Novel Writing

Join us for another lowkey writing session! Bring your laptop, iPad, or notebook so that you can get some words down! We will start around 6:00 as people filter in. Writing, chatting, and casual introductions will go on until 6:30 as people arrive and grab food and drinks, when we will do a round-table to introduce ourselves, our genres and writing styles, and what we are looking for from the group. After that, we can buckle down to do some writing and make ourselves be productive! I will try to snag the big community table to the right of the registers at Tatte, or sit against the back wall with a couple of tables pulled together, so you can look for me there. I'll post in the comments when I arrive, so feel free to check there or message me if you are feeling lost or having difficulty finding the group. I'll look forward to meeting you all! Our next workshop will take place on the Monday following this one, so look forward to that, as well!

*From the [publisher's website](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cuba-(Winner-of-the-Pulitzer-Prize)/Ada-Ferrer/9781501154560):* **WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY** **WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY** **“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (*The Wall Street Journal*) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.** In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more. Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (*The Guardian*) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, *Cuba: An American History* provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade. Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (*The Economist*). Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other. ***How to find us:*** We meet in the upstairs seating area at Zorba's in Dupont Circle. Look for a sign on a table with a picture of the book's cover on it. Links: **[Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/91030/9781501154560):** **By purchasing your book through this link, you help support local bookstores and defray the cost of DCIA's Meetup subscription.** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Cuba-American-Dr-Ada-Ferrer/dp/1501154559) [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cuba-(Winner-of-the-Pulitzer-Prize)/Ada-Ferrer/9781501154560) [Wikipedia page about Ada Ferrer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Ferrer)

Every Monday Night (Rare Execeptions posted on NOVA BG website ) since the late 1980s, we are new to Meetup. https://sites.google.com/site/novabackgammon/ Register at 6:45PM Random Draw 7:00PM sharp. Results Usually Reported on Tuesday - via NOVA BG E-Mail Double-Elimination: Main & Consolation Brackets We follow USBGF Rules and the following options: - Legal Moves. - Use of two dice is Preferred over four dice. - Dice landing on checkers is legal. - Use of clocks is Preferred.

We have heard our local actors share about their roads to success, now it's your turn! What were your successes this year? Bring your lunch and be prepared to share what worked for you this year. How do you define success? Let's celebrate our year of community building and pat each other on the back for what we accomplished as actors in the DMV. Don't worry if you aren't feeling the success vibe. Come and learn what others are doing to build their careers. The best thing about the acting community in DC is the support of the community. If you aren't able to attend, please feel free to share your successes with our Talent Roundtable co-chair, Alison Bauer at [abauer226@gmail.com](mailto:abauer226@gmail.com) and she will post for others to celebrate. This event is **IN PERSON** at the Hill Center's Amphitheatre. (Rain plan is to meet inside in the conference room) FREE for WIFV Members / $15 Public You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32506&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

Class: Developing Your Intuitive/Energy Skills Contents: Clearings, empath work, meditation, learning and enhancing energy work skills for working on self and others For further information, please contact Madhu 301-760-7491, info@stress-reliefcenter.com

