Memoir Writing

Great news - **Toronto Writers Community** is having an Open Mic event (our 14th) on March 4, 2026 at the Tranzac (**292 Brunswick Ave**). At 6:00pm we begin to gather, at 6:30pm we begin to read. Please let me know either here on Meetup or through [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torontowriterscommunity/) or the night of, if you would like to present. Bring a friend or two, and get ready for a night of sharing work and taking in the talent that Toronto has to offer. Feel free to read or to come and listen. Meet new people, get inspired. The event starts at 6pm, ends at 9:30pm. At 292 Brunswick Ave, On **Wednesday, March 4, 2026**. See you there! As always, the event is free, but a donation bowl will be present and all donations all much appreciated.

Welcome to Open Coffee! Hey friend!
 Open coffee meetup in downtown Toronto Wednesday at 8 AM at Boxcar Social in Waterworks.
 The event will be hosted by myself, Trevor Carlson. You can find out more about me here -> https://www.youtube.com/@trevor-carlson 
I am new in town and looking to start a meetup group to make new friends and meet like minded people.
 Open Coffee was started in Cedar Falls, Iowa and grew to over 500 members. I’m bringing the same concept to Toronto.
 The format is you show up, share what you’re working on or excited about, and we all have a discussion around it and share ideas. Pretty simple but can be very fun and beneficial.
I look forward to talking about adventure travel and writing.
Hope to see you there!

Bagua is a style of Kung Fu that uses circular movements and evasive stepping to overcome force with smoothness. It is similar to Tai Chi, but faster and more dynamic. We will meet at 3 pm on the grass near the front gate of Alexander Muir Memorial Garden near the corner of Yonge and Lawrence. Our focus will be on strong kung fu basics, developing body and mind and self defense. Class is $20, wear seasonable and comfortable clothing.

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening Free entry to the AGO to view Feminism art by Jesse Mockrin and Alison Katz. At 6 pm, we will meet-up at The Village Idiot for some fine dining and even finer beer. I like to use my beer randomizer to pick my beer from their extensive list. https://www.villagegeniuspub.com/ 126 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W2 At 7 pmish, we will cross the street to enter the Art Gallery of Ontario. Please reserve your entry the day of at https://ago.ca/visit/free-wednesday-nights OR buy an annual membership for $40 We will then make our way to Level 1, Philip B. Lind Gallery, #131 and #132 to see Jesse Mockrin: Echo https://ago.ca/exhibitions/jesse-mockrin-echo Then we will take the lift to Rosamond Ivey Gallery, Level 4 to see Eva Herzog Allison Katz: Inner Momentum https://ago.ca/exhibitions/allison-katz-inner-momentum That concludes our tour, though if you any to see more art, the AGO is open until 9 pm. If you are interested in other Women Art Initiatives, check the link below: Women's Art Association Of Canada https://womensartofcanada.ca/ 23 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B2 AND please share yours in the comments below.

