Novel Writing

**Are you tired of ending up in 4.5-star tourist traps?** We've all been there: Google and TripAdvisor promise the ‘best steak in town,’ but you end up in a sponsored ranking that doesn't match your vibe. In a world full of bought reviews, the question arises: How can we find a restaurant that suits our taste from the wide selection and ratings available? Meet **[Tobias Tröhler](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-troehler)**, CEO and co-founder of Bern-based shooting star **[Taste Match](www.tastematch.io)**, at the next **Young Talents Club**. He answers questions from [Stephan Oehen](www.linkedin.com/in/stephanoehen), founder of the Young Talents Club and Managing Partner of Oehen PR. Tobias and his team are revolutionising the restaurant scene by replacing the ‘uniformity’ of 5-star systems with a mixture of social feed and intelligent matching. Find out first-hand: * Why the classic algorithm has had its day. * How to find a free table in a suitable restaurant at short notice? * What highs and lows has the founding team of this tech start-up experienced from the initial idea to the present day? * How hyper-personalised data will change our decisions in the future? A big thank you in advance to our location sponsor **[Starbucks](https://www.starbucks.ch/de)**. The first drink is on us! *** **Bist du es leid, in 4.5-Sterne-Touristenfallen zu landen?** Wir alle kennen das: Google und TripAdvisor versprechen das „beste Steak der Stadt“, aber am Ende sitzt man in einem gesponserten Ranking, das nicht zum eigenen Vibe passt. In einer Welt voller gekaufter Bewertungen stellt sich die Frage: Wie finden wir in der grossen Auswahl und Ratings das Restaurant unseres Geschmacks? Triff **[Tobias Tröhler](www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-troehler)**, Co-Founder des Berner Shooting-Stars **[Taste Match](www.tastematch.io)**, im nächsten **Young Talents Club**. Er stellt sich im Talk den Fragen von **[Stephan Oehen](www.linkedin.com/in/stephanoehen)**, Young Talents Club-Gründer und Managing Partner Oehen PR. Tobias und sein Team revolutionieren die Gastroszene, indem sie den „Einheitsbrei“ der 5-Sterne-Systeme durch eine Mischung aus Social Feed und intelligentem Matching ersetzen. Erfahre aus erster Hand: * Warum der klassische Algorithmus ausgedient hat? * Wie in kurzer Zeit einen freien Platz in einem passenden Restaurant finden? * Welche Höhen und Tiefen durchlebte das Gründerteam dieses Tech-Start-ups von der Idee bis heute? * Wie hyper-personalisierte Daten unsere Entscheidungen künftig verändern werden? Ein herzliches Dankeschön schon voraus unserem Location Sponsor **[Starbucks](https://www.starbucks.ch/de)**. Das erste Getränk geht auf uns!

Bouldering is like a whole body puzzle! And if you never tried we would be happy to have you join us! And the best part is...it's fun and challenging at every level. It is Rock climbing without the ropes, but with lower heights and nice \*soft mats\* to break your fall. :) At Boulderlounge Schlieren we have many routes and skilled staff. We are usually a group of 10-15. And we usually meet at 19:00 at the entrance of Boulderlouge. Some come earlier and some later, but either way write in the chat (see below) and someone will be there to find you and welcome you! Be looking for Ana or Marco. Entrance Price: 23 CHF Shoe rental: 7chf (in case you do not have) At the end of the session we sometimes have a drink and hangout with the group. The gym has food, snacks and drinks. -> Write us a message if you want to be added in the whatsapp group where we coordinate also for other sessions! We hope to see you there! PS: Are you visiting Boulderlounge for the first time? Then please register before the meetup: [https://216.webclimber.de/register ](https://216.webclimber.de/register)

Speakers: RAG with Docling – Panos Vagenas (Docling) Earth Observation for Enhanced Risk Awareness of Commercial Properties – Patrick Jayet (AXA) Agenda: RAG with Docling – Panos Vagenas (Docling) Join this session from the core Docling team to learn how to fully utilize your unstructured data in your AI workflows, be it for RAG, information extraction or, ultimately, any document-related agent. We will go over Docling’s main capabilities, covering how it can help address your enterprise needs, as well as giving a sneak peek of upcoming developments. Earth Observation for Enhanced Risk Awareness of Commercial Properties – Patrick Jayet AXA insures millions of commercial properties worldwide. To strengthen risk awareness across its insured portfolio and streamline Risk Engineering workflows, AXA’s Global Data & AI (GDAI) innovation unit has created some time ago a new initiative combining Earth Observation and computer vision. This talk will describe how the project was initiated and developed, and how it supports risk engineers by providing scalable, data-driven insights for commercial property risk assessment.