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Loop the Lakes (LTL) - Ride is through biking trails around both Mercer and Burke Lakes with dirt, gravel, & paved surfaces. There are some hills on this ride. Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Loop the Lakes (11.0 Mile) * START LOC: South Run Rec Center * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/tac8sEttpFm](https://goo.gl/maps/tac8sEttpFm) * START PARKING PIC: [https://goo.gl/pz8LWb](https://goo.gl/pz8LWb) Drive all the way to the very end and park directly in front of the South Run Field House at the very bottom of parking area. * ARRIVAL: 6:00pm * SPEECH: 6:10pm * ROLLING: 6:15pm * LEVEL: Medium (-) skill, \~50% packed gravel. * PACE: 10+ mph * DISTANCE: 11 miles * TERRAIN: dirt, gravel, & paved trails * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_LTL_11_2024 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28697863](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28697863) **NOTES:** * It's cooler in the shade. * This is not your normal CBG ride - READ THE MEETUP! * Show up with FULL water bottles. * Carry a spare inner tube that fits your bike. (Restroom are open in South Run Recreation Center at the Start). * Rocks, Roots, and Gravel-oh my **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure, NoVA CBG presents Loop the Lakes. Come on out and try a Medium(-) skill level trail and gravel ride. Please note, this is not your normal CBG ride. If you are unsure of your riding ability in general, then this in NOT the ride for you. However, if you are a solid beginner(+) cyclist and you can handle some hills and gravelly situations you will have to "up your game" a little but please come on out and give this ride a try!! It's really something different and fun!! 1. This ride loops around the mostly paved but hilly Lake Mercer (clockwise) but halfway through at the Dam we take a group picture and then... 2. We finish going around Lake Mercer (with some fun hills) and when done we... 3. Head over to Burke Lake to do a loop there (also clockwise and gravelly) and then... 4. Finish it all up back to where it started. A hybrid, gravel, or mountain bike is required (NO SKINNY TIRES / NO ROAD BIKES). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** South Run Rec Center 7550 Reservation Dr Springfield, VA 22153 * GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/tac8sEttpFm](https://goo.gl/maps/tac8sEttpFm) * PARKING INFO: [https://goo.gl/pz8LWb](https://goo.gl/pz8LWb) Drive all the way to the very bottom end of parking and park directly in front of the South Run Field House. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride after the Ride** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Ride After the Ride (RAtR): Google Maps Hyperlink: [Anita's](https://www.google.com/maps/place/9278+Old+Keene+Mill+Rd,+Burke,+VA+22015/@38.7763792,-77.2650376,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b652129574e76b:0x215f0e7c2b3c254b!8m2!3d38.7763792!4d-77.2650376!16s%2Fg%2F11bw4fz95_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), 9278 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA \~3 miles by car from ride location. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I try to arrive by 6:45! Arrive before me? There will be a reservation under Connor L. You can either ask the host in Sonny's or look for the silver table tent with my name written in green tape. -- 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. Bring your writing materials (such as a notebook or a charged laptop - outlets are limited.) And if you'd like to tune out other patrons at Sonny's or any overhead music, we recommend bringing headphones or earplugs. -- 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! When you show up, I will be sitting at a table with folded "Shut Up & Write" table cards. 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://www.shutupwrite.com). -- **Other Important Details:** **WiFi name/password:** Name - Sonny's/Doubles Guest; Password - pingpong **Travel / Parking info:** Sonny's is on the D40/D4X bus line and about a 15 minute walk from either the Columbia Heights or Georgia Ave/Petworth metro lines. There is limited on-street parking. **Venue Guidelines:** Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Join us for another optional writing session! Feel free to bring a project you're already working on or start something new with us. If anything interesting comes up while you're writing, you can share it with the group, but no pressure!

is is an In-Person Writing Event at Three This is an In-Person Writing Event at Kaldi's Social House in Clarendon! Please join us. This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

**Hey everyone, we’ve exciting news for our next workshop, June 6th. Lesley Younge, local poet and author, will be a guest speaker. It’ll start right at noon so come early (I’ll be there so come keep me company). It’ll be at our typical spot, CapOne Café at 7th & H, from 12-1, followed by the usual poetry sharing and feedback.** **Below is her bio, plus where you can find her online.** **Lesley Younge is an educator and writer from Silver Spring, Maryland. Her work has appeared in Poetry, Callaloo, Bay to Shore, West Trade Review, MQR Mixtape, Full Bleed and others. She debuted as an author in 2023 with two books for young people. Nearer My Freedom (co-authored with her mentor Monica Edinger) is an award winning YA verse novel remix of British abolitionist Olaudah Equiano’s seminal autobiography. A-Train Allen, her first picture book, was an inaugural Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize Winner awarded by Sleeping Bear Press. Two children’s books on the nonviolent life of Reverend James M. Lawson are forthcoming.** **Originally from Los Angeles California, she attended New York University and Bank Street College of Education, where she discovered a passion for supporting young people’s learning. She currently teaches middle school English in Washington D.C. This is her 20th year in the classroom.** **Lesley is a fellow of Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Hurston/Wright Foundation, and Anaphora Literary Arts. She blogs and shares resources at teacherlesley.com** **[https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/lesley-younge](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/lesley-younge)** **[https://writer.org/organizer/lesley-younge/](https://writer.org/organizer/lesley-younge/)** **We look forward to seeing you there!** Here're the usual notes about the rest of the workshop: Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

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!

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!