Novel Writing

Geeta's no-good husband disappeared five years ago. She didn't kill him, but everyone thinks she did--no matter how much she protests. But she soon discovers that being known as a "self-made" widow has some surprising perks. No one messes with her, no one threatens her, and no one tries to control (ahem, *marry*) her. It's even been good for her business; no one wants to risk getting on her bad side by *not* buying her jewelry. Freedom must look good on Geeta, because other women in the village have started asking for her help to get rid of their own no-good husbands...but not all of them are asking nicely. Now that Geeta's fearsome reputation has become a double-edged sword, she must decide how far to go to protect it, along with the life she's built. Because even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. **Suggest and vote for future books in this google sheets document**: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lIdNT7Z_nyzkpSq9jjnQe_jZoZDEHU0dACEFEvLaf40/edit?gid=855607985#gid=855607985 *\*\* Our venue, Cranberry in Zurich, do not charge us to use their space - therefore I would like to request that everyone buys at least one drink and / or food from Cranberry, so that they continue to be happy to have us be there. \*\**

**This Meeting’s Theme: “Bliss”** Bliss is the pure, unadulterated joy you feel when you're perfectly in the flow, your audience is truly with you , and your message lands with effortless grace. It’s the happiest place on stage! So come find your speaking joy, share what makes *you* light up, and let's create a meeting full of pure bliss! \*\*\* 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 **1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday** of each month in the beautiful **Zunftsaal** at *Restaurant Weisser Wind* 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!

**Start February energized!** Open your eyes, heart and soul and lose yourself in the eyes of a stranger for one minute. Explore a sense of belonging within our community while enjoying a moment of connection with a fellow human being. ►𝗪𝗛𝗬 Explore and express who you are: A human being. 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄 When someone approaches us on the street, sometimes there is an incentive to sell something in particular. Yet, in this event, you have the unique opportunity to experience how we connect with each other without any intention. Here, you can feel truly being seen and understood. Experience the joy of human connection. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 Eye contact is a simple form of meditation that allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings with much more clarity. This so called awareness is your gateway to a joyful life. Experience a day full of curiosity, peace and presence. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 For some of us, looking into the eyes of someone can be a difficult, daunting task. Yet it is proven that people looking into the eyes of others are perceived as more confident. This skill can be trained like a muscle. In other words, you are going to feel much more comfortable around other people. Learning this skill can be useful in holding a public speech, a company meeting, at dating or talking with your friends and family. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 Meet open-minded, positive people and connect with all kinds of them. Experience acceptance free of any judgement. Find a safe place where we see commonalities over differences. We are all part of the same family. 𝗕𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Nowadays, we are glued to our phones and social media. We, almost by accident, learned to avoid contact with fellow human beings where the generation before us used to have conversations with strangers while riding the tram, bus or train. Many friendships and romantic relationships used to stem from these casual interactions in public life. Let’s solve the problem of the increasing sense of division, isolation and loneliness by coming together and be truly present and communicate with each other, verbally and non-verbally. ►𝗛𝗢𝗪 Choose someone, offer this person to sit in front of you and make yourself comfortable. Bring a blanket or something similar to comfortably sit down. Alternatively, you can do the eye gazing while standing. Look into each others eyes for a minute (or even longer). Enjoy the silence and observe what happens. Expect nothing, yet be open for everything. ►𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 The eye contact experiment is a beautiful and powerful experience that… • offers you to explore human connection through non-verbal communication. • can make your day, and for some people even change their life. • brings people together. ►𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 23th June, from 6:30pm until 8:30 pm. ►𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 Rentenwiese General-Guisan-Quai 37, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland https://maps.app.goo.gl/7F9sZPZK6fugTjG5A Not sure where we are? Ask in our Whatsapp / Telegram group • Telegram: [https://t.me/+G4lENGEqlkIyZGM0](https://t.me/+G4lENGEqlkIyZGM0) • WhatsApp: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BioB6ALayCLJOnOwKQvmJ8](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BioB6ALayCLJOnOwKQvmJ8) ►𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 • A blanket to sit on • Enough water to drink • Some snacks for the picknick afterwards ► **SUPPORT US** Love what we are doing? Support our movement to defeat loneliness and spread a sense of belonging and community through our unique experiences. We put a lot of love, care, attention, time and resources into our project for the benefit of everyone! Even with just 25, 10 or even 5 CHF you can make a difference. [https://buymeacoffee.com/socialfreedomcrew](https://buymeacoffee.com/socialfreedomcrew) ►𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 If you want to have a better picture about how this Event could be like, just watch the Videos from the following Links: [https://vimeo.com/190622917](https://vimeo.com/190622917) [https://youtu.be/EIlj5xtTYHE](https://youtu.be/EIlj5xtTYHE) [https://youtu.be/nFDeFo2aLmc](https://youtu.be/nFDeFo2aLmc) [https://youtu.be/hIq1v5KFN2c](https://youtu.be/hIq1v5KFN2c) ...or listen to this radio broadcast: [http://bit.ly/what_is_eye_gazing](http://bit.ly/what_is_eye_gazing)

