Memoir Writing

ABCD Reads "**[Educated](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C3619554)**" by Tara Westover. ([RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/5133360801513472) of the poll for this event.) **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Tara Westover’s new tale of escape, Educated, makes [J.D.] Vance’s seem tame by comparison ... The extremity of Westover’s upbringing emerges gradually through her telling, which only makes the telling more alluring and harrowing ... It is only when the final, wrenching break from most of her family arrives that one realizes just how courageous this testimonial really is. These disclosures will take a toll. But one is also left convinced that the costs are worth it. By the end, Westover has somehow managed not only to capture her unsurpassably exceptional upbringing, but to make her current situation seem not so exceptional at all, and resonant for many others." (from [BookMarks.reviews](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/educated/)) "Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35133922-educated)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book before attending (though finishing any book is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT BOOK ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next book. If you have a good one in mind, please ensure it is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules). When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

Cet événement comporte des frais de 3 $ afin de compenser le coût de l'hébergement sur la plateforme Meetup. This event has a 3$ fee to help offset the cost of hosting on the platform Meetup. **[PAYER ICI PAY HERE](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KSPACXU2YRG66)** Bonjour tout le monde! Soyez des nôtres au prochain French meetup au Madison Pub. Venez passer une soirée conviviale et rencontrer des francophones et francophiles de Toronto et du GTA. Tout le monde est bienvenu peu importe votre niveau. C'est une excellente occasion de parler en français à Toronto. Nous serons au deuxième étage. La réservation est sous Le French Meetup de Toronto. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que votre photo soit publiée sur le site Meetup, veuillez informer Pierre. Merci, Christopher et Lemonte **Pourquoi ces frais de 3$?** Pour compenser le coût de l'hébergement sur la plate-forme Meetup de l’année courante et des années précédentes. Nous vous demandons de payer $3.00 à chaque événement. Christopher et Lemonte seront présents pour recueillir vos contributions. Nous vous prions de bien vouloir apporter de la monnaie. Vous pouvez payer en ligne sur ce lien:[ ](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1)[PAYER ICI](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KSPACXU2YRG66) Si vous préférez, vous pouvez payer par Interac à cette adresse: **pierregilbert@bell.net** ............................................................................................................................... Hello everyone! Join us for the next French Meetup at the Madison Pub! Enjoy a friendly evening and meet Francophones and Francophiles from Toronto and the GTA. Everyone is welcome, no matter your level. This is a great opportunity to speak French right here in Toronto. We will be on the second floor, and the reservation is under *Le French Meetup de Toronto*. If you prefer not to have your photo posted on the Meetup website, please inform Pierre. Thank you, Christopher and Lemonte Why the $3 fee? It helps cover the cost of hosting our group on the Meetup platform — not only for this year, but also for previous years. We kindly ask everyone to contribute $3.00 at each event. Christopher and Lemonte will be there to collect your contributions, so please try to bring exact change. You can also pay online using this link:[ ](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1)[PAY HERE](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KSPACXU2YRG66) If you prefer, you can pay via Interac at this address: **pierregilbert@bell.net** Votre soutien est grandement apprécié ! 😊 Your support is greatly appreciated!

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a wonderful and relaxed summer evening as we explore another great park, trail and neighbourhood with wonderful sights to see and friendly people to share it with.... And then let's go for some Ice Cream, Food and Beverages! :) (Different routes and sites each time :) **Date and Time:** **Tuesday June 9th** (Please arrive between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm) **Location and Meeting Spot:** \*We will meet outside **Tim Hortons** **(3080 Yonge Street) (Yonge & Lawrence)** (Very Close to the Subway line, and plenty of Free Street Parking along Lawrence) \*Washrooms inside Grocery Store at the Yonge and Lawrence corner Details of Event Below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **WALK, TALK and ICE CREAM! (Gardens & Blythwood Ravine)** **(Yonge and Lawrence)** \*We can get to know everyone, take some lovely scenic photos and share some laughs \*Perhaps play a couple ice breaker games as well to help build some bonds \*Great way to naturally make connections and release all the stress from the day \*Stick around after if you like as we will grab some ice cream, food and beverages close to where our starting point is \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only) when you arrive or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Location and Time: Where and When to meet us?** \*We will meet outside Tim Hortons **(3080 Yonge Street)** (Very Close to the Subway line, and plenty of Free Street Parking along Lawrence) \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 7:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 7:30 p.m. ) This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through the beautiful trails and neighbourhoods in this tranquil area. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Lose 10lbs in 5 WEEKS and Win Prizes ! Topics will include Metabolism, Carbohydrate addiction, digestive health, label reading, dining out, heart health and many more. $ 50 to Join the Challenge includes: - Weekly Weigh In, Accountability and Motivation - 40 Min nutrition class - Voucher for 'Healthy Meal' - Personalized Meal Plan - Lose 1 - 3lbs a week. To register for your spot: www.ShapingUpCanada.com

**⏱️Time**: 1:00 PM 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W, Toronto Looking to meet a few new people without the noise and pressure of big events? Join us for a relaxed coffee chat in downtown — just a small group, easy conversation, and good vibes. This meetup is capped at **2–5 people**, so it’s more personal and comfortable. Great for: • Making real connections • Practicing conversation in a low-key setting • Getting out of the house and doing something social 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W ☕ Everyone grabs their own drink/snack 💬 Chill, respectful, and welcoming vibe 💸 No event fee This isn’t a dating event or networking pitch — just friendly people meeting over coffee. 👉 RSVP if you’re in! Spots are limited to keep it cozy. ***

**(If you are interested in hosting our meetups in Toronto, we would love to hear from you. Please write a quick message to Dan at +44 7715705005 and let's chat)** Are you someone who is local (or a westerner who has lived in the city for a while, understand the local culture and speak the local language) and are confident when meeting new people of different backgrounds and cultures? We’re looking for a lively friendly host to manage some of our weekly Fastfriends meetups in your city. As a host, your role would be to: ✨ Welcome members and make them feel comfortable ✨ Encourage conversations and help people connect ✨ Direct and manage our fastfriending socialising format ✨ Keep the energy positive and the fast friending event flowing smoothly ✨Manage the event relationship with the venue What is in it for you? \- this is a volunteer role but we give you an expense allowance to cover some of your expenses\. \- ⁠you get exposure to the local and international community and can make a positive contribution \- ⁠you get experience with meeting new people\,running social events and managing groups\. We would love to hear from you. Please write a quick message to Dan at +44 7715705005 and let's chat.

Practice and improve your English through conversation at St. Andrew Centre (73 Simcoe St, downtown Toronto), while making new friends! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- How to Get to the Event: By TTC, exit at St. Andrew Station. Walk west on King St. West to Simcoe St. Do not enter through the church building; the large church front doors will be closed. At the corner of Simcoe St. and King St. West, turn south and walk on Simcoe St. Enter through St. Andrew Centre, which will be behind the church building.

\*\*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.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly 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** Get ready for spring heat with a private tour of Cedarvale Ravine with the one and only Ernest Hemingway. He will escort you on a fascinating tour full of history and stories of his life when he was a resident of Toronto. Not to be missed! Hope to see you there1 Castle Frank Brook meandered through Cedarvale Park, and Ernest Hemingway, loved the urban tranquility this park oasis offered. At the time it was a cattle path in the heart of the city. In the 1920s and the 1930s plans to destroy the park and ravine with development was halted due to the Depression in the 1930s. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were plans to build the Spadina Expressway which would have destroyed the park and the surrounding area. Today, this walk is a soothing retreat into the heart of Forest Hill. And learn about Mr. Hemingway, the man, who will be the TOUR GUIDE on this tour, yes you read it correctly, he is leading this tour, and he will tell you all about his experiences, how he felt about walking in this part of the city and his strong feelings about life and Toronto in general! This walk is for all fitness levels with some hills and inclines. And for guests wishing to bring their furry 4 legged friends, all dogs must be leashed for the walk! We begin this walking adventure outside the St. Clair West Subway Station at the **HEATH STREET NORTH EXIT** in Forest Hill on Tichester/Heath Street west of Spadina Avenue. 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**

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

📚 **Whispers in the Rain: The Impact Tour – Toronto** Join authors, speakers, wellness practitioners, and changemakers for four unforgettable days of storytelling, connection, personal growth, and community. To view the full schedule and purchase tickets, please visit: [https://www.storiesandsweets.ca/the-impact-tour#toronto](https://www.storiesandsweets.ca/the-impact-tour#toronto) Whispers in the Rain brings together a diverse lineup of authors and thought leaders for a unique experience featuring: 📚 Author Readings & Book Signings 🎤 Workshops & Panel Discussions 🤝 Networking Opportunities 🧘 Wellness Activities 🎸 Live Music 💛 Community Impact Initiatives Whether you're a reader, writer, entrepreneur, creative, or someone who believes in the power of stories, this event was designed for you. 📍 Toronto, Ontario 📅 June 11–14, 2026 We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend of meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and lasting connections.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

We'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!

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.

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!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" 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!