Novel Writing

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)

**Coffee. A Sunday morning. A table of people who get it.** **NoVA Single Parents Village is a new group for single parents in Northern Virginia who want actual community — not advice, not a support group, not a dating app in disguise. Just people navigating the same messy, meaningful reality who could use a few more faces that understand it.** **The first meetup is at Caboose Brewing in Mosaic District. No agenda. No icebreaker games. Show up, grab a drink, and talk to people who know what it’s like to be doing this largely on their own.**

Join us to discuss The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow! We will be meeting at the Ballston Quarter food court, look for the table sign with iur group logo. The discussion will start promptly at 3, please arrive early to find us and make any food purchases.

“When you open yourself to divine truth, the mere fact that you can identify a problem means that you have the solution within you. What you are attempting to achieve through the Spiritual Exercises of ECK is the expansion of consciousness whereby you can better see the solution to your problem.” ─ Harold Klemp, The Golden Heart, p. 88 You are Divine Soul – and have the godlike power of creative imagination within you. Using this power, you can find solutions for every problem and take charge of your own life. But how do you actually do it? How can you best tap the creativity of your true self, and manifest a happier and more productive life for yourself now? During a lively discussion, we’ll explore ways to more consciously connect with the Divine power, more effectively address our fears, and transform the way we identify and work with problems. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book, “ECK Wisdom on Solving Problems.” We look forward to seeing you there!

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!

Shall we draw at Quill & Crumb, the cafe in the Folger's Great Hall? It's a gorgeous setting where we'll undoubtedly find many interesting things to draw. From the website: "Quill & Crumb is located in the Folger’s historic Great Hall, which was originally designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret to resemble a gallery within a 16th-century English home. The Great Hall features strapwork plaster ceiling, oak-paneled walls, and intricately designed terracotta floors." Look forward to meeting you there!

Come join us on this special Mother's Day walking tour of America’s most historic park, Lafayette Square, D.C.! e’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few femme fatales.) And tell the general history of the locale. When: Sunday, May 10, 4 pm! Where: MEET in the grand lobby of the Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 PrePay and Pre-Register at: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-tour-of-dcs-heroines-tickets-1988121821888?aff=oddtdtcreator Or, PayPal, sending $22 to savvyveteran@gmail.com via: https://www.paypal.com/us/home Or, pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How a future First lady saved the family of Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • Where a most famous anthem was written • Female spiritualists and ladies' seances • Where a most famous speech was authored • The woman who wrecked an entire presidential Cabinet • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • The most eligible women in the nation's history • How an opera diva brokered civil rights • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • The most effective lady spy of America's largest war • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • How Southern bankers and Northern belles conspired to save Mt. Vernon • The most effective female spy of the world's greatest war • Presidential humor • How Mrs. Grant escaped death • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Femme Fatalite: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We'll wrap up in time for you to take your mom to dinner. This tour makes for a great gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive day!

📚 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.

Fun and uplifting stories about Lafayette Square’s many heroines and inspiring events. Come join us on this special Mother's Day walking tour of America’s most historic park, Lafayette Square, D.C.! e’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few femme fatales.) And tell the general history of the locale. When: Sunday, May 10, 4 pm! Where: MEET in the grand lobby of the Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How a future First lady saved the family of Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • Where a most famous anthem was written • Female spiritualists and ladies' seances • Where a most famous speech was authored • The woman who wrecked an entire presidential Cabinet • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • The most eligible women in the nation's history • How an opera diva brokered civil rights • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • The most effective lady spy of America's largest war • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • How Southern bankers and Northern belles conspired to save Mt. Vernon • The most effective female spy of the world's greatest war • Presidential humor • How Mrs. Grant escaped death • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Femme Fatalite: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We'll wrap up in time for you to take your mom to dinner. This tour makes for a great gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive day!

Social Sips & Bites family - this is the kind of day we do best. Easy, fun, and full of connection. We’re taking things to the water with a full afternoon of cruising, exploring, eating, and just enjoying the moment together. No stress, no rush… just good vibes and great people from start to finish. ⸻ **MEET UP — 12:00 PM** L’Enfant Plaza (D & 7th St Exit) Metro: Orange, Blue, Silver Drive: 400 7th St SW (free parking on Sunday nearby) ⸻ **THE RIDE 🚤** We’re cruising the Potomac together Wharf → Alexandria: 12:45 – 1:15 Alexandria → Wharf: 5:00 – 5:30 **Round Trip: $44** Grab your ticket: https://share.google/MR4rRnrVghl6t56e8 ⸻ **ALEXANDRIA VIBES** 🍕🍦 We step off the boat and the day just flows 1. Walk the waterfront. Take in the views 2. Andy’s Pizza — one of the best slices around https://share.google/TOnyMxiqTkhTYGXBF 3. Before heading back… Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream https://share.google/hWiZ8i8M06mayPbxM ⸻ This is one of those effortless, perfect SSB days Sunshine, water, food, laughs, and that signature SSB energy

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

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!

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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