English Writing Skills

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

Join us at Speak Easy Melbourne for a fun and interactive language exchange meetup where we will be practicing both Japanese and English conversational skills. Whether you are a beginner or fluent speaker, this event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their language skills in a relaxed and informal setting. Come meet new friends, engage in conversations, and enhance your language learning journey. Our experienced language facilitators will guide you through various activities designed to help you practice English and Japanese in a supportive and welcoming environment. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally enriching experience while honing your language proficiency. Let's chat, learn, and have a great time together!

## **DISCUSSION: definitions** **1\. Colonialism: definition** **Video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOOpBnCSdps** **[‘What is Colonialism?’ | Douglas Murray](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOOpBnCSdps) \| 1 minute** **A Definition** "Western colonialism, a political-economic phenomenon whereby various European nations explored, conquered, settled, and exploited large areas of the world." (‘Western colonialism’ Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Western-colonialism) **2\. Decolonisation : definition** **Video= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_32LJcvQc0** **[‘What is Decolonization?’ | Helpful Professor Explains](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_32LJcvQc0) \| 3 minute** **A Definition** "While decolonisation has acquired an obvious importance in our times, it is not however a new phenomenon. In the past it had profound effects on the world's political structure. This was certainly the case with the revolutionary decolonisation which gave birth to the United States in the second half of the 18th century and the Latin American States in the first half of the 19th century; likewise with the progressive, peaceful emancipation of the British dominions over the best part of a hundred years.” (‘Factors of Decolonisation’ by F. Van Langenhove *Civilisations*, Vol. 11, No. 4 (1961), pp. 401-428 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41378282) **3\. Anti\-Colonialism / postcolonialism : definition** **Video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d92dN8EoAbc** **[‘Colonial Discourse: Postcolonial Theory concepts | Postcolonialism’ | Dr. Masood Raja](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d92dN8EoAbc) \| 0:00\-5:00** **A Definition** "The power to narrate, or to block other narratives from forming and emerging, is very important to culture and imperialism, and constitutes one of the main connections between them." — Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism (1993) ## **DISCUSSION: case-studies** **1\. Colonisation and de\-colonisation : "Mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun"** | **Belgian Congo** | **West Papua** | **East Timor** | **South Africa** | | ------------- | ---------- | ----------- | ------------- | | | | | | **2 Anti-Colonialism / postcolonialism as a political (& interpretive?) paradigm** | **Oppressed / Oppressor** | **Narrative / Discourse** | **Edward Said “Orientalism”** | | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------- | | | | | *"The Orient was almost a European invention, and had been since antiquity a place of romance, exotic beings, haunting memories and landscapes, remarkable experiences. . . . The Orient is not only adjacent to Europe; it is also the place of Europe’s greatest and richest and oldest colonies, the source of its civilizations and languages, its cultural contestant, and one of its deepest and most recurring images of the Other." Orientalism by Edward Said (1978)* **3\. Bible Translation vs Theological Syncretism** "The translation of the Bible was not just a literary exercise; it was an act of cultural empowerment. By adopting the mother tongue, the translator was saying that the culture of the people was a worthy vessel for the divine word. It gave people a sense of their own dignity and worth in the eyes of God." — Lamin Sanneh, Translating the Message (1989) **vs** "The danger of syncretism is not just that it introduces 'foreign' elements into the faith, but that it allows the 'world' to provide the framework, while the gospel is merely used to fill in the gaps. In syncretism, the gospel loses its power to challenge the culture because it has become a prisoner of the culture." — Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society (1989) **4\. Australian context: see image handout \(applied Anti\-Colonialism / postcolonialism ?\)**

