Novel Writing

[Exceptionally at ramram cafe, inside the PBZ Altstadt library, while Strauhof is closed for the summer!] Join us for an opportunity to enjoy, discuss and learn from excellent writing. We'll have a semi-private room at The Alehouse, with three reading and discussion slots and an opportunity to meet other writers. A few notes for prospective writers: 1. You aren’t required to share your own work and should feel encouraged to attend simply to enjoy and discuss the work of others, if you prefer. 2. All genres, formats, and styles of creative writing welcome, noting that the focus will be on discussing English-language fiction (or creative non-fiction). Poetry is likely to be better suited to the marvellous Zürich Poetry Club. 3. All abilities are welcome, from those just starting out to those who have already made progress in their writing, from hobbyists to professionals. 4. There will be three reading slots for each session, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please indicate in the comments for the event if you would like to share something. 5. If you would like to share your writing with the group, you can do so either by reading aloud or allowing group members to read directly. You can expect to read for 5-7 minutes (approximately 600-1000 words) with 15-20 minutes provided for discussion afterwards. 6. If possible, please bring sufficient copies of any writing that you would like to present, so that everyone can read it themselves. You can also request written feedback. 7. Improving as a writer requires both guidance and encouragement, so you can expect the discussion to be constructive and courteous - we all know how challenging it can be. We hope that you will be able to join, and look forward to seeing you there!

Two very different, complementary topics for our June evening. One on the small, everyday habits that make teams actually collaborate. The other on how a platform and a cultural movement transformed IT in the public sector. Here's what's planned for the evening: 17:30 - 18:00 - Arrival and first drinks 18:00 - 18:45 - Micro Habits for better Teamwork by Dr. Denniz Dönmez 18:45 - 19:30 - From DevOps to Digital Sovereignty: How a Movement Became a Platform by Syrian Hadad 19:30 - 20:30 - Networking, Open Space & More drinks\* **Micro Habits for better Teamwork** Great teamwork is like solving a puzzle, and not like playing poker, it's not about playing against each other, but rather achieving real collaboration. Micro Habits are psychological hacks that create big results in teams. Micro Habits for Better Teamwork span seven behavioral domains, such as taking responsibility, creating psychological safety, and testing our assumptions. Each provides concrete, small, actionable behaviors that lead to major improvements in collaboration. This talk presents practical, everyday tools based on real-world experience that can be applied immediately to make teamwork easier and more effective, without lengthy coaching programs or complex team-development processes. With Micro Habits, teams unlock their full potential step by step. **Dr. Denniz Dönmez** Scientific agilist and co-creator of Micro Habits for better Teamwork. 15 years experience leading teams and consulting market leaders with a background and PhD in agile methods. **From DevOps to Digital Sovereignty: How a Movement Became a Platform** IT in the public sector is anything but simple: long-established landscapes, strict regulatory requirements, complex processes, and often more than 500 business applications that must be operated reliably. For a long time, this meant ordering individual servers, databases, DNS entries, firewall rules, and storage, then assembling everything manually. Every application was unique. Pets instead of cattle. This talk tells the story of how the DevOps idea took hold in exactly this environment — first as a cultural movement, and later as a concrete operating and architectural model. Step by step, individual infrastructure evolved into a platform, manual work into automation, and isolated solutions into standardization. The result: the Aargau Cloud Platform and a dedicated platform engineering team. In an environment shaped by legacy systems, federal structures, and long lifecycle expectations, platform thinking becomes the foundation for digital sovereignty: maintaining control, reducing dependencies, and still staying innovative — without simply handing everything over to others. **Syrian Hadad** Syrian Hadad is a CTO and long-standing technology and platform leader in the public sector. Among other achievements, he built the Aargau Cloud Platform and helped establish DevOps, cloud, and architecture topics strategically within the organization. Together with the IT organization of the Canton of Aargau, he won the 2023 Digital Economy Award (Digital Excellence) for the consistent transformation toward platforms, cloud-native technologies, and modern governance. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering Sponsor: **DevOpsDays Zürich** https://www.devopsdays.ch/ * Location Sponsor: **Digicomp** https://www.digicomp.ch/ \* contact us min. 3 days prior to the event if you prefer a vegan option.

