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.

**MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE! AMALFI COAST -ROME-VENICE-CROATIA - SLOVENIA -SICILY-MONTENEGRO- GREECE** **May 17 2026** **LAST CHANCE** **FINAL PAYMENT THIS SATURDAY BY 5:00PM** **(905) 471 7843 or email traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com** BE IN AWE! WITH THIS INCREDIBLE ITINERARY! You can also stay up to two days pre and post and explore ITALY - Rome and Venice. I will set you up in a great hotel and suggest excursions. **TRAVEL BEFORE THE BUSY SEASON AND EXTREME HEAT!** 2 for 1 AIR - Only $1.034.86 per person! Save another $150.00 off your cabin price. **PICK YOUR PERKS!** **FREE AT SEA DRINK PACKAGE\*** **SPECIALITY DINING\*** **FREE WIFI** **FREE $50.00 U.S. EXCURSION PACKAGE PER PORT = up to $300.00 U.S in discounts** **SOLO CABINS AVAILABLE!** **BEST PRICE ALERT - THIS INCREDIBLE CRUISE INCLUDING AIR IS UNDER $3000.00 FOR INSIDE CABIN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND RETURN AIR FROM ITALY! ONLY $2,903.84** See full information below and call me and LETS ESCAPE together! (905) 471 7843 OR traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER PORTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN! Fly in two days early and explore ROME ITALY - Stay 2 days post cruise in VENICE with a Group Hotel If you are new to the group or have just been waiting for the right trip - give me a call at (905) 471 7843 and lets talk. You will meet new friend! Step out of your comfort zone and have an amazing cruise to look forward to. PRICING INSIDE CABIN $1146.05 + Port $409.78 + Tax $294.20 TOTAL =$1,850.03 2 Perks OCEAN VIEW $1,678,41 + Port $409.78+ Tax $294.20 =$2382.39 4 Perks BALCONY $2969.39 + Port $409.78 + Tax $294.20 =$3673.33 4 Perks **SOLO CABINS - YES I HAVE A FEW!** Inside Cabin including Port and Taxes - $3405.80 Ocean View Cabin including Port and Taxes $4420.58 **ROOMMATES NEEDED** Female looking to share inside cabin Female looking to share ocean view  Call me at (905) 471 7843! LETS ESCAPE!! See details below! **Croatia and Sicily are two of the hottest destinations for 2026!** Join two nights before the cruise (Optional) to enjoy the incredible city of Venice ! I will have group hotel. If you have not been to Venice this is the time to visit - if you have been - I know you want to go back! We are on the Norwegian Gem Final Payment January 17 2026 Package A Perks Beverage or Soda Package \* Premium Beverage Package\* Ultimate Specialty Dining Package - 1 Dinner \* $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150 Minutes per Person Or Package B Perks $100.00 US On Board Credit per cabin $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150.00 minutes per person 10 Professional Photo Package per Cabin ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ITINERARY - YOU WILL SEE SO MUCH!!! PORTS OF CALL ROME - May 17 2026 Board 4:00pm AMALFI COAST (Salerno) May 18 2026 7:00am to 6:00pm CANTANIA SCILY May 19 2026 7:00am to 4:00pm CORFU GREECE May 20 2026 10:00am to 7:30pm KOTOR MONTENGERO May 21 2026 8:00am to 6:00pm SPLIT CROATIA May 22 2026 7:00am to 5:00pm KOPER SLOVENIA May 23 2026 8:00am to 7:00pm VENICE (RAVENNA) May 24 6:00am FLIGHT $1034.86 includes all taxes and fees. Toronto to Rome Venice to Toronto NOTE You can fly up to 2 days pre and or post - Once you make payment for your flight on January 17 no changes can be made to your flight schedule. You will receive your flight 30 + days before the cruise, probably before that. Norwegian is now offering specialized bookings through their air department - ask me for details. I need Credit Card Expiry and 3 Digit Code Name as it appears on your Passport Mailing Address Phone Number Date of Birth All Information is private and not shared INSURANCE IS Necessary - I will speak to you personally Hope you can join us for this incredible vacation \* 20 Gratuity on Dining and Beverage Package Staff Gratuity not included CANCELLATION:POLICY 120 Days Prior - No Penalty 119 to 106 Days - 25% Penalty 105 to 91 Days -50% Penalty 90-61 Days -75% Penalty 60 Days or less 100% Penalty. BOOKING Call me at (905) 471 7843 or email me at [leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca](mailto:leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca) \*20% Gratuity on Beverage Packages and Dining Staff Gratuity not included Please make sure you are full insured - ask me for details. CRUISE FIRST CERTIFICATE - Deposit $150.00 Canadian and Norwegian will match your deposit with $150.00 FREE $$$$ Total deposit $300.00!!!! If you cancel the cruise the full $500.00 will go back to your Norwegian Latitude Account for another cruise booking. You keep the free money and there is no expiry date. The deposit does not go back to your credit card. You need a Passport with minimum 6 months remaining from date of arrival. Prices/itinerary can change any time. Travel Agency Nexion 380 Wellington St Tower B 6th Floor London #67927204 (519) 660 6966 LeeAnn (905) 471 7843

