar de humanos y otras bestias. Un poemario que nació del riesgo de escribir lo incómodo, lo humano y lo que a veces cuesta nombrar. Esta segunda edición no es solo una reedición: es la confirmación de que escribir con honestidad encuentra lectores. 📅 19 de abril 🕛 12:00 h 📍 Drapaire Art Calle Enric Morera 65, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat 🎟 Entrada libre Habrá lectura de poemas, conversación sobre el proceso creativo y un espacio cercano para compartir preguntas e inquietudes. Si escribes, si quieres escribir o si sientes curiosidad por el camino que recorre un libro hasta su segunda edición, este encuentro es también para ti. Porque escribir no es un privilegio. Es una decisión. Nos vemos para celebrar la palabra. Rita Gar

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, April 22 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.

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * 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! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

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!

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!