**DE** Willst du üben, Menschen zu zeichnen? Dann komm vorbei zum nächsten Treffen. Wir zeichnen uns gegenseitig ab, d.h. jede/jeder steht mal kurz Modell und die anderen halten die Pose im Skizzenbuch fest. (Kurze Posen von ca. 2–10 Minuten). **Wir treffen uns um 17.30 Uhr beim Turbinenplatz** Wir zeichnen draussen. Und bitte bachte: Dieses Meetup findet statt, wenn mind. 4 Personen teilnehmen *Bitte eigenes Skizziermaterial und ev. Hocker mitnehmen. Alle Zeichner\*innen (geübte und ungeübte) sind willkommen. Wir zeichnen uns gegenseitig in unserer Strassenkleidung, du kannst also so kommen, wie du bist. Wenn du aber gerne ausgefallene Kleidung/Kostüme trägst oder spezielle Accessoires hast, bist du damit auch willkommen.* **EN** Would you like to practise figure drawing? Then come along to our next meetup. We draw each other, i.e. everyone models for a short time and the others record the pose in their sketchbook. (Short poses of approx. 2–10 minutes). **We will meet at 5.30 pm at Turbinenplatz** We will be drawing outdoor. And please note: This meetup will only take place if at least 4 people attend. *Please bring your own sketching material and possibly a stool. All sketchers (experienced and inexperienced) are welcome. We will draw each other in our street clothes, so you can come as you are. But if you like to wear fancy clothes/costumes or have special accessories, you are also welcome.*

**If you cannot see your strategy, how do you know it is clear?** Even in creative teams, strategy is discussed, refined, and documented, yet often stays abstract. Ideas live in conversations, slides, and documents, but teams walk away with different understandings. What sounds aligned in theory often falls apart in practice. We process images much faster than text, yet most organizations still rely on bullet points to communicate strategy. The challenge is no longer developing better strategies. It is making them visible so people can actually align around them. In this interactive keynote, **Michelle Geerlings**, Country Director of Switzerland at Flatland, introduces visual thinking as a practical way to cut through complexity and build shared understanding. With a background in Strategic Design from TU Delft and experience across Sweden, Japan, and Kenya, she works at the intersection of design, facilitation, and strategy. Through co-creation and visual facilitation, she helps teams turn abstract ideas into clear, shared visuals. Join us on **June 3** as she shares practical examples of how sketches and simple frameworks help teams align faster and turn ideas into action. **💡 What will you learn?** * Why visual thinking is a skill anyone can learn, and how it changes the way you think * How co-creation builds ownership and engagement across teams * What really matters in visual thinking: structure, hierarchy, metaphor, and systems thinking over aesthetics * Why working visually leads to faster alignment than traditional documents *More about Flatland* [www.flatland.nl](http://www.flatland.nl) *Connect with Michelle* [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellegeerlings/) —— **📍 Where?** [Kulturhaus Helferei](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJuPTcLTmihXxHyn9), near the Grossmünster in Niederdorf. \> Kirchgasse 13\, 8001 Zürich (Tram-Station Helmhaus) **📅 When?** Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 PM / 19:00 Uhr **⏰ What’s the schedule?** 6:45 PM → Doors open 7:00 PM → Keynote + Q&A 7:45 PM → Networking 🔗 **Discord** Get event reminders and connect with other members on Discord: ➡️ [discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk](https://discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk) —— **Who’s Visual Fields?** Visual Fields is a network of designers and creatives built for people to connect, support, and share with fellow experts. We have upcoming events in Zürich, Basel, and Luzern. [Check out upcoming events](https://www.visualfields.ch/) —— **Event policies** We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Be mindful not to make assumptions about gender, sexual orientation, or identity. Always ask for consent - for physical contact and work critique - and treat everyone and the space with respect. [All policies](https://www.joyed.com/experiences/ep) **Fine print (the friendly kind)** By joining, you agree that photos or videos taken at the event may be used by Visual Fields for promotional and communication purposes. See you there! 😇

