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Yes! Check out first time authors events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the first time authors events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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First Time Authors Events Today
Join in-person First Time Authors events happening right now
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
**New Dojo Location!**
**Draft Day Columbus**
1130 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works
Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead.
We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)
Gold Star Business Networking
Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!
Thursday Night Preview: THE BRIDE at the Gateway Film Center!
Join us as we get together to see the period drama / classic monster movie, THE BRIDE! The film is written/directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in a new take on the classic tale, The Bride of Frankenstein. We'll be seeing this one on Thurs, 3/5 one day ahead of the film's opening on Friday. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein's creature asks Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. They give life to a murdered woman as "the Bride," sparking romance, police interest and radical social change. It is written, directed and co-produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-qJkAXLfYM
PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night!
PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Pre-show bite at Cazuela’s next door at 5:30pm. Please arrive by 5:30pm and ask for the Movie Group!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Columbus Educational Leaders Networking Event
## Overview
Networking event for aspiring school leaders interested in building their own high-quality K-12 public school in their community.
**About the Event:**
Aspiring school founders in the Columbus, OH, area are invited to join us for this special in-person networking event where you will be able to ask questions, learn more about the BES Fellowship and make sure you are prepared for the application process and beyond.
In addition to meeting like-minded leaders who are also committed to transforming education and bringing a high-quality K-12 option to their community, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team and gain special insights from Dr. Chaundria Smith, BES Senior Director of Fellowship Coaching, who works closely to support BES Fellows.
During this event, you can also learn more about the various regions across Ohio we are prioritizing for the BES Fellowship to ensure that new schools will respond to the needs of their community.
**About the BES Fellowship:**
Leaders in the BES Fellowship embark on a multi-year process to design, found, and lead an excellent K-12 public school that reflects and responds to community needs.
We are currently accepting applications to the 2026 BES Fellowship. The extended deadline is March 30, and the 2026 Cohort will begin August 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Learn more at [bes.org/fellowship](http://bes.org/fellowship "http://bes.org/fellowship").
Happening Hour at Natalie's!
Come join us at [Natalies](https://nataliesgrandview.com/) in Grandview for a free Happy Hour show. **The doors open at 5:00 pm.** Tonight is Sirens, an all girl rock band. This club has a great vibe with drink and eats specials.
**The show runs from 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm.** There is no admission charge, but tips for the band are strongly encouraged.
***RESERVATIONS ARE FOR A 8-TOP; overflow can sit at the bar, lean in, or find available all season patio seating. MEMBERS ONLY, please. No guests.*** *(I have to pay for no shows. If you cancel late or no show, you may be temporarily removed from the group)*
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
Want to Truly Heal from Emotional Trauma?
Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few.
How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again.
So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that.
Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.
First Time Authors Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Indianapolis Online Speed Dating Perfect for first timers
**🌹 Discover Speed Dating Online – The Easiest Way for First Timers to Meet Someone!**
**⚠️ RSVP ≠ Registration!**
Your Meetup RSVP alone does **not** secure a spot. You must click your age group link below, complete registration, and finish the personality quiz. **Spots are limited** and fill fast!
**🎟️ Age Group Registration Links (Click Yours Now):**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0)
---
🔑 **The secret to great first dates?** Feeling comfortable. Start here! Online speed dating is perfect for first-timers. Meet like-minded local singles from the comfort of your own home – no pressure, no crowded venues, just genuine connections in a safe, welcoming environment.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- First-time speed daters ready to try something new
- People returning to dating after a break who want a gentle start
- Anyone trying speed dating for the first time
- First-timers wanting a low-pressure, guided experience
- Singles who feel more comfortable meeting from home first
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Live on Zoom – easy to join, private, and beginner-friendly
- **Location:** Your cozy space – meet from wherever you feel most comfortable
- **Host:** Friendly host who makes first-timers feel welcome and at ease
- **Vibe:** Comfortable chats with Indianapolis singles in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment
**How It Works**
1. **Pick Your Session** – Select the age group that fits you and register your spot.
2. **Do the Matching Quiz** – It only takes a minute and dramatically improves your matches.
3. **Log In & Relax** – Join the Zoom call and let the fun begin. Your host handles the logistics!
4. **Speed Dating Rounds** – Enjoy guided, structured conversations with friendly Indianapolis singles.
5. **Get Your Matches** – After the event, mutual matches are revealed. Start a real connection!
💡 **Top tip:** Good lighting and a tidy background go a long way on Zoom dates.
