Children's Book Authors

Two speakers, two subjects, twenty minutes each. The subject matter is a mystery - the audience finds out when the talk begins! One of our newest events and already a firm favourite. So far, topics have included a '90s pro wrestler running a scam, the first portable synthesiser, aphasia (effects on the brain after a stroke), Hamlet through the decades, cryptic crosswords and the impact on pop culture of Little Richard. What's next? Come along and find out! Tickets £8 available on the door - advise booking on our website. Bar available. All children to be accompanied by adults.

Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday: We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table. \*(Please see full access info, further down.) ...... * We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference. This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people. Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small. i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by. Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many. ........ **6:00pm - 6:30pm** * Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink. * We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new. * (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to). **6.30pm - 7.30pm** * No talking. One hour. * You can leave the table at any point. * Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at! **7.30pm** Once 'Shut Up' time is over: * You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around. * You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish. * Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have. The time is for you, to get the most benefit. . **FACILITIES / ACCESS** Mobility access is limited: There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry. Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies. (The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.) Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending. **FOOD** There is food served all evening / including vegan options. You're welcome to eat whilst writing. **WI-FI** There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it! 'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo **DOG-FRIENDLY** Dogs also welcome. . If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly. . **A note about the format** We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do). Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details. You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide. No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed. Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead! This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space. **Respect** Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct) ...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably. Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us. For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

The **Women Coding Community (WCC)** is celebrating International Women's Week with a high-energy, hands-on Vibe Coding in London. This isn't just a presentation. It's a community coding event where we build the future of our platform together. This is vibe-coding hours in London where we build real things together using AI tools and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). No passive watching. Just coding, experimenting, and learning from each other. **What we'll get into:** MCP in action, connecting AI agents to real tools and data sources. \- Exploring Claude\, JetBrains AI and GitHub Copilot/Codex in a Java workflow\, \- Prompt skills that actually work\, how to get AI to write better code\, \- Pair programming with AI as your co\-pilot\. **Vibe coding**: implement things together, in real time, in person **Who this is for:** Developers curious how MCP actually works in practice. Java learners who want to use AI tools to level up faster. Anyone who learns better by doing than watching. Never attended our events before? No problem, this event stands completely on its own. Just bring your laptop and curiosity. **Choose your approach:** **The Architect:** Come with a specific Java project idea and your initial implementation. Use this time to pair program with mentors to solve bugs or add features. **The Catalyst:** Just bring an idea! Connect with other attendees, form a team on the spot, and spend the evening coding a prototype together. **Project Inspiration** All ideas are centred around enhancing the WCC ecosystem. Pick a level that challenges you: **Basic: Core Java** * You can also pick a good first issue from [our open-source project](https://github.com/Women-Coding-Community/wcc-backend/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3Ajava%2Fspringboot%20label%3A%22good%20first%20issue%22) * WCC Member Directory: Build a command-line tool to manage member profiles using Java Collections and File I/O * Event Attendance Tracker: Create a system to track check-ins for our meetups using the Java Date/Time API * Coding Challenge Generator: Develop a tool that randomly selects Java exercises for members to practise **Intermediate: Spring Boot & APIs** * You can also pick an open issue related to spring-boot [our open-source project](https://github.com/Women-Coding-Community/wcc-backend/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3Ajava%2Fspringboot) * WCC Job Board: Create a REST API for members to post and filter tech opportunities * Community Blog Platform: Build a backend that supports Markdown posts and author profiles * Skill-Tracking Dashboard: Develop a platform for members to track their learning journey and visualise progress Mentors will be on hand throughout the evening to guide you, answer questions, and help you get unstuck. **Schedule: Thursday 13 March, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (London Time)** **6:00 PM** \- AI Tools Showcase: Claude vs ChatGPT vs JetBrains AI **6:30 PM** \- Vibe Coding: Pair programming and feature building with mentors **8:40 PM** \- Closing and Networking **To join register here: [Registration Form](https://forms.gle/vNDNg8QLNnAKodh57)** **Host:** **🎙️ Speaker Adriana Zencke Zimmermann \| Senior Software Engineer \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dricazenck/) \| [GitHub](https://github.com/dricazenck)** Founder & Director of Women Coding Community and Senior Software Engineer at Centric Software, with 15+ years specialising in backend systems, engineering leadership, and inclusion in tech. **🎙️ Speaker Sonali Goel \| Senior Software Engineer\, Tesco Tech \| [Website](https://sonaligoel.carrd.co/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-goel-tech/)** Women in Tech Award 2025 Winner, with 15+ years in large-scale e-commerce, cloud-native Java, and Agentic AI. A core leader at WCC passionate about mentorship and open source. **🎙️ Speaker Dr\. Ying Liu \| Senior Data Scientist\, Magic AI \| [Website](http://www.yingliu.site/) \| [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingliu-data/)** Senior Data Scientist at Magic AI with a Ph.D. in Physics. Ying builds human pose estimation models from RGB and sensor data, specializing in real-time 3D pose estimation and end-to-end ML architectures. Outside work, she builds AI agents and tinkers with robotics. **👩🏽‍💻 About Women Coding Community** Our mission is to empower women in tech through education, mentorship, community, and career support. We run workshops and events, connect members with industry mentors, and champion more inclusive practices across the industry. **[Website](http://womencodingcommunity.com/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/103490940) \| [Slack](https://bit.ly/women_coding_community)** **👩🏽‍💻 Code of Conduct** All attendees are expected to follow our Code of Conduct: **[womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct](https://womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct)**