\|In diesem Kurs setzst du eigene Motive um\, egal ob abstrakt\, nach einer Bildvorlage oder aus der Realität\. Dabei lernst du den richtigen Umgang mit verschiedenen Zeichen\- und Maltechniken\. Die Fortgeschrittene haben die Möglichkeit die Geheimnisse der alte Meister zu erlernen und realistisches Zeichnen und Malen zu perfektionieren. Die traditionelle Mal- und Gestaltungstechniken wie Ölmaltechnik des 17. Jahrhunderts, Eitempera, Enkaustik, Al-Fresco, Sgraffito und Mosaik können hier erworben sein. Unter professioneller Beratung und individueller Betreuung wird in kleinen Gruppen (ausser in den Schulferien) gearbeitet. **Einstieg und Probeunterricht** ist jederzeit möglich. **Auskunft und Anmeldung:** marianas@gmx.ch \* 078 628 78 24 \* [www.marianas.ch](http://www.marianas.ch) **Dienstags in Zürich**, GBMZ Sieglungslokal an der Hohlstrasse 197, von 9:45 bis 12:45 Uhr und von 18:30 bis 21:30 Uhr, Es ist für Rollstuhlfahrer geeignet. **Freitags** und **samstags in Illnau:** von 9:30 bis 12:30 Uhr | **Kurskosten** (inkl. Materialkosten)**:** 4 x 180 Min. = 333Fr. | | -------------------------------------------------------- | |

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.

Picture this: a warm summer evening by Lake Zurich. Korean snacks. A true story you've never heard before. And new friends from around the world. 👋 I'm Cynthia — a 🇰🇷 Korean-Canadian author 🇨🇦, speaker, and lover of good conversations. I'm spending the summer in Zurich and wanted to create a space to meet interesting people and share something close to my heart. My book is set to be published very soon internationally by a prestigious university press in Singapore, with distribution through a leading university press in the US. It tells my family's true story — a Korean family separated by war, a great-grandmother who rebuilt her life from nothing over and over, and a reunion of my family across the North-South Korean border that most people thought was impossible. 🌸 Think Crash Landing on You — but real 🌸 I'll share a few snippets from the book, we'll eat Korean snacks I'm bringing from Seoul, and we'll have an open conversation about anything — Korean culture, life abroad, identity, making friends in a new city, whatever comes up. No knowledge of Korea required. No agenda. Just good energy, good food, and good people by the water ✨ Bring a blanket or a mat. I'll bring the story and the snacks. See you there! 😊

**IMPORTANT: YOU NEED TO BUY A TICKET IN YOUR NOII PROFILE TO GET IN** **Auf Tinder kein Bock mehr, aber für Parship ist es zu früh? We got you!** **Wir organisieren mehrere Real Life Single Events. Jede. Woche.** 💜Lassen wir alle Single Herzen höher schlagen und veranstalten einen legendären noii Event. Vergiss Swipen und Chatten, in diesem Jahr daten wir im echten Leben (we don't make the rules). 🍸Mit bis zu 400 Personen pro Event ist immer viel los. Worst case hast du ein geiles noiices Erlebnis gehabt, best case lernst du jemanden kennen, den du daten möchtest **🌟It's a vibe.** Keine Sorge, das wird kein awkward Single Event mit einem sturen Ablauf. Es ist wie ein normaler Bar-Abend mit deinen Friends, wo du aber ganz easy noch andere Leute kennenlernst. **[HERE MORE INFORMATION](https://date.noii.ch/preview)** **So done with tinder but it’s too early for Parship? We got you!** **We organize several real life single events. Every. Week.** 💜Let's make all single hearts beat faster and organize a legendary noii event. Forget swiping and chatting, this year we're dating in real life (we don't make the rules). 🍸With up to 400 people per event, there is always a lot going on. Worst case scenario: you have a great noiice experience, best case: you meet someone you want to date **🌟It's a vibe.** Don't worry, this won't be an awkward singles event with a stubborn schedule. It's like a normal bar evening with your friends, where you can easily meet other people. **[HERE MORE INFORMATION](https://date.noii.ch/preview)**

**🎶 Escape from reality with live music led breathwork 💨** 🗓 Date: **Friday** **evening 26.06** 🕗 Time: **18:00 -20:00** 🎟️[Tickets for this event are sold on Eversports.](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/c7e40c21-d4b5-4642-96f6-5a14b27fcbed) 📍 Location: [ANNTIN studio, Glattbrugg train station](https://www.google.com/maps/place/ANNTIN+%7C+wellbeing+studio+%7C+reformer+pilates,+yoga,+dance,+relaxation/@47.4303607,8.5571861,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4790750ff37aaae5:0x6d7fac36f579e52a!8m2!3d47.4303607!4d8.559761!16s%2Fg%2F11ynkd5pn6?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&skid=8e162335-44a5-4968-88b0-97308defc0c3) (10 min from HB, 7 min from Hardbrücke, 2 min from Oerlikon) ⸻ What to expect 🌬️ **Breath & movement** to unlock the body 🎵 **Deep immersive music journey** 🫁 **Conscious connected breathing** **⚡ Emotional release & nervous system reset** 🧠 From stress and overthinking into presence 🌙 Leave feeling calm, clear & deeply grounded ⸻ Most people end their Sunday already stressed about Monday. **This evening is the opposite.** **SOUND ESCAPE** is a guided breathwork & music experience designed to help you fully switch off the noise, release built-up tension and reconnect with yourself through breath, sound and feeling. We start with simple **breath-led movement** to open the body, lungs and airways, helping you land in the present moment instead of staying stuck in your head. Then the journey deepens. Through **conscious connected breathing**, carefully selected music and waves of activation and release, you’ll move through different emotional and nervous system states, from tension into calm, from mental noise into clarity, from holding on into letting go. **No performance.** **No pressure.** **Just music, breath and space to feel again.** [🎟 Tickets for this event are sold on Eversports.](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/c7e40c21-d4b5-4642-96f6-5a14b27fcbed) ⚠️ Limited spots available — join early to secure your spot. In case of any questions contact us here: [WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t)

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!

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