⭐ *"Way better than any dating app. Real conversations with real people. Loved it!"* – Indianapolis attendee
---
✨ First-timers welcome, always. Join hundreds of Indianapolis singles who found love online! 💕 ✨
Cleveland Online Speed Dating Perfect for first timers
**🥰 Discover Speed Dating Online – The Easiest Way for First Timers to Meet Someone!**
**⚠️ CRITICAL: Your Spot Is NOT Confirmed by RSVPing!**
Follow these steps to secure entry:
1. Select your age group below
2. Click the registration link
3. Complete the personality quiz
**Spots are extremely limited!**
**🎯 Select Your Age Group & Register Now:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0)
---
🙌 **Never tried speed dating before?** You're in the right place! Think of it as the easiest first date you'll ever have – from your couch, with a host who keeps things fun, and a room full of Cleveland singles who are just as excited (and maybe just as nervous) as you.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations
- Anyone who's tired of swiping and wants real conversation
- Shy or reserved singles who open up better in private chats
- Anyone trying speed dating for the first time
- First-timers wanting a low-pressure, guided experience
**How It Works**
1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above.
2. **Answer a Few Fun Questions** – Our quiz helps match you with compatible Cleveland singles.
3. **Show Up on Zoom** – Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let the host guide you through each round.
4. **Enjoy the Conversations** – Each round is timed and guided so every chat feels natural and fun.
5. **Get Your Matches** – After the event, mutual matches are revealed. Start a real connection!
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Live on Zoom – easy to join, private, and beginner-friendly
- **Location:** Wherever you're most relaxed – that's your venue tonight
- **Host:** Charismatic host who keeps the energy positive and the nerves low
- **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Cleveland singles
- **Follow-up:** Post-event match results delivered to your inbox
- **Support:** Our host is available before, during, and after the event
💡 **Heads up:** The best connections happen when you're genuinely interested in the other person.
---
✨ Connect from your comfort zone with friendly Cleveland first-timers – no pressure, just possibilities! 💓 ✨
Detroit Online Speed Dating Perfect for first timers
**🌹 Online Speed Dating – No Awkwardness, Just Fun – Great for First Timers!**
**⚠️ PLEASE READ: Simply RSVPing Will Not Secure Your Spot!**
To join this event, click your age group registration link below, sign up, and complete the short personality quiz. **Capacity is strictly limited** – don't delay!
**📌 Register for Your Age Group Here:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0)
---
🌟 **Want to meet real singles without the bar scene?** Welcome! Our online speed dating events are specifically designed with first-timers in mind. Every conversation is guided, every interaction is comfortable, and you never have to leave your home.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- First-time speed daters ready to try something new
- Singles who appreciate a guided, hosted dating experience
- Anyone who believes great chemistry starts with great conversation
- Busy professionals who value their time and comfort
- Anyone looking for a fun, structured way to meet new people
⭐ *"Way better than any dating app. Real conversations with real people. Loved it!"* – Detroit attendee
**How It Works**
1. **Pick Your Session** – Select the age group that fits you and register your spot.
2. **Do the Matching Quiz** – It only takes a minute and dramatically improves your matches.
3. **Show Up on Zoom** – Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let the host guide you through each round.
4. **Start Chatting** – Short, timed conversations with compatible Detroit singles. No awkward silences!
5. **See Who Liked You Back** – Mutual matches sent to your inbox. Your next chapter begins!
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Zoom meetup – real-time conversations in a relaxed online space
- **Location:** Anywhere with Wi-Fi – your couch, your café, your call
- **Host:** Supportive facilitator experienced in helping newcomers enjoy speed dating
- **Vibe:** Friendly, no-judgement conversations with singles from the Detroit area
- **Matches:** Mutual matches revealed after the event
- **Follow-up:** Post-event match results delivered to your inbox
- **Atmosphere:** Positive, inclusive, and judgement-free
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✨ Life's too short for bad dates. Try a great one – from home! 🥰 ✨
Shut Up & Write!® Easton Town Center
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!
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
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 Gir With the Louding Voice Abi Dare
Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835)
Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/)
[Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1)
Book summary:
Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard
First Time Authors Events Near You
Connect with your local First Time Authors community
Speak Easy (Storytelling)
The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves"
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!
Shut Up & Write! Kingsdale Shopping Center
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!
Queer Quills
**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!**
First Book Club Meet Up!
This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group!
* We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook)
* ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print****
* Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ !
* Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too!
* Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.
Pop-up Book Club 2 : The Tenth of December, by George Saunders
Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories.
(Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)






























