Fiction Writing

One of the most influential works of social psychology in history, The Crowd was highly instrumental in creating this field of study by analyzing, in detail, mass behavior. The book had a profound impact not only on Freud but also on such twentieth-century masters of crowd control as Hitler and Mussolini — both of whom may have used its observations as a guide to stirring up popular passions. In the author's words, "The masses have never thirsted after the truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim." Although the volume focuses on crowd psychology, it is also brilliantly instructive on the effects of the generally accepted beliefs of a nation's citizenry on the processes of history. Among the topics covered here are general characteristics and mental unity of the crowd; the crowd's sentiments and morality; its ideas, reasoning power, and imagination; opinions and beliefs of crowds and the means used by leaders to persuade; classification of crowds, including criminal and electrical assemblages, as well as the functioning of criminal juries and parliamentary assemblies. A must-read volume for students of history, sociology, law, and psychology, The Crowd will also be invaluable to politicians, statesmen, investors, and marketing managers. "Any study of crowd behavior, popular psychology, fascism, etc. would do well to begin with Le Bon's work." — Anson Rabinbach, Professor of History, Princeton University.

NOTE - it often faster to [buy your ferry ticket online in advance](https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp) End your week with some surf, sand, and fun. I love to show off this magical place to both longtime visitors and people discovering them for the first time too. The Toronto Islands are one of my favourite spots in all of the city for a multitude of reasons. Long to learn more about the rich history of the Toronto Islands? Participants will spot some amazing houses, creep by a haunted lighthouse, walk on a rainbow, see a giant hedge maze, and more. This is a dog friendly walk . So leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. We will take the 6:45PM ferry to Hanlan's Point. All participants are responsible for their ferry fares. We will walk from Hanlan's Point to Ward's Island with some brief stops along the way. We will return on the 9:45PM ferry from Ward's Island. While paths are all lit, participants may want to bring headlights/flashlights for improved visibility. Upon arrival, pay your ferry fare and then look for me in the waiting area. I'll be holding a Meetup sign. I may even borrow a dog or two for this adventure. **NOTE** \- remember that you can just show up if unsure of your schedule

**Directions to the Room:** To find the room, once in Port Credit Arena at the main entrance, go up the stairs, room is on the left. Room is labelled Credit Room South. **Age: 18+** **Event Description:** This is an informal improv workshop where we get together to play games and scenes similar to those in Whose Line is it Anyways: https://youtu.be/KF3D2TMUhN8. If you want to boost your acting chops or are just looking for some silly fun, this is the place to be! There are usually 10-20 people. The session starts with introductions, followed by group games then finishes with audience/performance sessions. Max capacity is 30 and spots are held based on how soon you sign up. See you there! **Payment** The price is $10 per person (interac only!) to help cover the costs of running the event. I can only accept interac e-transfer since at Mississauga facilities I'm not allowed to take cash. We start by 7:10 please make sure to come on time. P.S - We usually grab dinner/drinks at one of Port Credit's fabulous nearby bars or restaurants after the session. Everyone's welcome!

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD)[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FtwkSBwyNUbCTSOq5H4Kmn?mode=gi_c)group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our[ website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Vaughan Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/KYLZlD) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

🎶**🎭✨ Join Us for Our Monthly Musical Theatre Open Mic Night!** 🎶**🎭** Join us for this our monthly Open Mic Night! Open out and for our PRIDE might and be yourself. **Musical Theatre Open Mic Night:** Toronto Cabaret Productions proudly invites you to an open mic experience **like no other** — a night where talent shines, voices soar, and community comes alive. 💖 This isn’t *just* an open mic… It’s a **life-changing, joy-filled, goosebump-making night of connection, courage, belonging, and pure musical theatre magic.** ✨✨✨ Whether you're a powerhouse vocalist, a nervous first-timer, a theatre kid at heart, or simply someone who loves being surrounded by creativity — **this space is for YOU.** A safe, welcoming, all-ages room where everyone is celebrated. 🌈🤝🎶 If you love to sing musical theatre or showtune songs then this is for you. Bring a friend, bring your sheet music, just come and listen, be inspired and just be you. **Diseny Theme Night!:** Come out and sing your favourit disney song or come out and listen! HOWEVER, you can sing any song you like from a show even if it doesn't fi the theme. ### 💫 What to Expect: • 💛 A warm, inclusive, community-minded environment • 🎹 Live piano accompaniment by the brilliant Gabriel QB • 🎤 A chance to perform your favourite MT number (or discover a new one!) • 🎶 Show tune sing-alongs that feel like instant friendship • 🌟 Wildly talented performers + tons of encouragement and applause • 🤗 A place to meet new people, make friends, and belong ### ⏰ Event Flow 📍**Doors Open and Sign Up:** 7:00pm ⏱️**Open Mic Starts:** 7:15pm **🎤 Ends:** 10:00pm 🎟️ **Cover:** $10 cash and there will be no Meetup fee! **Hosted By:** Mathew Mac Lean **Piano Accompanist:** Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair **Meetup Spot:** Mathew will be inside hosting the event **Please note:** **Please bring your own sheet music for the accompanist but we might also have your song.** **Leaving time:** Any time you like. It should take about 2hrs. **REMEMBER YOU CAN JUST SHOW UP OR JUST SHOW UP ON THE DAY OF IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT.** **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and I might have to cancel so please keep a look out for that! *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** 📅 **Mark Your Calendar:** Next Open Mic — **Friday, September 18th, 2026**🎶✨

**Important:** **RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot.** **To join this experience, you must sign up at [app.cinders.dating](https://app.cinders.dating/home?utmSource=meetup) and complete your profile. Only confirmed guests will receive the exact location and details.** ✨ Skip weeks of texting. Meet your mutual matches in a setting that doesn't feel like an awkward first date. 🪄 Every month, we match singles who are looking for similar things with similar profiles and put them on a group date. **🏓 🍻 We are doing ping pong & drinks this month! 🏓 🍻** **What to Expect** Ping pong + drinks, 12 - 16 singles (balanced gender) looking for similar things. **How it works** 1. Create your profile on [Cinders](https://app.cinders.dating/home?utmSource=meetup). 2. Select 3 things that matter most to you in a partner. 3. We invite singles whose preferences align for blind group dates. 4. Confirm your spot (small registration fee), show up and meet your matches in a social setting that doesn't feel like an awkward first date. The exact date and location will be shared only with confirmed guests. **[Sign up here](https://app.cinders.dating/home?utmSource=meetup)** **[Cinders](https://app.cinders.dating/home?utmSource=meetup) is a social app designed to help singles skip weeks of dating apps and meet in real life.** Our app learns your preferences and who and what you're into, then matches you into IRL experiences with people you might be aligned with. **To join this experience, you must sign up at [cinders.dating](https://app.cinders.dating/home?utmSource=meetup) and complete your profile. Only confirmed guests will receive the location and details.**

\*\*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.

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.

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 through the summer. 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.

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.

On **Sunday June 21st,** **see the final ballet of the Season - Maddaddam, a joint effort with The Royal Ballet in the UK!** To experience *MADDADDAM* is to be immersed in the imagination and unflinching moral acuity of Canada’s Margaret Atwood on subjects of rampant technological experimentation, colonialism and greed. Wayne McGregor’s 2022 co-production with The Royal Ballet brings Atwood’s post-apocalyptic MaddAddam trilogy to life, exploring themes of extinction and invention, hubris and humanity, spliced together with Atwood’s signature activism and connection to Canada. Scored by one of the greatest living composers, Max Richter, *MADDADDAM* is an unforgettable production for our time. My seat is Ring 3, Row C seat 321 and I hope there may be some takers. **Purchase Maddaddam on Sunday June 21st at 2pm.** **COST** Regular: $56 - 264 includes taxes and fees. Rush: A limited number of tickets will go on sale at 11:00am on the day of the performance, subject to availability. Discounts vary per performance. Rush tickets are limited to two per person and can be purchased over the phone at 416 345 9595 or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office, 145 Queen Street West. Meetup fee: $5 Ticket Policy: Sales are final and non-refundable. **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes, [purchase](https://my.ballet.ca/3197/3206) your ticket and post your seat number and I will move you to attending.** * If you plan to buy RUSH, please state that in your RSVP, so I can include you in the pre-mail and we can meet you. * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me at 1:45pm** **along the right glass wall, after scanning your tickets and entering The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.** **Ballet start time: 2pm** Length: 2 hours 25 mins (incl. 2 intermissions) Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

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!

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!

**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!**