Memoir Writing

**Hello. I'm [Bruce Hunt](www.brucehunt.ca)** your **Confidence and Communication Coach** in downtown Toronto. I host a variety of inspiring and growth provoking experiences all designed to help you learn to express yourself more confidently and effectively. **All my events are aimed at helping you...** * Build speaking confidence. * Learn speaking skills. * Gain speaking experience. * Hear some inspiring stories and perspectives. * Meet friendly people. **What is Community Breakthrough Night?** This is an event for anyone who wants to learn and practice speaking skills with other friendly, supportive people. Anyone is welcome to participate and no experience is necessary, This experience is meant to have everyone participate but you're welcome to watch if that makes you feel more comfortable right now. Check out one of my other more intensive communication training experiences or my [1:1 Coaching Programs](https://brucehunt.ca/coaching) if you need intensive personalized help. **You** **would defend benefit from this event if...** * You're socially anxious and want to be coaxed out of your shell. * You experience speaking anxiety or fear and want some gentle, supportive exposure therapy * You are a confident speaker and want to practice and learn new skills with a dynamic and inspiring community. **Is there a fee to attend?** **Yes. A** **$25 drop in fee** is in effect or bring a friend and pay **$40** for the two of you. You can pay via e-transfer to bruce@brucehunt.ca. Just add a message in the transfer which event you're planning to attend. **What to expect?** 1. Bruce opens the event with a friendly welcome and warm up for everyone and introduces the speaking theme for the night. 2. You'll get some tips for how to build your 2 Minute Talk and be reminded of some skills you can practice. 3. Everyone gets 2 Minute Speaking opportunities until everyone has had at least one, but often two opportunities to speak. **Do you need to prepare anything?** No. There is a unique speaking theme for each event that is based on a personal growth theme of some kind. They are always easy to talk about and designed to get you sharing your unique perspectives and experience not give a prepared presentation. If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Cheers! Bruce

Love cardio, rhythm, and good vibes? 💃 Join our Step & Shine class — a dynamic step aerobics workout that combines music, movement, and motivation! You’ll tone your legs, boost endurance, and burn calories while having fun in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. 🕖 When: Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. 📍 Where: Easy Nutrition Health Club, 1750 Steeles Ave West, Unit 12, Concord ⚡ Only 9 spots available, so grab yours early! Perfect for all fitness levels — come for the workout, stay for the energy!

(English below) Venez profiter de la bonne nourriture et d'une bonne conversation en français au café **Black Pony** situé au **1481 Gerrard St East.** Nous serons à l'arrière du café autour d'une grande table, prêts à vous accueillir! On va pratiquer la langue de Molière tout en nous faisant de nouveaux amis(es). **Toutes les 30 minutes, nous changerons de place** pour favoriser les échanges. Tout le monde est bienvenu, quel que soit son niveau. Pour en savoir plus sur le café et son menu délicieux et varié : [https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/](https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/) Si vous ne souhaitez pas que votre photo soit publiée sur MeetUp, veuillez en informer Jesse. **Pourquoi ces frais de 3$?** C'est pour payer le coût de l'hébergement sur la plate-forme Meetup pour l’année courante et des années précédentes. Nous vous demandons de payer $3.00 à chaque événement. Jesse sera là pour recueillir vos contributions. Nous vous prions de bien vouloir apporter de la monnaie. Si vous préférez, vous pouvez utiliser ce lien pour payer sur Square **et montrer a Jesse votre recu:** [CLIQUER ICI](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1) Merci, **Jesse** .................................................................................................................. Come and enjoy good food and good conversation at the **Black Pony café** located at **1481 Gerrard St East.** We'll be in the back of the café around a big table, ready to welcome you! We'll be practicing the French language and making friends, **keeping in mind that every 45 minutes we'll be moving around to mix up the conversation.** Everyone is welcome, whatever your level. To find out more about the cafe and its delicious and varied menu: https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/ If you don't want your photo published on MeetUp, please let Jesse know. Why the $3 fee? It helps cover the cost of hosting the group on the Meetup platform for the current year and previous years. We ask participants to contribute **$3.00 at each event**. Jesse will be there to collect contributions, so please bring change. If you prefer, you can use this Square link and **show Jesse your receipt:** [CLICK HERE](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1) Thank you, Jesse

Join us for a fun, relaxed yoga practice with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop — right by the Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Danilo and Tia guide Hatha/Vinyasa flow classes that blend breathing exercises, restorative postures, and active sequences to strengthen both body and mind. All levels are welcome. Classes are donation-based — pay what you can. Please bring a yoga mat or sarong and a water bottle. Follow us on Instagram @innerpath.yoga Come practice, breathe, and connect with our community. 🙏 Namaste.

Let's meet outside the Broadview subway station at 6:00 and go for a walk! (We can decide where to go when we meet.) I've changed the time from afternoon to evening so more people can join.

\*\*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.

Join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

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!

\*\***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** **Let's begin the summer season with this creative walk that truly connects us all.** This walk allows walkers to jump into Toronto history itself and become the players that made Toronto. The last time I did this tour, I got so many positive remarks. Walkers had the time of their lives and learned so much more about Toronto! So let's do this one again! Calling all aspiring actors and actresses, Hollywood bound dreamers, anyone with a passion to act. Have you caught the acting bug? If so and this sounds like you then step up to the acting plate. And you don't even have had to act, just want something new to help connect us all. Why not walk, get your steps in, and see Toronto from a totally different and fun perspective. Becoming the history characters we all know and love. **Historical Improv.** This is a different walking tour. Sounds good, sounds way different, right? The best way to understand history is to become history. Why not exercise the imagination with a few 2 or 3-minute sketches and improv situations along the route. Let's meet Mr. Simcoe, his wife Elizabeth, the Queen's Rangers as they create a path through the wilderness. These improv sketches are based on historical facts. They will help convert the shy, build up the confidence, create laughter and merriment, (merriment might be a bit strong) call it street theatre. What more is there? You never know when the casting agent, or Hollywood is **watching** peeking around the corner waiting for **you.** This walk is for all walking levels. Please dress for the weather, and hope to see you there. This fun and unique walking tour begins and ends at Little Norway Park near the foot of Bathurst Street, and Queen's Quay West. 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**

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.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.