Creative Writers

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - 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. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

Join our group for under-represented writers who want more time to write, feedback on their work, and tips on developing their craft. \*\* Please come to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor at The Wellcome Collection and look out for the Writer's Corner sign \*\* The Writers' Corner is a peer support community for under-represented writers, with bi-monthly meet-ups both online and in-person. Join us if you want more time and space to write, get feedback on your work or to develop your craft. We welcome all writers who tend to get overlooked by the publishing industry, or struggle to afford the costs of other writing courses and groups. We'll let you self define, but we particularly welcome writers of colour, those from the LGBTQ+ community, disabled writers, unpaid carers, low income writers and anyone who self-defines as a woman. While we have done our best to pick venues that are accessible to all, if you have any specific accesss requirements please send us a message so we can discuss how we can meet your needs. That includes anyone feeling anxious about attending a group for the first time (very happy for you to come a bit early, before everyone else, if that helps). The session will work as follows: 1\. Introductions 2\. Warm up exercise 3\. Writing time \(work on your own project or get a prompt\) 4\. Feedback 5\. Set writing goals for the next month

**Early arrivals** 11am, this gives you the time to settle in and chat with the other writers **Start of the session** 11.30am the timer will start of no-talking and focused witing time. **End of the session** 12.30pm the no-talking time is over and you are welcome to stay and keep writing or stay and chat. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com).

**Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** We'll meet in the central area with all the small tables.

# Safo Music's – Songwriting workshop **Sunday 3rd May** **11:00am – 6:00pm** **Safo Studios, 23–27 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP** **£40.00** **Led by Laurence Hobbs – gold & platinum-selling songwriter, producer, and owner of Safo Music.** *** After our sold out workshop last month, we'd like you to join us for a full-day **Songwriting workshop** at Safo Studios – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of writing songs. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, this is your chance to connect with others and explore the craft of songwriting in a supportive, inspiring environment. ### What to Expect: Small group co-writing sessions in professional studios A relaxed space to share ideas and build confidence Meet like-minded musicians and discover new collaborators Personal mentoring and guidance from Laurence Hobbs throughout the day Working in teams, you’ll co-create original songs from scratch – blending lyrics, melodies, and experiences into something fresh and exciting. It’s all about enjoying the process, learning from each other, and celebrating the art of songwriting. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just yourself – and spend the day writing with us. [ ](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JHMW8VKCW57Y4)**[Tickets: £40.00](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JHMW8VKCW57Y4)** Spaces are limited to keep sessions intimate – book now to secure your place. See you on the 3rd May

**Safo Music's – Songwriting workshop** **Sunday 3rd March** **11:00am – 6:00pm** **Safo Studios, 23–27 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP** **£40.00** **Led by Laurence Hobbs – gold & platinum-selling songwriter, producer, and owner of Safo Music.** \*\*\* After our sold out workshop last month, we'd like you to join us for a full-day **Songwriting workshop** at Safo Studios – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of writing songs. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, this is your chance to connect with others and explore the craft of songwriting in a supportive, inspiring environment. **What to Expect:** Small group co-writing sessions in professional studios A relaxed space to share ideas and build confidence Meet like-minded musicians and discover new collaborators Personal mentoring and guidance from Laurence Hobbs throughout the day Working in teams, you’ll co-create original songs from scratch – blending lyrics, melodies, and experiences into something fresh and exciting. It’s all about enjoying the process, learning from each other, and celebrating the art of songwriting. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just yourself – and spend the day writing with us. **[Tickets: £40.00](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JHMW8VKCW57Y4)** Spaces are limited to keep sessions intimate – book now to secure your place. See you on the 3rd May

