National Novel Writing Month

🎊 Let’s celebrate the end of the year together! みんなで一年の締めくくりを祝いましょう！ Thanks to all of you, Japanish has grown to over 2,000 members this year. To show our appreciation, we’re hosting a year-end party — let’s celebrate together!🦄 皆さまのおかげで、Japanishは今年 2000人を超えるコミュニティに成長しました。 感謝の気持ちを込めて、忘年会パーティーを開催します！🦄 📅 Event Details / イベント詳細 🗓 Date / 日程: December 30 🕕 Time / 時間: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Location / 場所: Condo near Union Station 💰 Event Fee / 参加費　$15 per person 【お支払い｜Payment】 **当日**キャッシュまたは**当日到着まで**にE-transfer Cash on the day or E-transfer **by the time you arrive** 📧 hangout.lx@gmail.com ※E-transfer のコメント欄に Meetup の登録名を記入するか、 お支払い後に DM でお知らせください。 Please write your Meetup name in the E-transfer message,or send us a DM after completing the payment. お支払い後、リストバンドをお渡ししますので着用をお願いします。 After payment, you will receive a wristband —please wear it during the event. 🍿 Food & Drinks / 飲食について We’ll prepare snacks and drinks (and maybe some alcohol 😉). The selection may be limited, so bringing your own food or drinks is more than welcome! 軽食とドリンク（もしかしたらお酒も…？）をご用意します。 数に限りがあるため、持ち込みも大歓迎です！ 🎁 Special Surprise! / サプライズ演出あり！ There will also be a special surprise prepared by Japanish… 👀✨ Stay tuned and enjoy the night! Japanishからのちょっとしたサプライズ演出も用意しています… 👀✨ ぜひお楽しみに！ 🎲 Board Games Galore! / ボードゲームもたくさん！ We’ll also have a large selection of board games, so feel free to jump in and play with everyone! たくさんのボードゲームも用意しています！ 初めての方でも気軽に参加できます◎ 👯‍♀️ Guests Welcome! / 同伴OK！ Please feel free to bring your close friends or family members with you! 大切なご友人やご家族の方も、ぜひご一緒にお越しください！

**NOTE:** This is a ticketed event. Please purchase a ticket to attend. **Tickets here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toronto-deluxe-speed-dating-age-28-42-tickets-1975856445818?aff=oddtdtcreator Ready to take your dating life to the next level? Join our deluxe speed dating event at The Twilight Cafe in the heart of downtown Toronto! Are you ready to take your dating more seriously, and meet singles in your age range who feel the same way? This event is priced a little higher than our other events to ensure that we only get those who are serious about dating, and are more committed. However, you will get a lot more included with your ticket. Your ticket to this event include: * One specialty coffee drink or fruit drink * Light appetizers before the event * 2 hours of board games play after speed dating ends * Pre-speed dating friends networking session * Speed dating with up to 20 other singles How speed dating works is that you will meet members of the opposite sex for quick 4 minute dates, and then you will give them a yes or a no. They will then do the same thing for you. If there is a mutual match, contact information will be exchanged the next day. We will give you all needed materials, and explain the process to you once everyone has arrived. You don't need to bring anything, just come dressed for success! This event is for people aged 28-42. Get your tickets now while you can!

🎬 **$4.99** **Movie Night Meetup: *Trading Places*** 🎬 **Tuesday\, December 30 \| Imagine Cinemas Carlton** Join us for a fun, laid-back movie night as we watch the classic comedy ***Trading Places*** on the big screen! Perfect for a midweek laugh and an unbeatable movie deal. *** ### 🕒 **Schedule** * **6:30 PM** – Meet outside **Auditorium #4** * **6:40 PM** – Movie starts * **Where to find us:** Look for **Nick** holding the **Meetup sign** outside Auditorium #4 **before and after the movie** * 🎟️ **General seating** at this location If you’re unsure about your schedule, no worries — **you can just show up!** *** ### 🎥 **About the Movie** ***Trading Places* (1983)** is a sharp, hilarious comedy starring **Eddie Murphy** and **Dan Aykroyd**. When a wealthy commodities broker and a street hustler have their lives switched as part of a cruel social experiment, chaos — and comedy — ensue. Clever, quotable, and still wildly entertaining, this film is a true classic. * **Runtime:** 1 hour 56 minutes * **Trailer:** [click here](https://youtu.be/Fupg2r1EJ9w?si=FVGT9--oNP4lS5it) *** ### 💸 **Amazing Deal Alert** 🎉 **Tickets are just $4.99 tonight!** Yes — **$4.99** for a classic movie on the big screen. An absolute steal and a perfect excuse for a group night out. Purchase your ticket in-person at the Cinema or [online](https://omniwebticketing6.com/imaginecinemas/carlton/?schdate=2025-12-30&perfix=130960) *** Come for the movie, stay for the laughs, and enjoy great company. See you there! 🍿😄