It is not unusual to hear scholars say that modern political philosophy is but a footnote to Plato’s Republic. In this foundational work, (Plato’s) Socrates and his interlocutors embark on a daring thought experiment: to define "**Justice**" by building an ideal city, Kallipolis, from the ground up. But a just city requires **just people**, and just people are such “by design”. Plato asks two questions. What does culture pour into us from the outside — and who are we becoming because of it? And what must the soul look like on the inside — so that those who lead us protect the city rather than devour it? Using selected passages from Books II, III, and IV, we will move from ancient Athens to the present day to discuss two specific challenges: **The Problem of the Poets and the Role of Culture**: In ancient Greece poets set the standards for culture. Their stories didn't just teach values, they gave citizens heroes to become. Who are our modern poets? Are they news outlets, algorithms, influencers, and screenwriters, who decide, at scale, which lives look admirable, heroic, and which virtues are worth the effort? What kind of citizens and leaders are they actually forming — and would we accept Plato's conclusion that the city cannot afford to leave this to chance? **The Paradox of the "Noble Dog"**: The Guardian (Plato’s chosen rulers class) must be "high-spirited" ([thymos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumos)) to defend the city, yet "gentle" to protect its people. This is not a question of technical competence, but of character. How does a society train leaders who are powerful enough to act, but disciplined enough not to devour the state? Plato wrote the Republic two and a half thousand years ago. The questions it raises have not been answered since, and may matter more now than ever. Join us in the attempt to think through Plato’s theory! Come and think them through with us. Prior reading is useful but not required. **Preparation:** Reading The Republic is a huge enterprise, but you can prepare for this event with these links: Easy Path (articles) * 0–5 minutes: [The Britannica entry](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Republic) for a quick synopsis. * 5–20 minutes: Chapter‑by‑chapter [walkthrough](https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-republic/summary) of the dialogue’s main episodes and themes Deeper Dive (videos, 45-50 minutes each) * [Books I-II](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVQKbQVc2_w&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=4) * [Books III-IV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxMP8_pWLw&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=5) * [Book V](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXthvnZ8ghw&list=PL8D95DEA9B7DFE825&index=6) You can find a free PDF version of the English text [here](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1497). **For Philosophical Minds Zurich theme events in general:** At our theme events, we begin with a brief topic introduction, followed by engaging discussions in small groups. It’s all about conversation, not just listening. Also, please note, we keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal—**there’s** **no pressure to speak in front of anyone**. **Important:** When you register for the event, please commit to it and don't be a NO SHOW. Presumably, when the ancient philosophers decided to go to an event, they kept to it.
 We look forward to seeing you. **Payment:** You can pay at the venue (Twint/Revolut/Cash). Thus, if you want to register at Meetup just click attend - no more needed ;). We look forward to seeing you.

Welcome to the **Task-Buddies** event of the **Zürich Productivity Circle**, where we bring together like-minded individuals to work on personal goals and share the experience of growth in a supportive community. Maybe you are building a business or side hustle, studying for a course, learning a new (programming) language, figuring the tax system out, writing code, prose, or poetry, researching new stocks for your portfolio, tackling your German homework, or upskilling for your job. In all of these cases and more, this is the perfect space for you. In fact, productivity does not end there. Even if you just want to read a psychology book to resolve a personal struggle, sketch a mountain, listen to podcasts, organize your week, respond to unanswered emails and messages, enjoy a novel, or just reflect and meditate, you are very welcome here. For any task that adds positively to your life and can be done sitting down with others (exception: anything noisy/disruptive/disrespectful), you will fit into the events. We will meet at a work-friendly café in Zürich and follow the agenda below. **Agenda:** * **Introductions and food (20-30 mins):** Start with a round of introductions to get to know each other and share what we'll be working on, buy our food and drinks. * **Productive Work Session (1-2 hours)** Dive into your individual tasks in a focussed, distraction-free environment. * **Collective Break and Socializing (\~15 mins):** Take a planned break to stretch, chat, get more coffee, and share insights about your projects. * **Continued Work Session (1-2 hours):** Get back to your tasks with renewed focus and motivation. * **Wrap-Up and Reflections (15+ mins):** Conclude with a reflection on what we accomplished, share productivity tips or questions, discuss plans for future meetups, stay back for more chit chat if you like. **What to Bring:** * Your project or task materials (laptop, charger, books, sketchpad, pen, etc.) * Respectful and kind demeanour * A positive attitude and a willingness to share and learn **Note:** Please ensure that your tasks are suitable for a quiet, communal setting. We aim to maintain a respectful and conducive environment for everyone. **Venue Courtesy:** Out of courtesy for the venue, please order something drinks for yourself. This helps support the café and ensures we can continue to use their space for our meetups.