*"The blood is the life! The blood is the life!"* (Renfield, Dr. John Seward's patient, in Bram Stoker's Dracula.) **Join LoMAZ for our first interactive series of events in a read-a-long of Bram Stoker's Dracula as the story unfolds over six months...** Dracula Daily is a free subscription newsletter that sends Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula to subscribers via email. The novel takes place within a single calendar year, from May to November. Dracula Daily sends the portion of the novel that occurs each day on the corresponding day. You can read more about it on Wikipedia here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily) You can sign up for Dracula Daily for free here: [https://draculadaily.substack.com/about](https://draculadaily.substack.com/about) LoMAZ are going to read the book together from the spring to autumn of 2026, with meetup events coinciding with events in the book as they happen. These will include a trip to Whitby in August ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/)) and a trip to Romania in November ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/)). The novel begins on 3rd May, when Jonathan Harker writes that he left Munich on 1st May on his way to meet Count Dracula. The Dracula Daily Read-a-long launch party will start on the day he makes his journey from Munich to Transylvania 🧛🦇😱 **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 3.00pm:** The Union Jack pub **Address:** 225 Union Street, SE1 0LR [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6) **GETTING THERE:** **Nearest train stations:** London Bridge, Waterloo and Waterloo East **Nearest tube stations:** Southwark, but Borough, London Bridge and Waterloo are also close. [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. ***The link can be found in the event comments.*** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP ETIQUETTE AND RULES:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. Our events usually have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. However there is no limit on the number of people who can join the Dracula Daily Read-a-long and the launch party. * **However if you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible so we can plan for the numbers taking part.** **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: British Library Board, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you ready to shoot unusual, creative portraits and learn about making the most of light? Shooting each other we'll try to get the best out of everyone and you'll get some tips to help you get the best out of the event. The thing about shooting portraits is that they are super fun! So out challenge today is knowing how to make people look good and shooting in a creative way. We'll set a few challenges to get you pointed in the right direction. To help get your creative juices flowing you'll work in a group which will allow you to bounce ideas off each other. Bring some props or wear something wacky and prepare to have a super fun day! EXPERIENCE * Any EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing/shoes * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) UPCOMING EVENTS www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar Photo © Drew Garty

**CLH Humanist Science Fiction Group: Astronomy Photography Exhibition** **Sunday 3rd May 2026 - 10:45am to 12.45pm GMT** Hello fellow Humanist Sci-Fi fans! We will be meeting up in **Greenwich** at the **National Maritime Museum** to go and look at the Astronomy Photography Exhibition at **11am**. We can then grab a drink and / or snack in the Museum's cafe or a local pub / cafe and discuss Sci-Fi and Astronomy. We've deliberately gone for 3rd May as it is the nearest weekend date to May the 4th - Star Wars Day! Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can continue to boldly do lots together! **Have Your Say** * As always, if you have anything you would like to share or discuss let us know too by posting in the CLH sci-fi WhatsApp group or leaving a message on this page. * As usual, we will also be keen to hear all suggestions for ideas that would be interesting to cover and future events to add to the calendar both online and in person. * Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can boldly do lots together! ……………… **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed at events do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large. ……………… Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees. ……………… **Stay Connected with Central London Humanists** * Subscribe to our **[mailing List](https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup)** * For more events **[follow us on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Humanists/)** * Chat with fellow members in our **[WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ChBmK8gZWQKB8jdthwAJ2h)** * Follow us on **[Twitter](https://twitter.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centrallondonhumanists) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonHumanistGroup)** * Listen to the **[Humanism Now Podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/share)** For any questions email us at [info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk](http://mailto:info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/)

**Join us at* 'You Are Here' at the Southbank Centre*, an epic, one-off, pop-culture spectacular that invites you on an electrifying journey through 75 years of British music, dance, theatre, fashion and film.** Follow the performance as it unfolds around you in an on-the-move theatrical journey where every corner holds a new story. This is a freewheeling journey of discovery that traces through-lines across decades, remixing and reimagining some of the most vivid and influential youth and social movements that have driven culture forward since 1951. Rebellion meets euphoria as a cast of hundreds take you on a trip through punk, grime, northern soul, acid house, dancehall and disco – from the swaying of a tea dance to the beating heart of a superclub. Astonishing performers bring the energy of resistance, freedom and creation to every moment. Marking the centrepiece of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations, *You Are Here* is an exhilarating, full-throated celebration of cultural life that asks where we’ve been, where we’re at and how we’ll choose to shape where we want to go next. Created by Danny Boyle, Gareth Pugh, Carson McColl, Sabrina Mahfouz and Paulette Randall. **Read more here (including access and sensory information):** [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview) **MEET DETAILS:** **6.50-7.30pm: MEET AT BFI BALCONY BAR** **Upstairs at BFI Riverfront Restaurant, SE1 8XT** **7.30pm: ENTER THE EVENT** Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. **9.45pm - Late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location tbc in Event Comments 24 hours before the event.* **TICKETS:** **Please book your ticket [here](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/you-are-here/#overview),** and select the **7.30pm time slot** (or around that time). Tickets cost from £35 plus £3.50 booking fee. Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand. **GETTING THERE:** [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit-us/getting-here/](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit-us/getting-here/) **Tube:** Waterloo, Embankment **Train:** Waterloo, Waterloo East, Blackfriars **Buses:** 1, 59, 68, 76, 139, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N171, N343 and SL6 **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. Link tbc in the Event Comments at least 48 hours before the event. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **IMPORTANT NOTE:** * If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible. We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who: * RSVP as 'Going' but then do not show up three times in a row. * RSVP as 'Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row. * Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.

