Fiction Writing

They say you never forget your first love. But there’s something about love that isn’t returned that's pretty hard to forget too. To help ease any post-Valentine’s Day blues, we’re going to spend our next Curiosity Café discussing **unrequited love.** We’ll begin by examining our experiences of unrequited love, to get to the bottom of what exactly we’re talking about. How is it different from, say, love that *is* requited? Or from infatuation? Is a one-sided friendship an instance of unrequited love? Is there a relevant difference between love that is not requited at all, and love that is not requited in *kind*? What can unrequited love tell us about the nature of love in general? Then, we’ll turn to thinking about how we should respond to unrequited love, either in ourselves, or in others. What value, if any, does unrequited love have? When love is unrequited, should we try to move on? Should we try to persuade our beloved to love us back? What should we do if we’re on the receiving end of unrequited love, or if we’re witness to a friend in this kind of situation? Join co-moderators Alexandra Gustafson and Sophia Whicher to dissect these questions and more on February 17th. **Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-unrequited-love-tickets-1982624787109) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle. Hope to see you there! ***___________________________________________________________________*** This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us. By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/). About the Curiosity Café Series: For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.

For the past couple of years, these events have brought together professionals who share a commitment to animal protection, ethical leadership, and thoughtful engagement. This upcoming gathering marks a special edition of the series, and will feature Melanie D.G. Kaplan, journalist and author of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. Melanie D.G. Kaplan will be joined in conversation by Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice. Together, they will explore the ethical questions surrounding animal research and advocacy, drawing on Melanie’s investigative reporting, her experience sharing a life with a former lab dog, and Camille’s long-standing work in animal protection. **The conversation is especially timely, as Ontario moves toward prohibiting invasive research on cats and dogs—signaling a significant shift in how the province approaches the ethics of animal research.** **Why Attend:** ✔️ **Hear from an Expert: **Melanie D.G. Kaplan brings journalistic rigor and compassion to her work on Lab Dog, a book that sheds light on how animals are used in research and what ethical alternatives might look like. ✔️ **Deepen Your Perspective: **Gain a nuanced understanding of the ethical, scientific, and human questions at the heart of contemporary animal research debates. ✔️ **Explore What’s Changing Now:** Ontario is moving to ban invasive research on cats and dogs—this event provides a timely opportunity to understand the implications for animal research ethics and advocacy. ✔️ **Connect with Purpose: **Join others who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. [RSVP HERE ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX1DDdQ5NaZmMSlon944OkvzEGSWfaDXcycnJ3yQLCINwxFA/viewform?utm_source=google_form&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ethics_in_action&utm_content=email1_button2)

Go Medieval! Learn Medieval arts, sciences, dancing and games! Have somefun with like minded history geeks. Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Andrew’s United Church 117 Bloor St EAST (near Church Street) Ring the buzzer for the gate keeper more info? www.eoforwic.ca

Game starts at 6pm! Friendly group of young guys and gals just out for some fun! New players that come for start receive a free 50 in chips! Beautiful Venue! Free Parking

Phil D is the event host for this movie. If you have any questions or concerns please post them on the wall below. Please update your RSVP asap if you are unable to attend the movie event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Plot Summary :** A man from the future arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night-six-block quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence Director Gore Verbinski Cast Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña **Trailer:** [Good Luck Have Fun Trailer](https://youtu.be/9LTxCBIJLPU?si=9W3kmaXncHN5vewA) **What time the Meetup group will meet at:** 6:45pm. We will go in soon after, so please start showing up before that time. **Time the movie STARTS:** 6:45pm **Movie Running Time:** 2h14m **Meetup Spot:** \***I will be outside the auditorium showing the film**\* with a black shoulder/sling bag. (e.g. if the film is showing in Auditorium #NN, we meet outside Auditorium #NN). **Where I will be sitting:** I will buy my ticket on the day of the movie, I usually sit closer to the front, but you can sit wherever you want. If you buy online, feel free to post your seat on the wall. **Cost of movie:** $5 + tax **Click here to go to the website to buy your ticket:** [https://www.cineplex.com/](https://www.cineplex.com/) **After the Movie:** We will have a quick chat about the movie after the film. **NOTE:** All movies are subject to change, I will always try for the best time. \*\*\*Also, please keep an eye out for any changes in venue or movie times. **I look forward to seeing you there!!** **REMEMBER YOU CAN JUST SIGN UP ON THE DAY OF OR JUST SHOW UP ON THE DAY OF IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT.** **THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THOSE THAT WANT TO BE SOCIAL, MAKE FRIENDS, THAT ARE SINGLE OR NOT SINGLE. WE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF OTHER EVENTS LIKE, MOVIES, WALKS, HIKES, ARTS & CULTURE AND RESTAURANTS. WE LOVE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS TO SOCIALIZE AND TO FORM LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS.** **Toronto Movies and Social Group: Policy** Please do not use your cellphone, talk, or otherwise disrupt the enjoyment of others around you, once the movie starts. Any complaints will be dealt with first as a warning, then subsequent removal from the group on repeated complaints. **Rules:** [Click Here!](https://www.meetup.com/toronto-movies-and-social-group/events/293241263/) **Getting The Best Out Of Meet:** [Click Here!](https://www.meetup.com/toronto-movies-and-social-group/events/293241269/) Don't Forget to join our email list (Meetup does not send out emails to everyone in a group) to get our weekly news later about upcoming events: [http://eepurl.com/hKt76f](http://eepurl.com/hKt76f) Facebook group @ [http://www.facebook.com/groups/502945113062739/](http://www.facebook.com/groups/502945113062739/)

