Fiction Writing

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Do you consider rolling dice strength training? Can you run a D&D campaign, but not a city block? If so, **WIZARDS & WORKOUTS** is for you. My name is Peter Reynolds. I'm a writer and lover of role playing games. I'm also out of shape. I've been looking for ways to motivate myself to start working out with the same enthusiasm I bring to my Dungeons & Dragons campaign. The plan is simple: host a fun, live role playing game where players take on the role of their favourite fantasy characters. The catch? You need to exercise if you want to succeed. Fighting a dragon? A fireball might cost you 5 pushups. Crossing a rooftop? Can you balance on one foot for a minute? By combining simple, low impact exercises, including walking & stretching, with an interactive adventure, we'll all get healthier, have fun and maybe meet some new friends along the way. All fitness levels are welcome (as are dogs), and no previous knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons is necessary. We meet in front of Broadview subway station at 10:00 am sharp and then walk to the Outdoor Fitness Station in Riverdale Park East (there are washrooms). At 11:30 we start walking west, through the park, ending at the Blake House Restaurant \* (Wellesley & Jarvis) by 12:30. **All sessions are free and I’ll be running them every Saturday throughout the summer (June, July & August). Check Meetup listings for individual dates. Hope to see you there!** * The Blake House is where our Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers' Group meets every Saturday from 1pm - 4pm to critique each other’s work. For more information on this event. Check out our Meetup events page.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon sketching hangout at the MaRS Building food court tables- Enter MaRS from Collage Street where the statue of two men are sitting by the glass doors. Turn left and head down the escalator. Turn left at the bottom of the escalator and head down the hall past another escalator and Foosball table the event will be held at the far end of the food court. **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Please bring your art supplies. Digital tablet, dry mediums, watercolour set, really anything that doesn't smell and is non toxic and easy to clean up. Please be considerate and leave the space as clean as it was before. Feel free to grab a drink or snack if you'd like. *Note the food court is closed but there are a couple of coffee shops in the area at street level. **Where to meet exactly?** MaRS Discovery District at 2pm **How to get there?** \- Public transit \- get off at Queens Park subway station\, walk East along Collage you should see glass doors with a statue of two men sitting at a table outside\. Instructions stated above Looking forward to meeting you all :) ================ **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

🍂 **Fall Walk: Rouge National Urban Park** 🌳 is Canada's only Urban Park and is one of our most popular hikes that we do as it's really the only hiking trail in Toronto that you can get to by TTC. Once you are on the trail you will not believe that you are still in the City. Not only will we be walking up and hills but I will take you to one of the best lookout points in the Valley. You don't want to miss an afternoon of hiking. This trail can be a bit challenging (with some ups and downs), so it may not be the best choice for beginners. But if you’re up for it, you’ll feel proud of yourself at the end — and you’ll have shared the experience with a great group of people. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a **group picnic** (30–40 mins). Please bring something small to share — nothing too big so it’s easy to carry! 🥪🍎 *** ### Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location (TTC):** On the platform for the **85B bus** at Don Mills Station. Look for me in my Moose Hat 🦌. 🕙 **Meetup Time:** 10:00am (I’ll wait until the bus comes, but remember: *Early is on time, on time is late*.) 🚌 **Bus Leaves:** 10:13am sharp. If you miss it, you won’t be able to join us. 🚗 **By Car:** * Parking is **not available** where we are meeting. If driving, please park at the **Toronto Zoo** (paid parking) and walk to the **Park’s Welcome Centre (the house)**. * Car Meetup Time: 11:00am (we might be a few minutes late arriving). 👟 **Hike Length:** \~2 hours 30 minutes + short break 🧺 **Picnic:** 30–40 minutes after the hike 💲 **Fee:** $5 cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ### What to Bring * Water 💧 * Good walking shoes 👟 * A snack 🍫 * Picnic item to share 🥗 📍 **End Spot:** Park’s Welcome Centre *** ✨ This group is open to anyone who wants to be social, make friends, and enjoy nature. We also run events like movies, hikes, arts & culture, and restaurants. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) 🔔 Reminder: You can just show up on the day if you’re not sure ahead of time. ⚠️ Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. 👤 Organized by Mathew. For questions, post on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **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) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