Welcome to the June meeting of the book club! For our second book, we’ll be reading *The Door*, a powerful novel by Hungarian author Magda Szabó. First published in 1987, it tells the story of the complicated relationship between a writer and her enigmatic housekeeper, gradually opening into larger questions of power, intimacy, pride, class, loyalty, and self-deception. We’ll meet in English for a friendly, open discussion. No academic background is needed — just read the book, bring your thoughts, and join the conversation. These first books have been chosen by the organizer to help get the club started. Once the group is actively underway, future reads will be selected through member nominations and voting. Looking forward to seeing new and returning readers in June!

📚 Zurich Book Market – A Cozy Haven for Book Lovers Imagine walking into a room full of books, the smell of stories waiting to be discovered, and people who love reading just as much as you do. That's exactly what we're creating. Join us for a one-of-a-kind book fair in the heart of Zurich, where bibliophiles come together to browse, swap, discover, and celebrate the magic of reading. ✨ What to expect: 🛍️ Books for sale — from beloved second-hand copies with character, to brand new titles and rare special editions from Fairyloot and Illumicrate. Think stunning collector's editions, beautiful foiled covers, exclusive artwork — the kind of books that are as gorgeous on your shelf as they are to read. 📖 Genres — Fantasy, Romantasy, Fiction, Romance. Mostly bestsellers, with a carefully curated selection from indie authors you'll be glad you discovered. 🌍 Languages — Primarily English, with a selection in French and Spanish. 🎁 Blind Dates with Books — wrapped in kraft paper with only a few mysterious clues. Pick one and fall in love with a story you never expected. 💌 Leave a Book for a Stranger — bring a book you loved and leave it behind for someone else to find. Pay it forward, one story at a time. 📸 Meet local Bookstagrammers — connect with Zurich's book community, discover new recommendations, and maybe find your next reading buddy. Whether you're hunting for your next obsession, looking to give your books a new home, or simply want to spend a few hours surrounded by stories and like-minded people — this is your place. All are welcome. Bring your tote bag. Come as you are. 📍 Schamendingerplatz | 🗓️ 6th of June, 2026 | Entry: Free