**This Meeting’s Theme: “Resilience”** Resilience is the speaker's secret weapon! It’s not about giving a *perfect* speech; it's about how you recover when you stumble . It’s the power to find your place after a brain-freeze , to face the audience with courage , and to come back next week even stronger. So let's share our stories of bouncing back and celebrate the powerful growth that only comes from true persistence! \*\*\* You can **pay directly via Meetup**! For this meeting, we’re collecting **CHF 37**, which also includes a delicious dinner prepared by the restaurant. That’s dinner *and* personal growth in one go—what a deal! ️✨ Per default, you're in for the vegetarian option. If you want meat, let us know via PM before Sunday! \*\*\* ** Practice public speaking, sharpen your communication, and grow your leadership skills** Ever wanted to feel more confident speaking in front of others? Or perhaps become a better communicator and leader? Toastmasters is the perfect place to challenge yourself in a warm, supportive, and safe environment. Here, you can practice, learn, grow, mentor, and share—while having a laugh or two along the way. With over **16,600 clubs worldwide**, Toastmasters helps people reach their full potential as confident speakers and inspiring leaders. \*\*\* ** Welcome to Zuriberg Toastmasters Club** We usually meet on the **2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday** of each month in the beautiful **Zunftsaal** at *Restaurant zum Grünen Glas* in Zurich. (We’ll always notify you if there's a change in venue.) \*\*\* **️ What to expect at a meeting** Each meeting is hosted by the **Toastmaster of the evening**, who welcomes guests and introduces the *Word of the Day*. Then, we move into the main event: **️ Prepared Speeches** – 3–4 speeches, each 5–7 minutes long **️ Dinner Break** – Enjoy a delicious meal together ** Speech Evaluations** – Supportive and constructive feedback ** Table Topics** – Fun impromptu speaking, open to guests too! ** Meeting Evaluation** – A general overview and suggestions for improvement **️ Guest Feedback & Closing** – Share your thoughts and wrap up the evening ** After-Hours Conversations** – Stick around for drinks and good chats \*\*\* **❓ FAQs** **Do I have to speak at my first meeting?** Nope! You’re welcome to just observe. If you feel comfortable, you can introduce yourself and maybe even try Table Topics. Totally optional! **Is there a teacher or instructor?** There’s no formal instructor. The club is run by elected members, and learning happens through practice and peer feedback. You’ll receive a speaking guidebook and can also request a mentor. **Do I have to pay for the dinner?** Yes, the CHF 37 fee covers dinner and the venue. Soft drinks are not included and cost approx. CHF 6. **How many people attend?** Usually between **20–30 people**, a mix of members and guests. Meetup RSVPs mostly reflect guest numbers. **What is Toastmasters International?** A nonprofit founded in 1924 with **16,400+ clubs** in **141 countries**, Toastmasters helps people become better speakers, communicators, and leaders. **Can anyone join?** Yes! Anyone **18 or older** is welcome to become a member. **What is the refund policy?** Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations. But we know that life can get in the way, so guests cancelling two or more days prior to the event are welcome to reach out via private message and we can coordinate a visit at a later date without further charges. \*\*\* We look forward to seeing you—whether it’s your first word or your first speech. Come for the skills, stay for the stories!

**What does it mean for you to show up as authentic in the world?** Many men move through life feeling they have to keep parts of themselves hidden. The strong part gets rewarded. The tender part stays quiet. Over time, this can create a subtle disconnect, especially in relationships. When you stop performing and start showing up more fully as yourself, people don’t just see you, they feel you. That’s where real connection begins. This evening is an invitation to explore that question together. In a relaxed bar setting, we’ll have a light but meaningful conversation about what authenticity looks like in your life right now — in relationships, at work, and within yourself. ### What we’ll touch on: * What authenticity means for you at this stage of life * Where you feel aligned and where you don’t * The balance between strength and openness * How authenticity shapes confidence and connection If you’ve been curious about our retreats, this is a great way to get a feel for the space and the conversations we value. **Next Men At Soul Work Retreat: May 29 – June 1** Come as you are. Leave a little more connected — to yourself and others.

Das "Drinks und Links"-Team lädt dich zum nächsten Networking-Event in Zürich ein. Sich austauschen, innovative Geschäftsideen besprechen, Kontakte knüpfen oder einfach eine gute Zeit haben - das haben wir uns von "Drinks und Links" auf die Fahne geschrieben. Unkomplizierte Atmosphäre - kühle Drinks - coole Location. Wir freuen uns schon jetzt, dich an unserem nächsten Gratis-Event zu begrüssen! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The Drinks and Links team are hosting another fab Free Networking Event in Zürich (http://drinksandlinks.com/netwoking-event-in-zuerich/). So make a resolution to save the date for a great night of networking and socialising. There is plenty of space to expand our group at a bar which boasts a great selection of drinks! See you there. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The "Drinks and Links"-Team - now wer'e talking http://www.drinksandlinks.com

