Memoir Writing

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.

While we may be one of the largest local writing communities, we're not the only game in town! Join us for a get together with the Toronto Romance Writers. There's definitely overlap between our genres (romantasy, anyone?), so this is a great opportunity to meet local writers in a slightly but not too different field. We'll be meeting at The Fox and the Fiddle location near Pape Station.

**✨ Reading Circle: Circe by Madeline Miller** Drop in as we gather to open up a conversation around Circe (Madeline Miller) in a discussion-first setting where the book drives the conversation, and the format keeps things moving naturally. Whether you read one chapter or the whole thing, and bring your reactions however raw they are, and bring your analysis — since genuine impressions beat polished opinions every time. New members are always welcome — and the discussion moves fast enough that settling in happens naturally, just turn up — the rest takes care of itself, and most people leave wanting to book into the next one. No facilitator or moderator runs the table — with every reader given room to share what mattered to them, and the session almost always goes in a direction no one predicted. --- **Helpful to bring:** - Any notes or passages you flagged while reading - An open mind and a willingness to debate - The book — whatever format works for you --- 🌿 A great discussion changes how you see a great book — sign up and bring your reading experience however partial and the conversation is always worth showing up for. We will see you on the night. 🌿

**🦋 Neighbourhood Read: Circe by Madeline Miller • Relaxed and Inclusive** We're meeting up to open up a conversation around Circe, our selection by Madeline Miller in a friendly low-key environment, and there is always more to discover in a good book together. No requirement to finish — come wherever you are in the book, and note any characters or moments you want to unpack, and bring your reading experience — since there is no wrong reading and every response is worth hearing. The evening is shaped by who is in the room — with the conversation moving where it naturally wants to go, and the most interesting moments never come from the planned questions. Every session is a good first session — and regular members are consistently enthusiastic about welcoming new readers, the only requirement is showing up ready to talk, and first-timers rarely feel like first-timers for long. ⭐ *"The group is warm and the conversation is always great — the discussion always produces at least one reading I had not considered"* – new to the group --- 💬 A great discussion changes how you see a great book — sign up and bring your reading experience however partial and the rest sorts itself out in the room. The group grows every time someone new joins. 💬

**🍵 Book Discussion Group: Circe by Madeline Miller · Just Bring Yourself** This meetup brings the group together to read from and discuss Madeline Miller's Circe in a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and a good chat is guaranteed. Discussion flows wherever the group takes it — with the conversation often surprising even long-time members, and the format rewards curiosity over expertise. No requirement to finish — come wherever you are in the book, and hold onto your strongest reaction to the text, and bring your reading notes — since every perspective adds something the group would not have without you. You do not need to have been before — and the group tends to make first-timers feel at ease very quickly, nothing beyond the book and your thoughts is needed, and the discussion gets richer with every new reader who joins. --- 🌟 Every book grows when you bring it into a room full of readers — RSVP and come ready to talk and the conversation is always worth showing up for. The evening is better when you are in it. 🌟

**💡 Reading Meetup: Circe by Madeline Miller • Casual and Friendly** The book club is meeting to open up a conversation around the thought-provoking Circe by Madeline Miller with a friendly group who enjoy good conversation, and everyone leaves with something new to think about. The format is relaxed and member-led — with all opinions treated as equally valid, and the energy in the room tends to build as the evening goes on. Come however far through the book you are, and note any characters or moments you want to unpack, and bring your reading notes — because the book looks completely different through a new set of eyes. You do not need to have been before — and no introduction is required beyond showing up, your presence is the only requirement, and the relaxed setting means there is no pressure on you. --- **The session at a glance:** - Introductions are short and the book takes over within the first few minutes - Discussion opens with an initial question and flows from there without a set agenda - At some point toward the end the group votes on or suggests next month's read 💡 **Before the session:** mark the page you most want to talk about, because having one concrete thing to say takes the pressure off everything else, and the rest of the conversation will take care of itself. --- ☕ A good discussion is worth fifty pages of rereading — come along and join a conversation worth having and the discussion takes it from there. See you at the table. ☕

📕 **Build Your AI Ebook Empire in One Session — Write once. Earn forever.** *A session that turns knowledge into sellable ebooks using AI tools* If you have a library of ideas sitting untouched because actually writing them feels like a second job, this workshop shows you the complete AI ebook system others are already using. Through the complete AI-powered ebook build process, you leave with a complete AI ebook business — from niche research to published listing. --- **What you'll learn and build:** - How to use AI writing tools to produce full ebooks in hours not weeks - AI tools for editing, proofreading, and polishing ebooks without a human editor - A publishing schedule that keeps the pipeline producing income continuously - A tested system for pricing ebooks to maximise long-term royalties **⚠️ Final step:** An rsvp on this page is not a confirmed spot, so follow the link below and complete registration to get your confirmed spot — spots run out faster than you expect so register now, and completing registration is the only way to be confirmed. ### [🔗 JOIN THE SESSION](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEbookBusiness?city=Toronto&groupurlname=sparkling-chapters-reading-meetup-club&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-28T22:00:00Z) Publishing income that does not require you to be awake to earn — register below — one session to build the ebook pipeline that keeps earning, and everything you build is yours to keep and scale. 🤖 *AI made the ebook business scalable for anyone with ideas.*