\*\***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 price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** So in the winter of 2022 I listened to my guests. Time after time, the question that came up was, is there anything good and happy about history? Well not much, it's always a bit on the horrific side, and that is about all I can say, for now! Things are a changing for the better. Let's make the rest of 2026 a happy year! And with everything that has transpired in the last year and a half with tariffs and other undesirables let's have a good old time. I have been told that I am wordy, but that's ok. A tour about good times, good times in the sun, that's a bit of a stretch, but I did it. I put together a fun tour of the sunny side of the street. A tour of the good things in Toronto life from the Santa Claus Parade to decorated windows of both Eaton's and Simpson's, to trips over to the Island, and picnics with little puppies and kittens in High Park. Ok that's going a bit far, cut the puppies and the kittens! No dark secrets, no fires, cut off fingers, floods, tooth marks, disasters, murders, horrific deaths or innocent victims falling from windows, or crushed under subway trains, ghosts peeking out of buildings, human vampires, Spanish Flu or Spanish Civil War's impact on Toronto, or graves, I'm already starting to get homesick for the good times with all this fun stuff. Come along and experience a different and fun Toronto. In this strange era we are living in, a bit of sunshine is just the ticket. But no winter blues on this tour, I promise! You'll be as happy and contented as a **bunny in the sun.** And there is plenty of interesting history here in Toronto that is on the positive and fun, happy side, you'll see. This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. This walking tour begins and ends on the steps of old City Hall at the northeast corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street. Hope to see you soon! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great **Sunday afternoon in** **Port Credit.** If you have never been; it's a great place to enjoy the sun, the water, the trees, the flowers, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the lake and then enjoy a tasty meal. Port Credit is also known for it's live music and dancing too (Event is both indoor and outdoor) I'm going to show us all around Port Credit, play a couple new ice breaker games and then head to a fun restaurant in the main strip of town with a great dinner menu following the walk. \*The walking portion will be roughly 2 hours with some stops along the way; then we will head for dinner and more mingling. This will be a fun day and evening gang! We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small evening adventure through **Port Credit.** More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **\*Long Weekend NATURE WALK and NIGHTLIFE IN PORT CREDIT\* (Walk, Talk & Flock!)** -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of Port Credit near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of live music too) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning as well to help us get to know one another \*A great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and enjoy our long weekend together) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 4::00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30) Go Train will take you there by Union Station too :) Plenty of parking in that area too- especially near Front Street and the Library :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**Don't just read about history. Live it!** [Click here for tickets](https://exploringwithbinetti.ticketspice.com/lunching-with-lady-eaton-may-2026) Relive the charm, style, and sophistication of a bygone time. For one extraordinary afternoon, [The Carlu](http://www.thecarlu.com), perched on the 7th floor of College Park will be transformed back into Eaton’s College Street department store, and the legendary Round Room Restaurant. * Indulge on a menu of classic Eaton’s recipes. * Listen to live music that evokes the spirit of a more glamorous era. * View a vintage fashion show which showcases the fashions from the decades Eaton’s College Street was open - 1930s to 1970s. * Learn about the T. Eaton Company, Lady Eaton, and how Eaton’s transformed downtown Toronto. [Click here for tickets](https://exploringwithbinetti.ticketspice.com/lunching-with-lady-eaton-may-2026)