Arabic Through Literature and Current Affairs One Thousand and One Nights & Contemporary Arabic Discussion Lesson Duration 2 hours per session • Hour 1: Literary Arabic (Reading & Translation) • Hour 2: Modern Arabic (Conversation & Debate on Current Affairs) ⸻ HOUR 1 — Arabic Literature (60 minutes) Objectives • Develop reading fluency in classical/standard Arabic • Understand literary structures and stylistic devices • Produce accurate and elegant translations Structure 1️⃣ Context & Vocabulary (10 min) • Brief cultural or historical background • Key vocabulary (classical, rare, idiomatic) 2️⃣ Guided Reading (20 min) • Reading aloud by teacher and students • Grammatical and stylistic explanations • Focus on: • Verb patterns • Sentence rhythm • Narrative connectors 3️⃣ Analysis (15 min) • Themes and moral lessons • Character roles • Narrative techniques • Links to broader Arabic literary traditions 4️⃣ Translation Workshop (15 min) • Collective translation • Discuss: • Literal vs literary translation • Register and tone • Alternative renderings HOUR 2 — Current Affairs Conversation (60 minutes) Objectives • Build spoken fluency in Modern Standard Arabic • Learn contemporary political, social, and media vocabulary • Express opinions clearly and confidently Structure 1️⃣ Warm-up & Vocabulary (10 min) • Key terms from: • News headlines • Social media discourse • Political or cultural debates 2️⃣ Listening / Reading Input (10 min) • Short news clip or article (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, etc.) • Identify main ideas and key arguments 3️⃣ Guided Discussion (30 min) Possible formats: • Open discussion • Structured debate • Role-play (journalist / analyst / public opinion) • Comparison with students’ countries Discussion skills: • Expressing agreement/disagreement • Clarifying opinions • Polite debate language 4️⃣ Reflection & Correction (10 min) • Correct common mistakes • Reformulate students’ answers in refined Arabic • Highlight strong expressions Homework (Light & Effective) Meeting at Pret A Manger 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB

A relaxed Sunday morning -coffee, flowers, and an easy walk. We’ll meet at 10:30 outside Old Street Station (main exit), start with a coffee nearby, then wander over to Columbia Road flower market. If the weather’s decent, we’ll add a short walk along the canal where it’s easier to chat. If not, we’ll just keep it easy and spend more time over coffee. It’s a small group, so it’ll be easy to talk to everyone. Most people come on their own. Feel free to join for part of it or the whole thing.

Join us for an approximately 5 mile walk from Kings Cross Station along Regents Canal to Little Venice where we will enjoy this year's [canalways cavalcade](https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/iwa-canalway-cavalcade-2026), the celebration of London's boating community. There will be music, food and drink and potentially even Morris Dancing. The scenic walk along the Regent's Canal should take us under 2 hours and you will have to be fit to attend this walk. The festival is always very busy and we will therefore split up into smaller groups once there to be able to move around. We are going to meet at the [birdcage](https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/birdcage-kings-cross.html?sortBy=relevant) at Kings Cross station. That is close to the Germany Gymnasium, outside Kings Cross underground station. As always, please only sign up if you are intending to attend. The event is free but the usual £1.50 are a none refundable maintenance fee and meetup will also charge you £0.60. We would appreciated it if you cancelled no later than 2 days before the event and to please avoid cancelling on the day as that may get you removed from the group. The walk will start at 11am and we will leave at that time. Once we are on the move you may not find us. Therefore, please be on time.

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.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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

The topic for May is "Ink" 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!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft flowers out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles, cupcake liners, pipe cleaners and more! All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**