**Failure to follow the event’s guidelines will exclude you from Poetry Nights.** A lyrical, chill pill for the soul! An opportunity to brush on your Persian reading and make friends. In a world that often feels divided, let’s come together to explore the power of connection and community through poetry. UCL is opening its doors to invite us to a relaxed and inspiring poetry night. This is a free event. The room is only confirmed half an hour before. Join the Whatsapp group to receive the PDF of the poetry that will be read and room number. Capacity is limited and failure to update your attendance a day before will exclude you from future poetry nights. We‘ll meet at UCL’s reception at 5.51pm. I will not wait for anyone or answer messages past 6pm. The session is 1 hour long. We’ll gather for a chat after the poetry reading. Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French and Spanish, and English? Join me on: -[www.meetup.com/gaia-books](www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

After our usual Saturday writing event, our Shut Up and Write regular Sonali Misra will be giving a Q&A on the inner workings of the publishing industry and what publishers are looking for. Sonali is a published writer with a PhD in publishing studies and a Lecturer in Publishing at University of the Arts London (UAL) and previously worked in sales/product and editorial roles at Hachette and Scholastic in India. She co-founded The Selkie Publications CIC, an international literary magazine that platforms minoritised writers. Her writing has appeared in British, Canadian and Indian anthologies and her debut non-fiction book came out in 2020 by leading Indian publisher Rupa.

Do you want to relax and socialize in a quiet bar while playing some video games together? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs? Have you been cooped up by yourself for too long and wants a change of pace? This is the event for you. Get ready to level up your social life at our exclusive Social Night! Join us for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition, great company, and good vibes at XP Tavern. Whether you're a seasoned PC gamer, a console enthusiast, or just love to unwind with some video games, this is the perfect chance to meet new people who share your passion for pixels and high scores. If you don't want to play any games, you can still enjoy the vibe, socialize at the bar and watch the others play. Two console gaming booths will be booked and we can share it together. There are also gaming PCs to enjoy. How many people are attending? The venue has a capacity limit of 50 guests, and due to the popularity of our events and the unique ambiance of the location, we anticipate this event will reach full capacity quickly. On the day of the event, you will experience a relaxing atmosphere with a hospitable and encouraging community. If you want to socialize and get drinks, the event is free. If you want to participate and play the games, you gotta pay £10.

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - 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 11.45 - 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

**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.**

Welcome to our second ever coffee catch-up! There is no set agenda but we could discuss books and reading goals as we approach the first quarter of 2026. Also a space to discover other interests and hobbies, like movies etc.

**Write together with other writers. If you write more surrounded by others, I hope you'll join these brand new sessions.** **\*NEW FOR 2026\*** Starting up regular Saturday sessions where we writers will gather to write in the same space. There will be plenty of time for you to push forward your own individual projects, but I can provide a writing prompt, short exercise or challenge to anyone who needs them. You can book a spot for a guest with your ticket if you want to bring a writing friend with you. They don't have to be a member of our group. Timing: From **12:30** grab a drink, a table and set up **12:35** individual writing time (I'll stop your table to say hi\*) *\*if you'd like a prompt or writing exercise, please ask when you arrive.* **13:30** take a break (stretch, look out window, tea, wine etc) **14:00** end of writing time **14:00** we'll gather at the same table to say hello, compare notes and how we got on with our projects in the session **14:30** end of session but you don't have to stop if you're mid-flow. If you want to stay on and keep writing, please do so. I'm hosting this in the main upstairs area of the pub so you can come and go as you please. You can come to write for a short time or the whole thing. I will be going to each writer individually at their table to chat about their project and if they want a prompt, challenge or exercise from me to write in the session. I've allowed two hours for the session but you can easily stay on longer if you wish. Timing is 12:30pm to 2:30pm and we'll gather in the last 30mins to say hello so we do meet each other during the session. I will be there for 12pm when the pub opens to grab us the horseshoe of tables (pictured above) so most of us can be sitting in the same vicinity together. That said, it's a spacious pub so if you want to spread out and choose your own spot, feel free. Manners suggest that you'll buy a drink and perhaps a snack or two from the pub as a part of using their table. Please don't bring your own drinks from elsewhere (water bottles included) as the pub will never let us back in. See their menu on the website for more info. Location: The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, London WC1V 6NX. Closest tube is Holborn. Timing: Doors open 12pm for a 12:30pm start and finish the main session by 2:30pm. Cost: £10 for hosting, venue arrangement, writing task prep etc. Please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Refunds or credits will only be offered if the meetup is cancelled by admin. If you change your mind after booking, please change to RSVP to 'not going' as we often have people waiting. Download the Meetup app (check the app store) to manage your RSVPs on the go and be notified about new workshops. Questions or concerns? Please post a comment below and I'll respond. I'm looking forward to it already!

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!