Game starts at 6pm! Friendly group of young guys and gals just out for some fun! New players that come for start receive a free 50 in chips! Beautiful Venue! Free Parking

We’re heading to **Thai Signature** this Tuesday for some amazing Thai dishes and friendly conversation. Whether you love spicy curries or mango rice, come join us! Here’s what to expect 👇 * We are starting with Thai food and will order our meals once everyone arrives. * You can check out their menu here 👇 **[https://www.thaisignature.ca/](https://www.thaisignature.ca/)** **[Menu Image](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hqqchwhd7s54anBg9)** * Everyone pays for their own meal. I have confirmed with them that they will provide separate bills. * If you have specific allergies or dietary needs, please call the restaurant directly to confirm they can accommodate you. * If time permits, we might stay back and play board games. It is optional to join. * If your plans change, please cancel at least a day before so we can adjust the seating. * Limited to **8 seats** only this time, so please grab your spot if you can make it. This is a relaxed, social evening—come by, meet new people, and enjoy some tasty Thai food together.

\*\*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.

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!

**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details. **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 Jimmy the Greek. 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.

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.

🎆❄️ **New Year’s Day Walk: Toronto Island** **Walk off the hangover. Start fresh. Do something different.** Let’s be real — January 1st can go one of two ways: You stay on the couch all day… **or** you step outside, breathe in fresh air, move your body, and actually start the year feeling good. Join us for a **New Year’s Day walk on Toronto Island** — the perfect way to **reset after the night before**, try something new, and maybe even make a few new friends while you’re at it. Yes, I will be hungover. That’s why we’re starting at **1:15 PM** 😏🍾 Being surrounded by water and nature can be surprisingly calming. The Islands offer a quiet place to slow down, clear your head, and start the year feeling grounded — no mystical claims, just fresh air and space to think. Whether you’re setting healthy intentions, shaking off the fog, or just refusing to let January win — this walk is for you. “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” So layer up, grab your warmest coat, and let’s make **January 1st** a *choice*, not a write-off ❄️💪 Miss this and your New Year officially starts on January 2nd. Just saying. *** 🌆 **THE WALK** • Approx. **7 km** • Flat, easy, and very walkable — no hills • One of the **best skyline views** of Toronto • Calm, scenic, and surprisingly magical in winter Perfect for beginners, casual walkers, and anyone trying to ease back into movement after the holidays. *** ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • This walk happens in **any kind of weather** — snow, cold, crisp winter vibes • **Do not sign up** if you’re not ready to walk in winter • Event will only be cancelled if it reaches **-20°C** *** 🕓 **MEETUP DETAILS** 📍 **Meetup Location:** 📍 **IMPORTANT: MEETUP LOCATION (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)** I will be meeting everyone **INSIDE the Ferry Docks** — **INSIDE means AFTER your ticket has been scanned** and you are **in the ferry waiting area**. 👉 **This is NOT:** • The bathrooms **outside** the terminal • The bathrooms **before** ticket scanning • The other side of the ferry terminal • Anywhere outside the building 👉 **This IS:** • **After** your ticket has been scanned • **Inside** the ferry waiting area • Beside the **bathrooms INSIDE the terminal** 👀 **How you’ll spot me:** I’ll be wearing my **MOOSE HAT** 🦌 ⏰ **Meetup Time:** **1:15 PM** 🚢 **Ferry Leaves:** **1:30 PM** — *please arrive early* ⏰ **Ferry Back to Toronto:** **4:45PM** (or sooner) ⚠️ **PLEASE BE ON TIME** Once we’re on the ferry, it will be very hard to catch up with us. *** 💲 **COSTS** • **Meetup Fee:** $5 – Cash in person **or** – E-transfer to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** • **Ferry Ticket:** **$9.70** – You **must purchase your ferry ticket before signing up** – 🎟️ **Ferry Ticket: [Click Here!](https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp)** *** 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** • Snack • Water • **Good boots** • Warm coat • Something warm to drink ☕ *** ⏳ **HOW LONG?** Approx. **3 hours**, including a small break. 🚪 **Can you leave early?** Anytime you like. 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** You can **just show up** or even decide on the day — New Year energy is flexible. *** 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. *** ✨ Fresh air. Movement. Skyline views. Good people. ✨ A healthier start to the year — without pretending you’re perfect. **Organizer:** Mathew 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!

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 the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). 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 around 6:45pm. 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 Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please 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. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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 January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

**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!**