🌳🍦 ST. CLAIR WEST VILLAGE WALK, WYCHWOOD PARK, ICE CREAM & MORE! 🍦🌳 Hidden Streets, Storybook Homes & Some of Toronto’s Best Ice Cream Some parts of Toronto feel like you've accidentally wandered into a completely different city. Join us for a relaxed social walk through St. Clair West and the hidden enclave of Wychwood Park — one of Toronto's most unique and exclusive residential communities. Wychwood Park is private, residential, and unlike anywhere else in the city. The homes are all architecturally distinct — no cookie-cutter subdivisions here. Living in Wychwood Park involves a waiting list, board approval, and community guidelines designed to preserve the character of the neighbourhood. It feels almost village-like... peaceful, artistic, and slightly secret. This is not a formal historical tour. It's a social walk with beautiful surroundings, interesting neighbourhoods, and good conversation. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We'll Do We'll begin by walking west along St. Clair, taking in the neighbourhood and exploring some of the area's hidden gems. Along the way we'll stop at Dutch Dreams for ice cream — one of Toronto's most famous ice cream destinations. 🍦 From there we'll wander through the winding streets of Wychwood Park before making a stop at Artscape Wychwood Barns to browse the market and community space. Afterward, we'll make our way back toward St. Clair and finish at Grandma Loves You, a local favourite known for some of the best sandwiches in Toronto. 🥪 You are welcome to join us for food or continue back to the subway station. Sometimes the best part of these walks is simply discovering places you never knew existed. *** 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This event happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for outdoor walking and typical Toronto weather conditions. This is an easy social walk suitable for most people. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside St. Clair West Station by McDonald's 🫎 I'll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. PLEASE BE ON TIME. We will leave promptly and I won't be able to spend time trying to help late arrivals find the group. 📍 End Spot: Back at St. Clair West Station *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer 📧 [mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com) This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring 👟 Good walking shoes 💧 Water 🍦 Spending money if you'd like ice cream or lunch 🚻 Please use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. *** 📚 Learn More Interested in learning more about Wychwood Park before we go? Click Here! *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There's always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You're welcome to just show up on the day if you're unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the hidden streets. Stay for the ice cream. Leave feeling like you discovered one of Toronto's best-kept secrets. 🌳✨

🍂 **Fall Walk: Rouge National Urban Park** 🌳 is Canada's only Urban Park and is one of our most popular hikes that we do as it's really the only hiking trail in Toronto that you can get to by TTC. Once you are on the trail you will not believe that you are still in the City. Not only will we be walking up and hills but I will take you to one of the best lookout points in the Valley. You don't want to miss an afternoon of hiking. This trail can be a bit challenging (with some ups and downs), so it may not be the best choice for beginners. But if you’re up for it, you’ll feel proud of yourself at the end — and you’ll have shared the experience with a great group of people. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a **group picnic** (30–40 mins). Please bring something small to share — nothing too big so it’s easy to carry! 🥪🍎 *** ### Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location (TTC):** On the platform for the **85B bus** at Don Mills Station. Look for me in my Moose Hat 🦌. 🕙 **Meetup Time:** 10:00am (I’ll wait until the bus comes, but remember: *Early is on time, on time is late*.) 🚌 **Bus Leaves:** 10:13am sharp. If you miss it, you won’t be able to join us. 🚗 **By Car:** * Parking is **not available** where we are meeting. If driving, please park at the **Toronto Zoo** (paid parking) and walk to the **Park’s Welcome Centre (the house)**. * Car Meetup Time: 11:00am (we might be a few minutes late arriving). 👟 **Hike Length:** \~2 hours 30 minutes + short break 🧺 **Picnic:** 30–40 minutes after the hike 💲 **Fee:** $5 cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ### What to Bring * Water 💧 * Good walking shoes 👟 * A snack 🍫 * Picnic item to share 🥗 📍 **End Spot:** Park’s Welcome Centre *** ✨ This group is open to anyone who wants to be social, make friends, and enjoy nature. We also run events like movies, hikes, arts & culture, and restaurants. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) 🔔 Reminder: You can just show up on the day if you’re not sure ahead of time. ⚠️ Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. 👤 Organized by Mathew. For questions, post on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Join me for an afternoon of movement, breath, nature, community, and **cannabis.** No experience with yoga or cannabis is needed. This class is beginner-friendly, non-competitive, and open to all bodies and experience levels. You’re invited to move in whatever way feels good for you, flowing through every pose or simply resting on your mat and soaking it all in. Cannabis can support relaxation, creativity, embodiment, presence, and connection. Everyone’s experience is different, and part of the practice is getting curious about what unfolds for you. We’ll begin by gathering, smoking or vaping (optional), and settling into the space before moving into our practice under the trees. If you prefer edibles, please take them about an hour before class so they have time to kick in. This class is by donation. Most people contribute between $5–35. Cash or e-transfer accepted. ### Please bring: * Your cannabis * Yoga mat (optional, the grass is lovely) * Water * Warm/weather-appropriate layers * Optional snack to share afterward We practice rain or shine. Hi, I’m Nici from [Breathing in Nature](https://www.breathinginnature.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com). I’ve been teaching cannabis-enhanced yoga for over a decade and love creating welcoming spaces where people can slow down, connect, and explore movement and medicines in a different way.

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

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

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 are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet 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!**

The topic for July is "Shoes" 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!

This month we’ll be reading Masters of Death by Olivie Blake. Feel free to attend even if you don’t finish the book!