Memoir Writing

\*\*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.

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.

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!

Enfant illégitime, Yukio avait coutume de jouer au parc avec une fillette accompagnée de son père. Quand sa mère se marie et qu’ils déménagent de Tokyo à Nagasaki, il emporte le souvenir d’une promesse, de celles qu’on ne brise pas. Aki Shimazaki est une romancière et traductrice canadienne. Elle s’est installée au Canada en 1981, vivant à Vancouver et à Toronto. Depuis 1991, elle vit à Montréal, où elle enseigne le japonais et publie ses romans en français. Son deuxième roman, Hamaguri, a remporté le prix Ringuet en 2000.

It's better when we're together. Come and experience the power of the WHM with a wonderful group of people. We breathe, we go into the cold and we teach our bodies to heat up properly. We develop resilience and the mindset to use these powerful healing tools over and over again, all year round. This gathering is fully guided by Wim Hof instructor Steve Beattie. If you are new to this, come on down, enjoy the support and practice in a safe way with us. If you already have a WHM practice this meetup is a great way to take it to the next level, and make lots of new friends. There will be a fire, snacks and drinks shared by other attendees. We have been doing this 6 for years! **What to bring?** * Yoga mat * Weather-appropriate clothing (better to dress too warm!) * Bathing suite, towel * Water shoes (optional) In extreme weather being prepared is very important. Especially if it's your first time, please read up on how to come prepared [here.](https://www.breathinginnature.com/wim-hof-method-meetup/) Learn more about our Wim Hof meetups, workshops, breath classes, wilderness trips, medicine work and special events at **[Breathing in Nature](https://breathinginnature.com/)**. Join the "**[Wim Hof Toronto](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714218015474146/)**" group on Facebook to see all of our local events. This is a free event made possible by our Gift Economy. You can learn more about the Gift Economy [here](https://breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/).

**UPDATE -** *Meeting Time is changed to 3pm. This event is rain or shine. If you are still planning to attend, pls bring umbrella or rain jacket.* **ABOUT** Join us for refreshing spring hike at **Tommy Thompson Park**, one of Toronto’s most scenic waterfront nature areas. This relaxed group hike is a great way to enjoy fresh air, meet new people, and take in stunning skyline and lake views. We’ll walk at an easy-to-moderate pace with breaks for photos and conversation. No hiking experience required. *** ### 🚶 What to Expect * Approx. **6–8 km round trip** (flat terrain) * Easy to moderate pace * Beautiful winter lake & skyline views * Friendly, social atmosphere * Perfect for beginners and casual hikers *** ### 👟 What to Bring * Warm winter jacket, gloves, and hat * Comfortable winter walking shoes or boots * Optional: snacks, sunglasses *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes * This is an **outdoor winter activity** – please dress for the weather * Event may be postponed in case of extreme weather *** ### 🤝 Who Can Join Open to adults of all fitness levels. Come solo or bring a friend — everyone is welcome! *** **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)** *Signing up in advance helps us plan better. If you attend the event without signing up or permission, there will be a $9 support fee.*

A gentle, guided forest bathing experience centred on surrender inviting you to soften, release, and reconnect with nature. SURRENDER Brokenhearted? Feel deeply, maybe more than others? Having a hard time letting go? Struggle with anger or intensity? Have walls up that just won’t come down? This walk is for you. Join us for our next forest bathing experience where we will explore the practice of surrender gently releasing control, softening resistance, and learning to be present with what is. Through a series of guided. invitations, we will explore: • Connecting with the present moment • Allowing grief and emotion to move through • Reframing inner challenges • Releasing expectations and control This is a space to open your heart not by force, but by allowing. You’ll be guided through an embodied experience to connect with your heart space and move through feelings of hurt, dissatisfaction, perfectionism, heartbreak, or sadness… at your own pace. We will begin with a grounding practice and crystal energy clearing to settle the nervous system and open the space. This is not a hike it’s a slow, mindful wander into the forest. 🕊 Duration: \~2 hours 🌿 No experience necessary — beginners welcome 🤍 Come exactly as you are 🪶 Bring something to sit on if you’d like This walk will be rain or shine. Dress for the weather. We will meet in front of the High Park Forest School 📍375 Colborne Lodge Dr There is no car access into the park on the weekends. There is paid parking options on surrounding streets be mindful of parking. The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the door. 💫 ⸻ Disclaimer: I am a certified forest therapy guide, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. This experience is not therapy or a substitute for professional care. Please participate in a way that feels safe and supportive for you.

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.

Join us for our fourth *Snap & Stroll* — a laid-back photo walk in Roncesvalles open to anyone who loves capturing life on the move. Bring any camera (yes, even your phone), comfy shoes, and good energy. No pressure, no pro skills needed — just walk, shoot, and vibe with fellow creatives. We’ll wrap with optional drinks nearby. **Note:** **Event will be cancelled if there is heavy rain expected that day.**

\*\***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!\*\*** We have an amazing "Lecture on the Go" series for 2026. New topics and fascinating stories abound! Join us and learn about the world and keep active and warm during the winter months! I started this walking classroom when we were under that horrible cloud called Covid. This series was popular and helped people get out and back into society and life. The series is back for 2026 with 6 new topics for exploration over the winter and spring months. The "Lecture on the Go" Series is open only to members who have purchased the YEARLY MEMBERSHIP PASS, it's free for those members. If you wish to attend a lecture and you are not a yearly pass member then the price **per** lecture is $20.00. This third lecture is focussed on the History of Northern Ontario, a place most don't know too much about, and that's a shame. Northern Ontario is a place of pure magic. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating subject. Long before maps or borders, or places like Cobalt or North Bay even appeared, Indigenous peoples lived with the land, traveling and followed the seasons. Lakes were highways, canoes were cars, and everything you needed came from knowing the land. When Europeans showed up, they didn’t so much “discover” the North as wander. Business was first to get a notice. Canoes loaded with beaver pelts, trading posts popped up, and suddenly Northern Ontario was connected to Europe. Things sped up fast once railways arrived in the 1800s. Trains unlocked forests, minerals, and new towns were built. Places like Sudbury and Thunder Bay grew — nickel, timber, grain — and people followed jobs wherever they appeared. It was rugged, noisy, and a little chaotic, but it worked. Today, Northern Ontario is a world unto its own. Its big skies, long drives, and communities know how to adapt. The past is still there — in the land, the towns, and the stories — but the North doesn’t dwell on it. It just keeps going, and it's up to us as Canadians to understand. Topics upcoming in the 2026 series of lectures are as follows. We are a little behind but catching up. \*Dante; The Hidden Meaning Behind The Divine Comedy \*Philosophy 1: Great Minds of the Western World: Goethe to Kant! \*Philosophy 2: Great Minds of the Eastern World: Chuang Tzu to Dalai Lama Hope to see you on this "Lecture on the Go!" So book your plans now! This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. This event in a non walking event. The lecture begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West and head into the PATH. This lecture event has a ticket price of $20.00 per person, and is **free with the yearly membership pass**. Hope to see you there! \*\* **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**

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!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**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!**

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**