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

Take a break from the busy week and join us for a relaxing evening of nature, connection, and music in Melbourne. Slow down, meet new people, and enjoy the city together as the sun sets. 🌿✨ **Highlights & Activities** 🧺 **Picnic & light snacks** at Royal Botanic Gardens (4:30–5:30 PM) 🚶 **Mindfulness walk** through the beautiful gardens 🌇 **City stroll** together towards Federation Square 🎶 **Free outdoor opera concert** at Fed Square (6:30–8:00 PM) **Bring along:** 🥨 Snacks to share 💧 Water bottle 🧺 Picnic mat or blanket (optional) A simple and relaxing social evening to enjoy nature, good conversations, and live music. Come unwind with us! ✨ **Bondaroo** **Community Rules** ✨ * This is a rain-or-shine event. * 18+ only. * Maintain respect and no unsolicited contact. * No advertising and selling during the event. * Adherence to the liability waiver is mandatory: [Read here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hKqVIMcXMFdzvpjqO3KRf_uQ5xAzd-jt/view?usp=sharing) * By attending this event, you are consent to our media policy: [Read here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgNOcewZs-tKYUEBt3gV84hob1HdDXydjrGf_tEiXjQ/edit?usp=sharing)

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'The Emperor of Gladness' by Ocean Vuong The blurb: "**Ocean Vuong returns with an achingly beautiful novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.** One late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to alter Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community at the brink. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, *The Emperor of Gladness* shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Vuong’s writing – formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness – are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance." Goodreads rating: 3.93 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

**The Telepathy Tapes podcast** brought the ESP abilities of autistic children to the world’s attention, with several studies exploring this association more closely. However, the neurological effects of autism can affect other abilities as well – like present-life memory and even past-life memories. **Jim Matlock and his team are pioneers** in this new cutting-edge field of study - now exploring it more systematically than ever before, with new findings still coming to light. **Some autistic people have outstanding memory** capabilities, while also struggling in other areas. But other autistic people are unable to form the basic episodic memories that underlie autobiographical recall. And research is revealing that the same factors impacting present-life memory can impact past-life memory as well. **In this session, Jim Matlock will discuss** several case studies of autistic children and adults to describe how autobiographical past-life memories can either be suppressed or enhanced under autism. **About Jim Matlock PhD:** * Anthropologist and world-class reincarnation researcher * Creator of the 'Processual Soul Theory' through his comprehensive, multicultural and interdisciplinary approach * 45+ years involvement in parapsychology and reincarnation studies * Editorial Board member of the *Journal of Scientific Exploration* * Editorial Board member of the Journal of Near-Death Studies * Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc. * Winner of 2021 Parapsychological Association Book Award for Signs of Reincarnation: Exploring Beliefs, Cases, and Theory (2019) * Author of a multitude of academic publications on reincarnation * Curator of top-notch FB group "Signs of Reincarnation" **Online Option:** While this is billed as an in-person event, there will be online access as well. Just reach out to me via Meetup or russ.parapsych@gmail.com Here are the Teams meeting details: [Autism and Past-Life Memories - Parapsychology Meetup Melbourne | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams](https://teams.live.com/meet/9353411450149?p=fHMKtHIjiSKrh9ZeA6) Meeting ID: 935 341 145 014 9 / Passcode: 5fj6Cq **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

**The Telepathy Tapes podcast** brought the ESP abilities of autistic children to the world’s attention, with several studies exploring this association more closely. However, the neurological effects of autism can affect other abilities as well – like present-life memory and even past-life memories. **Jim Matlock and his team are pioneers** in this new cutting-edge field of study - now exploring it more systematically than ever before, with new findings still coming to light. **Some autistic people have outstanding memory** capabilities, while also struggling in other areas. But other autistic people are unable to form the basic episodic memories that underlie autobiographical recall. And research is revealing that the same factors impacting present-life memory can impact past-life memory as well. **In this session, Jim Matlock will discuss** several case studies of autistic children and adults to describe how autobiographical past-life memories can either be suppressed or enhanced under autism. **About Jim Matlock PhD:** * Anthropologist and world-class reincarnation researcher * Creator of the 'Processual Soul Theory' through his comprehensive, multicultural and interdisciplinary approach * 45+ years involvement in parapsychology and reincarnation studies * Editorial Board member of the *Journal of Scientific Exploration* * Editorial Board member of the Journal of Near-Death Studies * Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc. * Winner of 2021 Parapsychological Association Book Award for Signs of Reincarnation: Exploring Beliefs, Cases, and Theory (2019) * Author of a multitude of academic publications on reincarnation * Curator of top-notch FB group "Signs of Reincarnation" * **Online Option:** While this is billed as an in-person event, there will be online access as well. Just reach out to me via Meetup or [russ.parapsych@gmail.com](mailto:russ.parapsych@gmail.com) **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

This event is dedicated to Theo Angelopoulos and his two masterpieces, Landscape in the Mist and Weeping Meadow. Remember to watch the films before coming and we will have an insightful discussion about them. Our topics include but not limited to how he manipulates time, the effects of the long take, social commentary in his films, and the juxtaposition of music and image.

**CERES Community Park – Merri River Trail** It’s time we explored a new trail! So this week we are heading over to Brunswick and will walk the Merri River Trail. The **CERES Community and Environmental Park** is on the banks of the Merri River and the trail runs alongside the Merri River. We walk as far as Bell Street, then back for coffee at the Merri Café. **Start:** CERES Park, corner of **Roberts and Stewart Streets**, Brunswick East. Meet just inside the gate. Look for the red umbrella! **Start time:** 9.00 AM **Parking:** There is parking at the CERES Park. But if it is crowded, park anywhere in the surrounding streets. Allow 10 minutes to walk back to the START. **The Walk**: The walk follows the Merri Creek north to Bell Street, Brunswick then back the same trail to the start. **Total distance**: 5.0 km. (approx.) **Time:** Allow 2.0 hours for the walk, plus half hour for coffee. Total 2.5 hours. **Difficulty:** Easy **Toilets:** At the start. **Coffee:** Merri Café located adjacent to the visitor centre.

**Want to meet new people in an inclusive and welcoming space?** 🤗 Let’s make the most of the sunnier days and gather for an afternoon coffee in **Fitzroy Gardens**. 🌸 We will gather just outside the **Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre** in large grassy area (to the left of the building when you are facing the entrance). You can go inside the cafe any time before or during the event to purchase a coffee and/or some yummy snacks. Please feel free to bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to sit down, but I find that standing allows you a bit more freedom to move around and mingle. And mingle we shall! This is a great opportunity to socialise with other attendees who all there for the same reason as you: to have conversations and meet new people! If it's your first time and you're a bit shy, feel free to find me (Annette) and say hello and I will help you on your way. 🤗 If it happens to be a bit rainy or drizzly we can use the sheltered section in front of the cafe entrance. Please note that in the event of extreme weather (eg. lots of rain, strong winds) this event will be postponed, so please check for any updates (in the comments section of the event page) prior to the event. **Location & Directions:** We will be located in the grassy area left of the Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre, under the large tree. If you haven't been to this event before, its best to use the map provided on this page (click on it to open in your apps) to find the location. Otherwise you can manually type 'KereKere Green' into your Google maps. The other landmark to look out for is 'Cook's Cottage' which you can see in the background of the photo I have uploaded. **Parking advice:** There is metered parking on the surrounding streets but hard to find a free spot on weekends. You can try your luck getting a 2hr free spot on the streets coming off Clarendon St. But, I would highly recommend catching a tram there rather than driving. See you all there! Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 14 March, this Saturday Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms. 3*

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

**The Listening Room — First Gathering** So much of life happens in loud spaces and quick conversations that never quite go beneath the surface. The Listening Room is meant to be the opposite of that — a quieter space where people can slow down, talk honestly, and actually listen to one another. For this first gathering, we’ll meet in a small group and explore a simple conversation prompt together. The goal isn’t debate or performance — just thoughtful conversation and the chance to connect with others in a genuine way. Our prompt for this gathering will be: **When have you felt truly seen or understood by another person?** Everyone will have the opportunity to share if they’d like, but there’s absolutely no pressure — listening is just as valuable as speaking here. We’re keeping the group intentionally small so the conversation can feel relaxed and natural. Looking forward to meeting you. — Benny

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.

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!

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!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."