✍️ What if writing became a game? Join us for a relaxed ‘’Ink & Drink’’ evening where we play with the English language over a drink, exploring wordplay, sound, rhythm, and meaning in a fun and creative way, surrounded by books. Do these ring a bell? ➡️ _A man, a plan, a canal: Panama. Do geese see God? Was it a car or a cat I saw? No lemon, no melon._ These are palindromes - phrases that read the same forwards and backwards, and they're just one of the playful tools we'll explore together. This session is designed as a hands-on, playful writing lab, accessible to all levels. We'll start with light icebreaker games mixing words and drawings, such as: * collaborative writing games (exquisite corpse-style) * riddles, rebuses, and simple word puzzles Then, you'll be invited to create your own short texts using: * palindromes * puns and wordplay * anagrams and sound-based games * playful constraints that spark creativity. If you prefer drawing, you're also welcome to create rebuses or visual word puzzles instead of writing. Sharing at the end is always optional. What to expect: * No prior writing experience needed. * Materials will be provided * Please plan to order at least one drink, as a courtesy to the venue hosting us. Come play with language, stretch your imagination, and enjoy a creative evening together in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to playing with words together! ✨ _To stay informed about upcoming events and group updates, you can join our WhatsApp space here:_ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JBFUg4f3JikJlO4GbNKBmX

### THE SILENCE LOUDER THAN WORDS They say February is the month of love, but the most profound love stories are often lived in the silent, sacred space of the unspoken. For this month’s theme: WHAT I DIDN’T SAY, we invite you to explore the gap between what you wanted to say and what stayed trapped in your chest. We've all been there: The moment the door closed, the train pulled away, or the phone clicked off, and you realized you left the most important part unsaid. Or when you were stunned silent by serendipitous good fortune or a stranger’s act of kindness that left you speechless. *“Hello darkness, my old friend...* \> *Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping* \> *And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains* \> *Within the sound of silence.”* — **Simon & Garfunkel** ### PROMPTS TO SPARK THE FIRE: * **Buried Confession:** An illicit romance or secret crush where you played it cool, while your heart was staging a riot. * **The Letter Never Sent:** A tale of sacrifice or a moment of "insane desire" that you keep/kept tucked away in a drawer—or haunting your mind. * **The Master of Silence:** When "**What I Didn't Say**" was a masterful act of protection (or a questionable decision) for someone you loved. "*The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause*." — **Mark Twain** ### WILL YOU SPEAK YOUR TRUTH? 1. Come to listen to true stories told live - or share one of yours. Whether it’s about a missed connection at the HB or a realization that came years too late, our community wants to hear yours. * **Here’s the drill:** 1. Qualify for our main stage spotlight by purchasing 1 of 10 “**I want to tell a story**” tickets on [EventFrog](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/theatre-stage/stage-event/storyslam-what-i-didn-t-say-7425197618085511699.html) — or drop your name in the StorySLAM hat when doors open at 19:00. Names drawn until we run out of time. 2. The Craft: Prepare a 5-minute true story (no notes, just heart). 3. The Glory: The audience votes for their favorite story, with the winner heading toward our annual GrandSLAM! ** Thur. Feb. 26th, 2026** **⌚ 19:00 doors open \| 19:30 show begins** ** [jenseits](https://jenseitsimviadukt.ch/) Im Viadukt, 8005 Zurich** **️ TICKETS: on [EVENTFROG](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/theater-buehne/buehnenveranstaltung/storyslam-what-i-didn-t-say-7425197618085511699.html) or at the door\*** \* All tickets include a voucher for a free drink

**IMAGINE THIS** **Intense black ink staining the paper and you read: CREATIO** This word refers to the act of bringing something into existence. **To create!!** ✒️ **That is WHAT WE DO** You’ll create your unique composition using: **WATERCOLORS, GOTHIC CALLIGRAPHY and GOLDEN LEAF.** We explore the rich world of ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS (medieval Christian books from 1300–1500 AD). These books were decorated with symbolic motifs showing mainly FLOWERS, ANIMALS and GROTESQUES or HYBRID CREATURES. Usually written in Latin contained prayers, astrological signs, calendar and descriptive scenes. ✒️ **WHAT IS INCLUDED?** ► **Tutoring:** This is a longer session than usual. **3,5 hours** learning with me and solving your doubts. ► **Good quality** **material**: Watercolor paper **300mg/m2 (cellulose and 100 % cotton),** **special quills for gothic style,** watercolors, golden leaf, ink, brushes, pencil, eraser. ► **Instructions** I created for you as a summary. Don't worry about taking notes! ✒️ **WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?** ► **Appetizer**: Cheese, sweet grapes and Zopf bread. ✒️ **EXTRA** ► **Medieval carefully selected music.** It creates a calm atmosphere with harmonious frequencies helping the mind to deeper concentration during the creative process. **ALL LEVELS** **Beginner?** I always teach the art medium basics and give extra personalized support. **Advance?** Start to paint in your rhythm and skip explanations. **WHERE?** In the beautiful GZ Schindlergut in Zurich. **I SPEAK** English, Spanish and German (intermediate level). **Hi! I am Marga and I am here to help you to improve your life.** Let me take care of everything. Good material, relaxing atmosphere, clear organization and kind support. **ABOUT ME: [Marga Crea Arte](https://www.instagram.com/margacrea_art)** (Youtube/Instagram/Facebook/TikTok).

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, March 25 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 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!

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!

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading!