Horror Writing

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). **Other Important Details:** **Venue info:** this is a public café, so expect some noise around you. Please bring your headphones. While some plugs are available, they might not be free while we are there. Please charge your laptop beforehand. As this is a public café, and we're going to occupy a table for a while, *please buy something if you can* (even a cup of tea will do)! **IMPORTANT:** in the unfortunate case we are not able to find a table at this café, we'll need to move to another location close-by. The organizer will leave detailed info in the comment section of each event. Please check! **Travel info:** Closest public transport stops \- Finchley Road & Frognal \(Overground\)\, 1 min away \- West Hampstead Thameslink \(train\)\, 10 min away \- West Hampstead \(Overground\)\, 10 minutes away \- West Hampstead \(Underground\, Jubilee line\)\, 12 min away \- Bus stop FB \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away \- Bus stop FF \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, John and Solitaire

Details on getting tickets for movie + pre drinks below. **PREMISE** Lee Cronin's The Mummy - which Blumhouse wants to ensure everyone is aware does not star Brendan Fraser - is set to hit theatres next week, and the first social media reactions have been shared online. A recent rumour claimed that a test screening for this movie led to several people, including producer James Wan, walking out due to the graphic nature of the horror on display. While this was most likely nonsense, these reactions do suggest that The Mummy will not be for the faint of heart. "Disgusting, gross, and nauseating" are just some of the words used to describe the movie, but most critics seem to be in agreement that Blumhouse's reimagining is also pretty damn scary, and fans of the director's previous horror flick, Evil Dead Rise, should be in for a fun time. The story focuses on a child named Katie who reappears after vanishing in the desert eight years prior, only to begin manifesting some terrifying new character traits. The trailers suggest that Cronin has taken a more demonic possession approach than most previous adaptations of the original story, which typically feature an ancient Egyptian ruler being resurrected to seek vengeance when their tomb is disturbed. **TRAILER** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0uv-phsDk **CINEMA TICKETS** https://www.myvue.com/book-tickets/summary/10030/HO00020933/307996 **DRINKS** We can go for a drink before the movie at The Imperial. **SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** 12:45 - Drinks at The Imperial, 5 Leicester St, London WC2H 7BL 13:30 - film at Vue Cinema London - West End (Leicester Square) - 3 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AL

New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes – expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour – there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** **Classes can be booked ahead via tickets below** Secret Sketch is a sit down sketch class- drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick Every Saturday 11-1pm £15/ £10 students and under 25's **Or you can drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/saturday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426760932437)

If you're looking for a laid back Saturday playing some board games and talking nerd stuff in a pub with some awesome people, this is the meetup for you! Whether you're new to London or just want to get some long-lost in-person socialisation, we're a friendly community and welcome you all. **What to expect:** We officially play from **2 PM to 7 PM**, but we keep it casual. Show up when you can, and stay as long as you like. If you’re having a good time, there’s usually a group that stays late for a few extra pints and chat. **Some house rules:** * We aim to ensure these events are friendly, welcoming and safe, and so we ask you abide by our [Code of Conduct](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YEl0gv61SkBFN-YF6fyVvuQYicWbWhRL/view?usp=drive_link) * We have a community box of games we keep in the pub, but please feel welcome to bring your own games along. Just be prepared to teach us how to play! * We don't charge a cover fee, so please help support the pub by ordering food and drink throughout the afternoon. * Please keep your RSVPs updated so we can manage numbers and ensure we can reserve enough tables.

If it's blood, death and torture you're looking for, then this is the tour for you! On the London: City of Death Tour, you will witness torture, executions, and human experiments! We will walk over a plague pit and escape Newgate Prison! Our tour group meets outside Barbican Tube Station, and sets off at 3pm sharp! The tour lasts 90 minutes, finishing off outside St Pauls Cathedral! Afterwards you pay what you think the tour is worth! We accept cash or cards! So come and join us on this blood soaked walk through London's dark history! *(Trigger warning: This tour contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and execution, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.)*

**💖 Online Speed Dating via Zoom – Connect with Harrow Singles Tonight!** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Ditch the apps. Meet Harrow singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Harrow local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 🚀 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=422.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=open-hearts-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=422.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=open-hearts-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=422.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Harrow&groupurlname=open-hearts-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - ✨ Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - First-timers new to speed dating 🛠 **What the flow looks like** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Chat** – Quick timed rounds with Harrow singles paired to you. **At a glance** - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video dates - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. --- ✨ Meet Harrow singles from home. Sign up and we'll take care of the rest. 🥰 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The community matters as much as the session itself It is meant to feel like the start of ongoing relationships, not just a single session on the calendar.

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

Songwriters, come to our 3rd Sunday face-face songwriters' open mic at the Plough near the British Museum. STOP PRESS 6/4/26 - this open mic is still running but the ability to book slots in advance has disappeared - sorry. You can access info about it here though: [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/plough/whats-on ](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/plough/whats-on) The Plough is a nice pub, good food and the host is keen on original songs – I often go and can tell you it will be a fun evening Hope to see you there, Stu PS remember open mics can be a bit informal and do occasionally get cancelled at short notice. I'll update attendees if I here anything...