Join us for an exclusive **AWS Toronto Office Visit** hosted by the AWS team, bringing together members from AWS Cloud Clubs across Ontario for an afternoon of learning, insight, and inspiration. This in-person visit is a chance to step inside the AWS office, meet the people building and scaling real-world cloud and robotics systems, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what careers at AWS actually look like. **What to expect:** * 🏢 **Guided Office Tour** – Experience the AWS Toronto workspace and culture * ☁️ **AWS Cloud Clubs Program Overview** – Learn how AWS supports student builders and communities * 🧠 **AWS & Solutions Architecture Talk** – How solutions architects design systems at scale * 🤖 **Amazon Robotics Session** – Explore how robotics and cloud infrastructure intersect at Amazon **📅 Date:** February 17, 2026 **⏰ Time:** 12:30 – 2:30 PM **📍 Location:** AWS Toronto Office **👥 Audience:** AWS Cloud Club members & partner university clubs (including TMU) Whether you’re curious about cloud careers, large-scale system design, or robotics at Amazon, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from AWS professionals face to face. Spots are limited. RSVP early.

🥞🎉 **13th ANNUAL PANCAKE TUESDAY DINNER!** 🎉🥞 **A Social + Friends-Making Night (and a Very Good Excuse to Eat Pancakes)** Why stay home when you can come out for **PANCAKES on Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday)**? 🥞✨ This delicious tradition happens the night before Lent — a time when, historically, people used up all the *butter, sugar, and sweet things* before giving something up for 40 days. (You do **not** have to be Catholic — it’s just a fun tradition I grew up with… and honestly, pancakes are reason enough.) It’s a weeknight, it’s cozy, it’s social, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather, laugh, and make new friends over a plate of fluffy goodness. 🧈🍯 👉 **Please note:** You don’t *have* to order pancakes… …but it’s **highly encouraged** 😉🥞 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* 🍽️ The Restaurant: **Kos Restaurant – Kensington Market** Kos is one of the **oldest and most beloved restaurants in Kensington Market** and one of Toronto’s top brunch spots. Weekend wait times can reach **an hour or more**, which tells you everything you need to know. They’re famous for: 🥞 Golden, fluffy pancakes 🍳 All-day breakfast 🌟 Fresh, made-to-order comfort food **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://www.kosrestaurant.ca/menu) ⚠️ **PLEASE NOTE:** This is a small diner, and we may be seated at **multiple tables** — but we’ll still be eating pancakes together in spirit. 🥞💛 \*\*\* 🧢 How to Find Me I’ll be outside the restaurant wearing my **Moose Hat** 🫎🎩 ❗ **PLEASE DO NOT GO INSIDE WITHOUT ME** — I’ll only wait **5 minutes** outside. 🚫 **Please don’t call the restaurant** — they won’t have any information about the event. 💬 Message **Mathew** directly with any questions. \*\*\* 💰 Costs 🍽️ **Cost of your meal:** $ (pay directly to the restaurant) 🎟️ **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* ⏰ A Gentle Reminder This is a **Tuesday night**. If you’re not sure you’ll be able to leave work on time, please wait to sign up until you know you can make it. Members who no-show or change their RSVP on the day may be held accountable per group rules — we want to be fair to everyone and to the restaurant. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to **everyone** who wants to be social, make friends, and enjoy great experiences — whether you’re single or not. We host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture 🍽️ Restaurant outings …and lots of cozy, community-focused events like this one. \*\*\* ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and events may need to be cancelled — please keep an eye out for updates. 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) 🥞✨ Come for the pancakes. Stay for the laughs. Leave with new friends. Honestly… what better way to spend a Tuesday night? 🥰

We're back with another pub night! Join us for a pint, a bite, and much writerly debate (but hopefully not too heated!). We'll be meeting trying out a new venue this time: The Quail: A Firkin Pub on Yonge Street just north of Rosedale Station. Hope to see you then!

\*\*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.

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!

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.

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.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/1/2/c/600_450140780.jpeg We're getting together with Writers and Actors to read full scripts, and give feedback. Discussions on the craft of good storytelling are a big part of the evening. We sometimes 'break' stories with writers - arming them with index cards, working with them to identify key moments in their script, sharpen character objectives, and seek greater conflict to increase stakes in the story. Our goal is to incubate new work, and help writers take their script to the next draft (and beyond). If you would like to have your script read, or 'break' your story idea with the room, please message Jarrett Rusnak. Beer, wine, and snacks will be served. We request a small PWYC to cover expenses.

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!

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!

The topic for February is "Transitions" 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 meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong