Creative Writers

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15am-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. We will be in Room C at Cascades Library. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

**Join us for Soul Coffee, an informal gathering where we can connect a bit deeper, check in on each other, and share some real soul conversation together - as always, across beliefs and traditions.** Soul Coffee is a gathering by BreadBreakers, a community for people of all stripes to build meaningful relationships and have curious conversations. **Our mission in BreadBreakers is to be a place of compassion and belonging in a time of division and isolation; to rebuild the town square, one table at a time.** Usually we do this by breaking bread and having facilitated conversations over dinner, but sometimes it's good to just meet over coffee and spend some unstructured time talking about the deep stuff. At each Soul Coffee, we'll keep it simple and talk about three questions: - How's your soul doing? - How have you experienced wonder lately? - What do you need right now? No matter your religion, or if you even are religious; no matter where you are spiritually; no matter if you even think souls exist - come to be seen and known, to just be humans together in a crazy world, to talk about those things of the spirit that are so central to the human experience but rarely get discussed. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of being in community with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by[ Restoration United Methodist Churc](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers)h in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community, a collaboration between the church and those of all different beliefs. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

# Hopelessly Devoted to Murder Written and Directed by Terry Smith Produced by Jerri Wiseman Cast Members: Betsy Hansen, Ilan Komrad, and Russell Silber ***Greased hair, bobby socks, poodle skirts—and one shocking murder. At Rockway High, the drama is bigger than the school dance, and when a student turns up dead, the resident cool guy and his gang race to uncover the culprit before the last song plays. Dress to impress in your best ’50s style and join the party. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, and deadly fun you won’t want to miss.*** [Murder Meter™](https://www.stagecoachtc.com/murder-meter/) Saucy Suspects Performances will be held at area historic venues, restaurants, wineries, and breweries March – May 2026. ### May 17 at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Centreville (with dinner) Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 14640 Soucy Pl, Centreville, VA 20120 Doors and dinner buffet start at 6:30pm. Show at 7:15pm. Please arrive at 6:30pm. Tickets: $50 per person + $4.00 ticketing fee + sales tax includes the show, buffet Italian dinner and dessert. [Menu: Chicken Picatta. Penne Arrabbiaba (Vegetarian). Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten Free). Meat Lasagna. Caesar Salad. House Salad. Garlic Bread. Dessert created by Saint Andrew Youth.] Iced Tea, Coffee and Assorted Sodas are included in the ticket price. ***Ticket sales will close on May 13th!*** ### [Click here to make reservations for Saint Andrew Lutheran Church.](https://ci.ovationtix.com/36598/production/1270251) You must buy a ticket to attend. An RSVP here will not save you a seat.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Physics of Baseball,”** with Scott Paulson, professor of physics and interdisciplinary liberal studies at James Madison University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball) .] Profs and Pints is offering baseball fans an even bigger treat than Cracker Jack, an exploration of the physics underlying their beloved sport. Professor Scott Paulson, who regularly teaches introductory physics classes that make the physics behind real-world phenomena accessible to all, will discuss the forces and phenomena that come into play in baseball during pitching, batting, and fielding. He’ll toss you basic physics concepts that help explain how baseball’s routine plays got to be that way, and he’ll explain what’s going on in some situations where the laws of physics seem to be violated by what’s happening on the field. Ever wondered why curveballs curve or knuckleballs behave so strangely? You’ll learn how Newton’s laws and the Magnus force explain how pitchers get drastically different results from subtle differences in their releases. Curious about what exactly the “sweet spot” of the bat is? Ever wondered how big an advantage batters get from the thin air of Mile High Stadium? We’ll explore the physics of the batted ball, examining the phenomena of waves and analyzing the interaction of ball, bat and batter with the help of high-speed video. During one of the more exciting scenarios in a baseball game—the close play at the plate—fans often see outfielders throw to an infielder rather than directly to home. We’ll look at the pros and cons of this relay play, known as a “cut-off,” in the context of the physics of projectile motion. Finally, we will also look into high-profile cheating scandals involving corked bats and doctored balls. Dr. Paulson will present models to explain how these alterations to the equipment can benefit the batter and pitcher respectively, and he’ll discuss how much these models are backed up by data. These few hours in a brewpub will forever enhance your enjoyment of time at the ballpark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Tage Olsin / Wikimedia Commons

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)]** Good food has a way of bringing people together and we're leaning all the way into that. Lesbifriends Travel invites you to Pa' La Cocina, a private hands-on cooking class hosted at La Prensa Tacos & Tapas. This one is personal. We stumbled into La Prensa after a spa day, fell completely in love with the food, and knew right away we had to bring our community here. So, we made it happen. This is two hours of real cooking, real connection, and a full meal waiting for you at the end of it all. No experience needed, no pressure, just good energy, bold flavors, and a room full of people who feel like yours. **Event Details You Should Know:** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, May 17, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** La Prensa Tacos & Tapas, 21305 Windmill Parc Drive, Unit 140, Sterling, VA 20166 💸 **Cost:** Early Bird Tickets are $95 (until May 8th). Regular Tickets are $110. (Starting May 9th) 📋 **Registration Deadline:** May 14, 2026 **What to Expect:** * Make tortillas from scratch with La Prensa's culinary team guiding every step * Prepare your own salsa to take home * Sit down together and enjoy tacos and a cocktail * Two full hours of cooking, laughing, and eating with your community Your ticket covers hands-on cooking instruction, a full taco meal, a cocktail, your take-home salsa, and gratuity. Everything is taken care of, you just show up and enjoy. **Spots are capped at 30** to keep things intimate. Don't wait on this one. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary people who are interested in learning bout Mexican cuisine, cooking from scratch, and enjoying bold flavors with new friends. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to roll up your sleeves, get into it, and leave with a full plate and a few new Lesbifriends. **Claim your spot here: [Pa' La Cocina](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)!** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

UPDATE: I was able to get 40 tickets for our group, so if you were previously within the first 15 slots of the waitlist, you should now have a ticket! Let's go to Glenstone! At Glenstone, the architecture and grounds are also part of the art. This beautiful art museum in Potomac, MD just reopened its full collection for public viewing. After we see the art, we'll gather in their cafe for lunch at 11:45 a.m. The grounds of the museum include a walking trail and outdoor sculptures. If you haven't been to Glenstone, this is a chance you don't want to miss. MEET AT: 9:45 a.m. just outside the Arrival Hall, which is near the parking lots ([map of the grounds is here](https://map.glenstone.org/?_gl=1%2A16qx4na%2A_ga%2AMTU2Mjk2NTQxNS4xNzc1NTI1NDUw%2A_ga_ZBWX9X6JP8%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw%2A_ga_C0CCS7S928%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw&floor=0&lang=en-GB#15/39.05915/-77.24977)). Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign. COST: FREE LUNCH: In the cafe at 11:45 a.m. (no picnicking on the grounds is allowed) ATTENDANCE CAP: 25 spots available (RSVP required) ACCESSIBILITY: Expect to walk! The museum does offer a cart service that runs throughout the day and takes people to the gallery and pavilions and the Woodland Trail. PARKING: Parking is available at the museum and FREE! ADDRESS: [12100 Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854](https://www.google.com/maps/place/12100+Glen+Rd,+Potomac,+MD+20854/@39.0627176,-77.2533145,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b633a50bac863f:0xd10d42c51ce7b73e!8m2!3d39.0627135!4d-77.2507396!16s%2Fg%2F11gfh7k7lk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) GETTING HERE: The best way to get to Glenstone is to drive. Please use the comment section of this event to ask for rides and arrange carpools. THE ART: The museum has two main exhibitions going on now: "Ties of our common kindred" includes the museum's collection of American art masterpieces from artists like Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol. There are also 40 works from the artist Andrea Bowers, whose work often focuses on issues of environmentalism and protecting bodily autonomy. And there's more: For the full list of what's available to see, visit: https://www.glenstone.org/exhibitions.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

This is NOT an official **Bike Rockville with RBAC** ride but a joint effort with our local Trek shop. Join the **Trek Rockville store** for a spring group ride in Poolesville and explore the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. You must be able to ride an average of 10 mph for 20-30 miles on moderate terrain. We will make an effort to stick together and regroup, but there is no sweep. Ride leader average pace is around 11.5 mph. More details and RSVP at this link: **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911)** Use this event page to share photos, feedback, carpooling and other comments.

**Ed and Gail's Third Sunday Dance, with ADAM KING!** Sunday, May 17 With guest instructor ADAM KING 4:00-5:00 Salsa Lesson with Adam 5:00-7:00 Dance (Variety: Swing, Latin, Country, Ballroom, you name it!) $15 See you Sunday at Colvin Run Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066!

Let's go for a hike along the C&O Canal Trail! It's been a while since our last hiking event, so this is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring scenery. Although certain sections of the C&O Canal Trail present moderate to challenging terrain, this event will primarily utilize the more accessible, easier paths. Nevertheless, we are open to adjusting the route based on the group's preference for a more adventurous experience, including steeper inclines or longer distances. It's recommended to bring hiking boots, a water bottle, and snacks like trail mix or granola bars to keep your energy up. The entrance fee is $10-20, so it is recommended that you carpool if needed. We will rendezvous at Vienna Metro Station Parking Lot at 9:30 AM to discuss the carpooling situation before heading over. \*If the weather calls for rain that day, we will postpone it to a later date.

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, May 23rd from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉 Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries, City of Sterling or any other external entity or business.

Shut up & Write! meets at the Gum Springs public library room C. We hope to see you there! Shut Up & Write is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Libraries.

*Shut Up & Write!* meets at the Brambleton Library in Room B. We hope to see you there! Shut Up & Write! *is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Libraries*.

Our monthly magical writing workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels and types (poetry and prose). Join TaraTheBard in a guided discussion about magical writing practices, ancestral connection and creativity, seasonal writing practices, publication luck magic, putting craft into storycrafting, and more. Each session focuses on the theme of a tarot card. This inclusive workshop provides support to new and experienced writers, a thematic prompt, in-workshop writing time, and space to share ideas and results. Paper notebooks, laptops, and tablets encouraged. Bring your best writing tools, your favorite blanket, a cozy cup of tea, or whatever you need to connect with the spirits of writing. \*\*New attendees welcome!\*\* Agenda TBA - check back for updates! FOCUS: -- a major arcana card of the tarot. Please bring your favorite tarot deck's Magician card (though you may also borrow a store deck if needed).

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, June 13th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 10 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write, but please bring your own charging tools. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Our monthly magical writing workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels and types (poetry and prose). Join TaraTheBard in a guided discussion about magical writing practices, ancestral connection and creativity, seasonal writing practices, publication luck magic, putting craft into storycrafting, and more. Each session focuses on the theme of a tarot card. This inclusive workshop provides support to new and experienced writers, a thematic prompt, in-workshop writing time, and space to share ideas and results. Paper notebooks, laptops, and tablets encouraged. Bring your best writing tools, your favorite blanket, a cozy cup of tea, or whatever you need to connect with the spirits of writing. \*\*New attendees welcome!\*\* This month, we plan to create and enact a group spell, discuss The Fool. Focus: Please bring your favorite tarot deck's Fool card (though you may also borrow a store deck if needed). More updates will come in comments.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)