Step into the gas-lit streets of Victorian London and uncover the chilling story of Jack the Ripper. This evening walking tour takes you deep into Whitechapel, where one of history’s most notorious serial killers stalked his victims. Follow your expert guide as you: Visit the actual sites of the Ripper’s murders Explore hidden alleys and cobblestoned lanes Hear the true stories of the victims and the suspects See rare photographs and police reports Learn how the crimes shocked London — and the world Your guide will separate fact from fiction, using historical evidence and forensic insight to paint a vivid picture of life in East London in 1888. ⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Attendance Confirmation Required To help us manage attendance, please complete the form below if you will be attending. You will only be added to the confirmed list once the form has been completed. **Confirm here:** https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO_ujT7S1q-3EiZgkxHfPxJGgG8CnlYNCrHqQkLPNXmEC4Gw/viewform?usp=header If you are unable to join, please just send us a message to let us know.

Join us for Games 1 and 2 of our ongoing LARP series set in a BPRD‑inspired Hellboy universe. If you’ve ever wanted to try Live Action Role Playing, this is an ideal moment to jump in. Agents have disappeared while investigating reports that one of the UK’s eeriest historical theme parks may be genuinely haunted. A second team of enhanced operatives has now been dispatched to uncover the truth. Players will take on the role of BPRD agents sent to Carthage. If you plan to attend, please let us know — we tailor character backgrounds for everyone, and early notice helps us prepare something fun and personal for you. We’re a friendly hobby group that always welcomes new players. You can find more information about who we are and what we do on our website: [Furthest Frontiers - About - FURTHEST FRONTIERS](https://lotna-larp.co.uk/about.html) If you RSVP, we’ll get in touch to guide you through character creation and explain what to expect on the day. The site is accessible by car, and we can also arrange pickups from Longfield Station. A group meets at 8:45 at Victoria Mainline Station to catch a train together. The cost for a one‑day game is **£20**, which helps us cover venue and equipment expenses.

We will be meeting at The Racketeer! We will divide into smaller groups to discuss this month's book. It will be very obvious when you arrive to the pub, where our group is, but please feel free to give me a call if you are struggling to find us. For new members, shoot me a message on meetup and I will send through my phone number!

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 6pm-6:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 6:15pm-7:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 7:45pm-8pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Our monthly magical writing workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels and types (poetry and prose). Join TaraTheBard in a guided discussion about magical writing practices, ancestral connection and creativity, seasonal writing practices, publication luck magic, putting craft into storycrafting, and more. Each session focuses on the theme of a tarot card. This inclusive workshop provides support to new and experienced writers, a thematic prompt, in-workshop writing time, and space to share ideas and results. Paper notebooks, laptops, and tablets encouraged. Bring your best writing tools, your favorite blanket, a cozy cup of tea, or whatever you need to connect with the spirits of writing. \*\*New attendees welcome!\*\* This month, we plan to create and enact a group spell, discuss The Fool. Focus: Please bring your favorite tarot deck's Fool card (though you may also borrow a store deck if needed). More updates will come in comments.

Shut Up & Write meets at Cascades Library in Room D. We hope to see you there! *Shut Up & Write is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Library.*

> Join the first **FILMS MADE IN NOVA** meetup! We’ll get to know each other, share ideas, and plan our first collaborative film project. > This group is for actors, writers, editors, cinematographers, and storytellers of all kinds who want to create original films and actually finish them. > Come ready to brainstorm, collaborate, and turn ideas into completed projects. Whether you’re experienced or just passionate about filmmaking, this is a place to connect and make films happen.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Twister Talk,”** on tornadoes and advances in our understanding of them, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk) .] Springtime brings tornado outbreaks and devastation across the United States. The good news for those of us who anxiously eye the skies: Tornado science is rapidly evolving and improving, as are the means by which we detect funnel clouds and warn of their approach. Get up to speed with what’s known about tornadoes with the help of Dr. Jeffery Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post* Capital Weather Gang who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on hurricanes and snowstorms. He’ll describe how, with the help of research conducted by tornado hunters, meteorologists are using ever more sophisticated computer simulations and datasets to try to “crack the code” when it comes to how and where tornadoes form. We’ll look at how science teams wielding Portable Doppler Radars on small trucks are learning that tornado wind speeds are much stronger than once presumed. We’ll consider how decades of data are changing how we think about “Tornado Alley,” and we’ll review what’s known about the relationship between tornadoes and climate change. Professor Halverson will conclude by discussing the technological strides being made in terms of tornado warning and detection, and how tornado scientists are teaming up with social scientists to gain a better understanding of what leaves us vulnerable to natural hazards. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: An F5 tornado over Elie, Manitoba in June 2007 (Photo by Justin Hobson / Wikimedia Commons).