**A creative walk & talk for designers and creatives** Join us for a half-day walk and talk along the scenic Uetliberg ridge, designed to connect outside the usual networking format. No presentations. No panels. Just great people, ideas, and a shared path. We start at Triemli Station and hike up through the forest to Uto Staffel (about 1.5 hours), guided by [Mario Stipetic](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariostipetic/). From there, we continue into a relaxed 1 to 1.5 hour ridge walk along the Planetenweg with views over Zürich, the lake, and the Alps. Conversations unfold naturally along the way. We move in small groups, rotate, and share thoughts on current projects, creative challenges, and topics like AI in design, or whatever emerges in the moment. We end at Gut Mädikon Hofcafé, a hidden farm café, where we spend about one hour enjoying coffee, homemade cake, and relaxed conversation. This is networking without the pressure. Just movement, fresh air, and meaningful exchange. See you there! 😇 **WhatsApp Group (Coordination)** We’ll send the WhatsApp invite after you RSVP. You can also join via Discord below. —— **The Easy Route** Prefer to skip the steep climb? Take the S10 train from Zürich HB to Uetliberg (about 20 minutes), then walk down to Uto Staffel and meet us there around 11:00 AM. Timing will be coordinated via the group on the day. **Getting Back** We walk back along the ridge to Uetliberg, either retracing the Planetenweg or taking the path near the Uetliberg tower. From there, walk down to Triemli station and catch the train home. **Physical Fitness** The initial climb takes about 1.5 hours and is steep, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. If you are unsure, take the easy route. The views are the same, and the Hofcafé cake tastes just as good. **RSVP** If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP so we can adjust the reservation at the Hofcafé. —— **📅 Date** Sunday, June 7, 2026 **📍 Meeting Point (Start)** 10:00 AM at Triemli Station, Zürich **⏰ Duration** \~6 to 7 hours total (including lunch break) **🥾 Difficulty** Moderate (steep initial climb) **⛰️ Elevation gain** \~320 m (485 m > 805 m) **🎒 What to bring** * Hiking shoes or sturdy trail shoes (no sneakers, no sandals) * Water bottle (at least 0.5L) * Weather-appropriate layers (cooler in the forest, windy on the ridge) * Optional snack * Sun protection (hat or cap, sunscreen) **🚶 Return** \~13:30 from Hofcafé —— **🔗 Discord** Get event reminders and connect with other members on Discord: ➡️ [discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk](http://discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk) —— **Who’s Visual Fields?** Visual Fields is a network of designers and creatives built for people to connect, support, and share with fellow experts. We have upcoming events in Zürich, Basel, and Luzern. [Check out upcoming events](http://visualfields.ch/) —— **Event policies** We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Be mindful not to make assumptions about gender, sexual orientation, or identity. Always ask for consent - for physical contact and work critique - and treat everyone and the space with respect. [All policies](https://experienc.es/policies) **Fine print (the friendly kind)** You join at your own risk. The trail includes steep, uneven, and potentially muddy sections. Please wear appropriate footwear and assess your ability. In case of heavy rain or unsafe conditions, the event will be postponed to June 7. By joining, you agree that photos or videos taken at the event may be used by Visual Fields for promotional and communication purposes.

You know those spontaneous chats with a colleague by the water cooler or with an acquaintance you bumped into in town, where strangers gather around a random topic — and somehow, something sticks? A thought, a story, a spark that gets you wondering, reflecting, and feeling a little more alive? ✨ That’s the spirit of our monthly coffee gathering, **A Cup of Serendipity** — a reminder that connection can’t be scripted, only sparked with good company and good chemistry 🪄. **Join us for a morning of spontaneous conversation and connection!** There’s no topic, no script — just space for ideas and stories to flow freely, shaped by whoever’s present. The only thing planned is the time and place. The rest is up to us, where the conversation takes us. To keep the circle casual and intimate — a space where everyone can speak and listen — we’re limiting the number of participants. So please RSVP early to secure your spot!

**Photo Laundry is an exhibition made up of images from its visitors.** We offer photographers the chance to showcase their work on a laundry line under the open sky. No matter your age or experience level, you can bring up to **five photos** per featured topic (Exception: Photo Laundry Challenge) and hang them on the lines. There’s no pre-selection—the only requirement is that the photos are your own and match one of the event’s themes. 🧺 This year's themes: **🌿 Nature’s Echo** **👤 Human Presence** **🚶 City Pulse** **🎨 Beyond the Ordinary** We are also introducing a special challenge theme this year: **🏆 The Unfinished Story** – a storytelling-focused category where the image suggests a narrative and leaves space for the viewer’s imagination. 📌 Rules for the challenge: * Each participant may submit one photo to the challenge * All challenge photos must be hung on the laundry line before 14:00 * Two prizes will be awarded at 17:30h: Public Choice Award and Jury Prize Join us on **June 6th** for a day full of photography and creativity! Enjoy **presentations, quizzes, food and drinks at the bar, a fun photo booth**, and the chance to connect with fellow photography enthusiasts. 📍 **More info on our website:** [www.photolaundry.ch](http://www.photolaundry.ch/) 📩 **Questions? Reach us by** **email** (info@picz.ch) **or on** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/picz.ch/)

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.

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!