Memoir Writing

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

**Early arrivals** 11am, this gives you the time to settle in and chat with the other writers **Start of the session** 11.30am the timer will start of no-talking and focused witing time. **End of the session** 12.30pm the no-talking time is over and you are welcome to stay and keep writing or stay and chat. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com).

Join our group for under-represented writers who want more time to write, feedback on their work, and tips on developing their craft. \*\* Please come to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor at The Wellcome Collection and look out for the Writer's Corner sign \*\* The Writers' Corner is a peer support community for under-represented writers, with bi-monthly meet-ups both online and in-person. Join us if you want more time and space to write, get feedback on your work or to develop your craft. We welcome all writers who tend to get overlooked by the publishing industry, or struggle to afford the costs of other writing courses and groups. We'll let you self define, but we particularly welcome writers of colour, those from the LGBTQ+ community, disabled writers, unpaid carers, low income writers and anyone who self-defines as a woman. While we have done our best to pick venues that are accessible to all, if you have any specific accesss requirements please send us a message so we can discuss how we can meet your needs. That includes anyone feeling anxious about attending a group for the first time (very happy for you to come a bit early, before everyone else, if that helps). The session will work as follows: 1\. Introductions 2\. Warm up exercise 3\. Writing time \(work on your own project or get a prompt\) 4\. Feedback 5\. Set writing goals for the next month

# Safo Music's – Songwriting workshop **Sunday 3rd May** **11:00am – 6:00pm** **Safo Studios, 23–27 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP** **£40.00** **Led by Laurence Hobbs – gold & platinum-selling songwriter, producer, and owner of Safo Music.** *** After our sold out workshop last month we'd love you to join us for a full-day **Songwriting workshop** at Safo Studios – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of writing songs. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, this is your chance to connect with others and explore the craft of songwriting in a supportive, inspiring environment. ### What to Expect: Small group co-writing sessions in professional studios A relaxed space to share ideas and build confidence Meet like-minded musicians and discover new collaborators Personal mentoring and guidance from Laurence Hobbs throughout the day Working in teams, you’ll co-create original songs from scratch – blending lyrics, melodies, and experiences into something fresh and exciting. It’s all about enjoying the process, learning from each other, and celebrating the art of songwriting. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just yourself – and spend the day writing with us. [ ](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JHMW8VKCW57Y4)**[Tickets: £40.00](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JHMW8VKCW57Y4)** Spaces are limited to keep sessions intimate – book now to secure your place. See you on the 3rd March

**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). **Other Important Details:** We'll meet in the central area with all the small tables.

**DESCRIPTION** They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) We begin in charming Bosham Bay before taking a scenic boat ride across Chichester Harbour, arriving at the stunning white sands of West Wittering. Expect coastal views, sea air, open skies and time to relax, swim or explore the shoreline. A refreshing mix of harbour charm and beach bliss. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **21km** Ascent: c.**mainly flat** Estimated Duration (approx): **5-6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** **PROGRAMME** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 08:00 Move to train: 08:15 Train leaves: 08:32 Arrive at Bosham station: 10:36 Leave Beach 16:30 Departure from West Wittering bus station on bus 17:00 Departure Train: 17:30 from Chichester station, arrive back at Victoria 19:22 Exact timings to work out on the day and be prepared to be later back to Victoria than planned. **Pricing Info:** * £38 per person – includes hike + train, boat and bus travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited discounted tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike, bus and boat only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £18, then you'll need to get your own train tickets. **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Come along on Sunday 3rd May for a visit to the Wellcome Collection to see a new exhibition on 'the Coming of Age'. **About the exhibition** ‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition explores experiences and perceptions of ageing, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better. Across the globe, people are living longer. One in ten children in the UK are expected to live beyond the age of 100. But who gets to live longer and ‘age well’? This exhibition explores how experiences of age are shaped by our environment, culture and society. The exhibition features more than 120 artworks and objects, from historical artefacts to works by contemporary artists. It brings together different perspectives from art, science and popular culture, challenging assumptions about life stages and asks what greater longevity means for all of us. **Cost** Entry is free! The visit is self-guiding. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After we will head to the cafe on the ground floor of the Wellcome Collection from 4:00pm for a chat over a drink. If you can make it, please come to the cafe afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

One family’s deepest pain. Another family’s darkest secret. On a hot day in 1960s Maine, six-year-old Joe watches his little sister Ruthie, sitting on her favourite rock at the edge of the blueberry fields, while their family, Mi’kmaq people from Nova Scotia, pick fruit. That afternoon, Ruthie vanishes without a trace. As the last person to see her, Joe will be forever haunted by grief, guilt, and the agony of imagining how his life could have been. In an affluent suburb nearby, Norma is growing up as the only child of unhappy parents. She is smart, precocious, and bursting with questions she isn’t allowed to ask – questions about her missing baby photos; questions about her dark skin; questions about the strange, vivid dreams of campfires and warm embraces that return night after night. Norma senses there are things her parents aren’t telling her, but it will take decades to unravel the secrets they have kept buried since she was a little girl. ————————————— Weathers is not good it will be at Canova Hall/The Ferndale.

*"The blood is the life! The blood is the life!"* (Renfield, Dr. John Seward's patient, in Bram Stoker's Dracula.) **Join LoMAZ for our first interactive series of events in a read-a-long of Bram Stoker's Dracula as the story unfolds over six months...** Dracula Daily is a free subscription newsletter that sends Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula to subscribers via email. The novel takes place within a single calendar year, from May to November. Dracula Daily sends the portion of the novel that occurs each day on the corresponding day. You can read more about it on Wikipedia here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily) You can sign up for Dracula Daily for free here: [https://draculadaily.substack.com/about](https://draculadaily.substack.com/about) LoMAZ are going to read the book together from the spring to autumn of 2026, with meetup events coinciding with events in the book as they happen. These will include a trip to Whitby in August ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/)) and a trip to Romania in November ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/)). The novel begins on 3rd May, when Jonathan Harker writes that he left Munich on 1st May on his way to meet Count Dracula. The Dracula Daily Read-a-long launch party will start on the day he makes his journey from Munich to Transylvania 🧛🦇😱 **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 3.00pm:** The Union Jack pub **Address:** 225 Union Street, SE1 0LR [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6) **GETTING THERE:** **Nearest train stations:** London Bridge, Waterloo and Waterloo East **Nearest tube stations:** Southwark, but Borough, London Bridge and Waterloo are also close. [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. ***The link can be found in the event comments.*** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP ETIQUETTE AND RULES:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. Our events usually have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. However there is no limit on the number of people who can join the Dracula Daily Read-a-long and the launch party. * **However if you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible so we can plan for the numbers taking part.** **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: British Library Board, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park is a historic site for public speaking, debate, and protest. Let's meetup there to listen and watch. If we're lucky, there will be talented speakers. Then we will look for a spot away from the attention of the crowd and practice a few speaking rounds between ourselves. Being outdoors, we will train clear articulation and voice projection. What works to get the attention of listeners: being bigger than life, showering them with good energy, pleasure to be alive, enthusiasm! Then we will sit on the grass and eat sandwiches from our bags. I, Jean-Marc will lead this session. As a storyteller (storytelling is a performing art) I have the experience of being on stage, on my own, and hold adults' or children's attention for one hour or more. When I came to London, I retrained my skills speaking English with Toastmasters. Please don't RSVP Yes if you are not determined to turn up.

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick **Sunday Secret Sketch** **Every Sunday** **3.30-5.30pm** **£15 / £10 students and under 25's** **We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)** **11-1pm Every Saturday** **And a second Sunday Secret Sketch** **1-3pm every Sunday** **Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147) **Venue:** **Vaulty Towers** **34 Lower Marsh** **London** **SE1 7RG**

We will be walking section 13 out of 15 of the Capital Ring walk. Starting from Stoke Newington station, we will walk through Springfield park and alongside the river Lea, before finishing at Hackney Wick train station. This section of the capital ring is one of the shorter sections and fairly level, we will be walking for approximately one and three quarter hours with a break in between. It can get muddy so bring suitable footwear and clothing if it looks like rain or has been raining. I'll keep a watch on the forecast and will cancel the event a day or two before if the weather is looking bad, so keep an eye on the event chat which I'll update a day or two before to confirm we are going ahead. We will meet just outside Stoke Newington station at 10:45. Unless there is a transport issue affecting everyone, we will aim to start off on the walk at 11am. I will add my location tracking on Glympse so if you are late, we will not wait but you will be able to catch us up. After the walk at Hackney Wick I am planning on heading to a local pub, the Lord Napier Star, for a drink and a bite to eat. The last time I came here they did a good Sunday Roast, if you are up for coming along please indicate in the comments. I'm estimating we would reach the end of the walk at Hackney Wick for about 12:30pm.

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!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a 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!**

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.

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!