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

💘 **Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with MongoDB Skill Badge** **Rescheduled due to hazardous winter weather for Toronto.** Fall in love with building smarter AI applications using Retrieval Augmented Generation with MongoDB. In this Valentine-themed session, you will learn how to design RAG applications, use vector search effectively, apply smart chunking strategies, and build an LLM-powered app with LangChain and MongoDB using your own data. 🎓 **Skill Badge** Complete the skill check at the end of the session and earn a Credly Badge to share with your network. **💚 Why Attend** • Learn RAG architecture, chunking strategies, and hands-on implementation • Connect with MongoDB users, engineers, and AI enthusiasts • Free community event with complimentary food **🕠 Agenda** **5:30 PM** Meet & Greet - refreshments **5:45 PM** Talk: [Dev J. Shah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/busycaesar) (SWE @ [TribalScale](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribalscale)) - RAG with MongoDB: Learn and get a [Credly Skill Badge](https://learn.mongodb.com/courses/rag-with-mongodb) **6:45 PM** Networking and connecting with your peers **7:30 PM** Event ends **⚠️ Important RSVP Notes** • When you arrive, please take the **elevator to the 4th floor, turn left, and follow the signs** • We kindly ask that **you arrive on time** so we can keep the event running smoothly • If you arrive **after 6 PM and the building doors are locked**, please signal the **security guard** at his desk for assistance • You may use a **fully charged laptop or a smartphone** to participate in the session • Please note that this event **will end firmly at 7:30 PM** 💡 Join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and community-building. We look forward to seeing you there! ✅ Thanks to our sponsors **[@MongoDB](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mongodbinc)**, **[@Slalom Consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/company/slalom-consulting),** and **[@Delbridge Solutions](https://www.linkedin.com/company/delbridge-solutions)** 💚 We’d love to hear from the community. **Are you doing something cool with MongoDB you’d like to share?** Message our MUG leaders [@Ian](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancloves) / [@Leonardo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogomesdev) 🌎 Sessions will be presented in English

\*\*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.

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.

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.

Hobbyists, new writers, published authors, and those aiming at publication are called to gather in friendship and love to create and share work, help each other improve with well-meaning, constructive feedback, and build a Christian community of male writers. Members may read up to 2,000 words from a piece of fiction or non-fiction. Those reading work must print copies sufficient for the number of members who RSVP. All those members attending must RSVP. Though never required, members are encouraged to provide written feedback on their handout of the piece and take a turn giving a verbal “hot take” after the reader has finished reading their work aloud. I encourage members to approach writing as we do our faith: strength in numbers. Though writing is often solitary, we take and give support in a fellowship setting and in time invite two or three men in the fellowship to be our special allies in achieving our own individual artistic goals. Beta readers, is another name for these chosen few. These men will work with you reciprocally outside of the group, reading longer drafts of your work than can be read in group sessions. You will support them as they do you. I'll moderate and host the group once a month for starters, and we will hope to grow to a weekly fellowship.

**Real Stories. Real Recovery. Second Chances.** On **Saturday, March 7 (12–5 PM)** we’re taking SLN offline and into the community at **32 Cranfield Rd, Toronto (M4B 3H3)** for a live event: **“Real Stories, Second Chances”** 💬❤️​ ✨ **What’s happening:** 🔹 16 short, powerful talks from people with lived experience of addiction, mental health, and recovery (15 minutes each) 🔹 Space to connect with others who “get it” 🔹 Artists, live music, and community partners invited 🔹 **Charity Second Hand Book & Used/New Clothing Sale** **(March 7–14)** in partnership with PagePickUp & Cost Liquidation, with a portion of sales donated to **The Gatehouse** 📚👕​​ This space is for you if you’re: 💛 In recovery (any stage) 💛 Sober‑curious 💛 Supporting someone you love 💛 A recovery professional or organization wanting to show up for the community 👉 **Recovery org or author?** We have limited **tables, speaking spots, and author book-signing opportunities** available on site. DM us or email for details.​ 📅 Saturday, March 7 🕛 12:00–5:00 PM 📍 32 Cranfield Rd, Toronto, ON M4B 3H3 🔗 Register / learn more: SoberLivingNetwork.org 📧 [Toronto@SoberLivingNetwork.org](mailto:Toronto@SoberLivingNetwork.org) Tag someone who needs to hear a real recovery story. Together, we grow stronger. 🔗 [https://linktr.ee/soberlivingnetwork](https://linktr.ee/soberlivingnetwork) 📧 Email: [Toronto@SoberLivingNetwork.org](mailto:Toronto@SoberLivingNetwork.org) 🔗 Registration: [https://SoberLivingNetwork.org](https://soberlivingnetwork.org/) 👥 Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/toronto-sober-living-network](https://www.meetup.com/toronto-sober-living-network)

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!

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!

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!

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!

**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!**