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/locating-limberlost-2)** ***Please note that this adventure was originally planned for April 4th, but was rescheduled due to severe weather.*** ***Join us for this 10km trek through the quiet, stunning wilderness of Muskoka.*** We'll be exploring the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park in a little-known spot with pristine lakes, budding forests, and incredible rocky landscapes. As we hike along the trail and trace the edge of a crystal-clear lake, you can expect: * Dense, old-growth forests where towering trees create a dramatic canopy overhead * Ancient granite cliffs rising up from the shoreline, carved by glaciers over millions of years. * Possible glimpses of wildlife like deer, beavers, and all sorts of birds that call this place home. One of the coolest parts of the hike is getting to see the raw beauty of the Canadian Shield up close. We'll stop at several lookout points where you can take in the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. **There's a mix of terrain, including boardwalks, rocky sections, and well-maintained paths, which is suitable for any moderately fit hiker.** **Highlights** **Stunning Views -** Enjoy wild views of the iconic Canadian Shield at the many lookout points along this hike **Floating Boardwalk -** Stroll across a beautiful floating boardwalk along the lake’s edge **Sprawling Forest Reserve -** With over 10,000 acres and 70+ trails, this hidden gem has so much to offer **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/locating-limberlost-2)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Socialize with exceptional people in a cozy pub. Enjoy meaningful and stimulating, conversations, as we strategize and implement our plan... to Change the World in Eighty Days! Activities of ‘Eighty Days!’ follow a clear format: • Steve will meet, greet, and introduce every attendee at each meeting, • will lead a discussion of relevant, current, global news, • lead a discussion of our overall objective, intermediary goals, and specific tasks, • and, ask for volunteer(s) for each specific, small, simple task. • Attendees will help choose the next meeting day, time, and place, • and enjoy socializing, our successes, and making a difference!

Join us for an engaging history discussion as we explore the Sui and early Tang dynasties, a transformative era that reshaped China after centuries of division. The Sui dynasty reunited the empire in 589, restored centralized rule, expanded the Grand Canal, and launched ambitious military and administrative reforms. Yet its heavy demands on labor and failed campaigns against Goguryeo quickly led to rebellion and collapse. Out of this turmoil rose the Tang dynasty, which built on Sui foundations while creating one of the most powerful and cosmopolitan states in world history. The early Tang era saw imperial expansion, legal and bureaucratic refinement, Buddhist influence, cultural confidence, and the rise of Chang’an as a global capital. **Topics for Discussion** * The Reunification of China under the Sui * Emperor Wen and the Restoration of Centralized Rule * The Construction of the Grand Canal * The Sui Legal and Administrative System * Emperor Yang and Imperial Overreach * The Goguryeo Campaigns * Rebellions and the Fall of the Sui Dynasty * The Rise of Li Yuan and the Founding of the Tang * The Xuanwu Gate Incident and the Rise of Li Shimin * The Tang Legal Code and Bureaucratic Government * Expansion into Central Asia * Chang’an as a Cosmopolitan Capital * Buddhism, Daoism, and Imperial Legitimacy

**MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE! AMALFI COAST -ROME-VENICE-CROATIA - SLOVENIA -SICILY-MONTENEGRO- GREECE** **May 17 2026** **LAST CHANCE** **FINAL PAYMENT THIS SATURDAY BY 5:00PM** **(905) 471 7843 or email traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com** BE IN AWE! WITH THIS INCREDIBLE ITINERARY! You can also stay up to two days pre and post and explore ITALY - Rome and Venice. I will set you up in a great hotel and suggest excursions. **TRAVEL BEFORE THE BUSY SEASON AND EXTREME HEAT!** 2 for 1 AIR - Only $1.034.86 per person! Save another $150.00 off your cabin price. **PICK YOUR PERKS!** **FREE AT SEA DRINK PACKAGE\*** **SPECIALITY DINING\*** **FREE WIFI** **FREE $50.00 U.S. EXCURSION PACKAGE PER PORT = up to $300.00 U.S in discounts** **SOLO CABINS AVAILABLE!** **BEST PRICE ALERT - THIS INCREDIBLE CRUISE INCLUDING AIR IS UNDER $3000.00 FOR INSIDE CABIN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND RETURN AIR FROM ITALY! ONLY $2,903.84** See full information below and call me and LETS ESCAPE together! (905) 471 7843 OR traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER PORTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN! Fly in two days early and explore ROME ITALY - Stay 2 days post cruise in VENICE with a Group Hotel If you are new to the group or have just been waiting for the right trip - give me a call at (905) 471 7843 and lets talk. You will meet new friend! Step out of your comfort zone and have an amazing cruise to look forward to. PRICING INSIDE CABIN $1146.05 + Port $409.78 + Tax $294.20 TOTAL =$1,850.03 2 Perks OCEAN VIEW $1,678,41 + Port $409.78+ Tax $294.20 =$2382.39 4 Perks BALCONY $2969.39 + Port $409.78 + Tax $294.20 =$3673.33 4 Perks **SOLO CABINS - YES I HAVE A FEW!** Inside Cabin including Port and Taxes - $3405.80 Ocean View Cabin including Port and Taxes $4420.58 **ROOMMATES NEEDED** Female looking to share inside cabin Female looking to share ocean view  Call me at (905) 471 7843! LETS ESCAPE!! See details below! **Croatia and Sicily are two of the hottest destinations for 2026!** Join two nights before the cruise (Optional) to enjoy the incredible city of Venice ! I will have group hotel. If you have not been to Venice this is the time to visit - if you have been - I know you want to go back! We are on the Norwegian Gem Final Payment January 17 2026 Package A Perks Beverage or Soda Package \* Premium Beverage Package\* Ultimate Specialty Dining Package - 1 Dinner \* $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150 Minutes per Person Or Package B Perks $100.00 US On Board Credit per cabin $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150.00 minutes per person 10 Professional Photo Package per Cabin ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ITINERARY - YOU WILL SEE SO MUCH!!! PORTS OF CALL ROME - May 17 2026 Board 4:00pm AMALFI COAST (Salerno) May 18 2026 7:00am to 6:00pm CANTANIA SCILY May 19 2026 7:00am to 4:00pm CORFU GREECE May 20 2026 10:00am to 7:30pm KOTOR MONTENGERO May 21 2026 8:00am to 6:00pm SPLIT CROATIA May 22 2026 7:00am to 5:00pm KOPER SLOVENIA May 23 2026 8:00am to 7:00pm VENICE (RAVENNA) May 24 6:00am FLIGHT $1034.86 includes all taxes and fees. Toronto to Rome Venice to Toronto NOTE You can fly up to 2 days pre and or post - Once you make payment for your flight on January 17 no changes can be made to your flight schedule. You will receive your flight 30 + days before the cruise, probably before that. Norwegian is now offering specialized bookings through their air department - ask me for details. I need Credit Card Expiry and 3 Digit Code Name as it appears on your Passport Mailing Address Phone Number Date of Birth All Information is private and not shared INSURANCE IS Necessary - I will speak to you personally Hope you can join us for this incredible vacation \* 20 Gratuity on Dining and Beverage Package Staff Gratuity not included CANCELLATION:POLICY 120 Days Prior - No Penalty 119 to 106 Days - 25% Penalty 105 to 91 Days -50% Penalty 90-61 Days -75% Penalty 60 Days or less 100% Penalty. BOOKING Call me at (905) 471 7843 or email me at [leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca](mailto:leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca) \*20% Gratuity on Beverage Packages and Dining Staff Gratuity not included Please make sure you are full insured - ask me for details. CRUISE FIRST CERTIFICATE - Deposit $150.00 Canadian and Norwegian will match your deposit with $150.00 FREE $$$$ Total deposit $300.00!!!! If you cancel the cruise the full $500.00 will go back to your Norwegian Latitude Account for another cruise booking. You keep the free money and there is no expiry date. The deposit does not go back to your credit card. You need a Passport with minimum 6 months remaining from date of arrival. Prices/itinerary can change any time. Travel Agency Nexion 380 Wellington St Tower B 6th Floor London #67927204 (519) 660 6966 LeeAnn (905) 471 7843

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!

The topic for May is "Ink" 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!

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!