🌿🌸 HUMBER RIVER WALK & JAMES GARDENS PICNIC 🌸🌿 Riverside Trails, Hidden Gardens & A Relaxed Long Weekend Walk Join us for a peaceful social walk along the beautiful Humber River as we enjoy the final stretch of the long weekend together. This route combines riverside trails, greenery, and one of Toronto’s most underrated hidden gems: James Gardens. James Gardens is one of those places that quietly surprises people — flower beds, stone pathways, little bridges, mature trees, and spaces that feel far away from the city even though you’re still in Toronto. This is not a fast-paced hike. It’s a relaxed social walk with time to chat, enjoy the scenery, and slow down a little. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🧺 Picnic Break We’ll take a relaxing break at James Gardens and have a little informal picnic together. 🥨 Feel free to bring: ✔️ A snack to share ✔️ Something sweet ✔️ Fruit, chips, cookies, etc. Nothing fancy — just a fun community vibe. \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll walk along the Humber River trails, make our way into James Gardens for a break, then continue our walk before eventually heading back toward the station. Expect: 🌿 Nature trails 🌸 Garden views 📸 Great photo spots 😊 Easy conversation and a relaxed pace \*\*\* 🌧️ Weather & Expectations This event happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for: ✔️ Outdoor conditions ✔️ Some muddy sections if it rains ✔️ A longer walk at a steady pace \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. 📍 Ending Spot: Back at the station \*\*\* 🎟️ 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 continue hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes A snack (especially if sharing 😊) Weather-appropriate clothing \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the river walk. Stay for the picnic. Leave feeling like you actually got a little break from the city. 🌿✨

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the Ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The story of historic Little India is a true Toronto success story, a unique look at a neighbourhood and the people who call it home. But the story is not always a happy one. Like all other areas in Toronto, Little India started out as a purely English - Anglican area and was repeatedly changed as other immigrants opted to leave the security of the downtown core for outer areas. With the opening of the Naaz theatre in 1972, the community that became Little India started to take shape, but in Toronto the forces that developed communities were different in that part of the city sandwiched between Leslieville to the south, and Greektown to the north. With a strictly Anglo-Saxon pro-British community entrenched for over 100 years, now changing to include south Asians, the area was seen as a rather depressed area, or an area in transition, and violence was an unfortunate part of life. Racial tensions increased dramatically with the influx of south Asians. But by the 1980s and 1990s the district had found its feet, and Little India was a popular Toronto district and tourist attraction, with visitors pouring in from around the world to partake of the richness. A true cultural enclave in Toronto! A fascinating history and a fascinating community awaits! This tour has been revised a few times to add more historic information to the walk, it has been revised once again for 2026 with new landmarks and stories attached. Should be a fascinating walk! This walk is for all fitness levels. The meeting place for our walking adventure is on the southwest corner of Greenwood Avenue and Gerrard Street East! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the Ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Hi Fabulous Ladies, Come join us for Lunch on ***Sunday***, June 28th, 2026 at **12:00 PM** at Cynthia's Chinese Restaurant. Come enjoy authentic Chinese dishes served in an elegant and upscale atmosphere. The venue offers an extensive selection of delicious dishes. There are two different menu offerings - a specialty lunch option and an extensive a la menu. Click [here](https://www.cynthiaschinese.com/lunch-menu) for a link to the lunch menu and [here](https://www.cynthiaschinese.com/dine-in) for a link to the a la cart menu. Meet friends and make some new ones while enjoying a lovely Lunch. Each participant will cover their own food and drink costs. **There is a non-refundable / non-transferable $5.00 cover fee** to attend this group event. This charge will reserve your spot, help with group costs and hopefully minimize no shows. **Payment of the $5 cover charge is due by FRIDAY, JUNE 19th, 2026.** After this date, non payment of the cover fee will result in the Member's name being moved to the "not going" list so that those "waitlisted" have an opportunity to attend the Lunch. In consideration of others, if you are not able to attend, please advise 48 hours prior to the event to allow other people on the waitlist to have your spot. No shows and less than 48 hours notice of non-attendance will be noted. 2 or more such occurrences will unfortunately lead to removal from the group. Thank you all for your understanding and consideration. Looking forward to connecting soon! Here are the details for the $5.00 e-transfer - E-mail - [weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com](http://weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com/), Security Question - What is the time of the event? **Twelve** Hope to see you there!

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!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

\*\*THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL CMG EVENT AND WILL NOT BE HOSTED. JUST A COOL EVENT FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED \*\* Join fellow film fans for a CMG Bonus Opportunity: a special 35th anniversary screening of HOOK featuring a Q&A and in-depth storytelling experience with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart. The HOOK screening will take place at the Columbus Museum of Art starting at 1pm followed by the Screenwriter Q&A! Cost is just $10 but limited availability to RSVP ASAP if you'd like to attend! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event! MOVIE DESCRIPTION: This 1991 fantasy-adventure classic follows an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten his childhood. In his new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful lawyer who neglects his wife and their two children. When his old archenemy, Captain Hook, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland to save them. The film serves as a sequel to J.M. Barrie’s classic novel. It is directed by Steven Spielberg, written by James V. Hart, and stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins and Maggie Smith! Keep an eye out for smaller roles from a young Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Phil Collins! The film is not just a beloved classic, it was also nominated for 5 Academy Awards! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-vwgt8cwEM EVENT DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a special 35th Anniversary screening of the beloved classic, HOOK. And to make the event extra special, stay after the screening for a live Q&A with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart, the writer behind Hook, Contact, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and more. This is a unique opportunity to experience a beloved film and hear directly from the writer behind it. Attendees will gain insight into the creative process, storytelling craft, and the journey from script to screen. Cost is just $10….but space is limited! RSVP: This will be an UNHOSTED EVENT. No host will be present. Just a cool opportunity and a fun event for those interested and able to attend! Your RSVP here just let's others know you’re going! Keep an eye out for one another or post your location to link up while you're there! To attend, click the link below and register for tickets (just $10): https://greatercolumbusartscouncil.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F47799 Enjoy, Dan