Novel Writing

*On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous* is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family's history that began before he was born — a history whose epicenter is rooted in Vietnam — and serves as a doorway into parts of his life his mother has never known, all of it leading to an unforgettable revelation. At once a witness to the fraught yet undeniable love between a single mother and her son, it is also a brutally honest exploration of race, class, and masculinity. Asking questions central to our American moment, immersed as we are in addiction, violence, and trauma, but undergirded by compassion and tenderness, *On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous* is as much about the power of telling one's own story as it is about the obliterating silence of not being heard. With stunning urgency and grace, Ocean Vuong writes of people caught between disparate worlds, and asks how we heal and rescue one another without forsaking who we are. The question of how to survive, and how to make of it a kind of joy, powers the most important debut novel of many years. **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. \*\**

Please register at **https://luma.com/qh0g4i81** to receive the details about event location. # ​LLM tools have become the default solution for everyday translation tasks — fast, convenient, and often surprisingly good. But when accuracy really matters — legal documents, brand messaging, or customer communication — most professionals still hesitate to fully trust the output. ​This Trustworthy AI Circle round looks at a practical question: How can we make AI translation reliable enough for real business use – without introducing lengthy and expensive human-in-the-loop setups traditional agencies use? ​Together with experts from **Supertext** we will look at a practical near-instant verification flow. We will approach the solution from two perspectives: business value from a marketing leadership viewpoint and practical implementation from an operational one. The discussion will explore where these perspectives align - and where they collide - in building trustworthy solutions that continuously improve the underlying AI model.

**CHF 35・20 seats・non-profit** 👉 [Tickets & details](https://zurichjs.com/workshops/reliable-ai-agents/?utm_source=zurichjs&utm_medium=meetup&utm_campaign=meetup_track) 👉 Join us for [the meetup](https://zurichjs.com/events/april-2026/?utm_source=zurichjs&utm_medium=meetup&utm_campaign=meetup_track) after, for talks, drinks and pizza 100% of the proceeds go straight into the ZurichJS non-profit for future events

**Start / End / On Inn:** Restaurant La Rotonda, Im Sihlhof 1, 8134 Adliswil **Transport:** Sood-Oberleimbach (S4) **Note:** Venue Change!

Join us for a special SEOnerdSwitzerland at On Headquarters in Zurich with Marilena Pixner and Rana Quba Chamsi . 💬 Talks in English, Q&A & Networking: German, English, French 📅 April 21st 📍 Zurich: On Labs Zürich, Förrlibuckstrasse 190 💬 **Insights from On's journey on optimizing for AI search** **🎤 Speaker - Marilena Pixner** This session shares insights from On's journey on optimizing for AI search, providing a practical framework to boost visibility and earn recommendations. You’ll receive actionable insights on how to: * **Build** a technical foundation for comprehension * **Create** authoritative content to foster credibility * **Drive** digital PR to establish consensus 🔗 [Connect with Marilena on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilena-pixner-111bab199/). **💬 Technical SEO Audits & Monitoring in the Age of AI** **🎤 Speaker - Rana Quba Chamsi, PhD** AI is becoming part of the SEO toolkit, but when it comes to Technical SEO, most people are asking the wrong question. The problem isn’t what AI can do, it’s what AI thinks it can do. Large language models often give confident but incorrect answers about how websites are structured, rendered, or parsed. Ask them how they extract content from a page, and you’ll get a plausible explanation, not necessarily a correct one. They may claim to interpret JavaScript, structured data, or DOM elements reliably, while in reality their access is limited, inconsistent, or dependent on simplified retrieval methods. This creates a dangerous gap between perceived and actual capabilities, especially for audits and monitoring. In this talk, we’ll break down: * where AI genuinely adds value in Technical SEO workflows * where it fails (and why) from hallucinations to outdated assumptions * how to validate AI outputs using real-world tooling and data sources * and how to design a hybrid approach combining AI, MCPs, and browser automation tools like Playwright The future of Technical SEO isn’t AI vs humans, it’s knowing exactly when not to trust AI. 🔗 [Connect with Rana Quba Chamsi on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranachamsi/) **Details** 17:45 - 18:00 Doors open 18:00 - 19:30 Welcome & talks 19:30 - 20:30 Socializing & Apero 😋 20:30 Goodbye & Good Night 💛 SEOnerdSwitzerland is a non-profit association since 2019. We organize online and offline events to connect the Swiss SEO community and democratize SEO knowledge. The organisation team are unpaid volunteers. Sponsoring and donation help us cover IT, logistics and apero. **Here is how you can support us:** Sponsoring: [Become a sponsor of SEOnerdSwitzerland](https://workinseo.com/seonerdswitzerland/support-us) starting from CHF 500.- Social Media: Isaline and Corina share updates about SEOnerdSwitzerland on their profiles. Like, share, follow, and tell your SEO friends about us — every bit helps! * Isaline Muelhauser: [Web](https://pilea.ch/en/home/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaline-muelhauser/) * Corina Burri: [Web](https://corinaburri.com/de/seo-beratung-schweiz/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/corina-burri/), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/corinaburri.bsky.social)

Welcome to the first meeting of the 20th Century World Literature Book Club Zurich! For our first book, we’ll be reading *Chronicle of a Death Foretold*, a short, gripping, and beautifully written novel by Colombian author and Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez. First published in 1981, it tells the story of a killing that everyone knows is coming, yet somehow no one stops. 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. This first book has been chosen by the organizer to get the club started. After our book club is actively underway, future reads will be selected through member nominations and voting. Looking forward to meeting fellow readers and kicking things off together in April!

https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2875816/-pizza-gravel-zurich Pizza Gravel Zurich plans social rides on mixed surface around Zurich. Enjoy a nice ride and pizza afterwards. Please check the Komoot Pizza Gravel Zuruch collection for the upcoming tour.

**Quedan solo 2 plazas!** **El evento es en inglés pero hay tiempo de sobra de explicar también en español si lo necesitas.** **Reserva cuanto antes [AQUÍ](https://www.meetup.com/grupo-de-meetup-en-zurich-de-creatividad/events/313849016/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=201059188)** ## **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!!** 📜 No experience needed. 📜 Relaxed & friendly atmosphere. 📜 Perfect to meet creative people in Zurich. ✒️ **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,** **ink (red, blue and black)**, watercolors, golden leaf, brushes, pencil, eraser. ► **Instructions** I created for you as a summary. Don't worry about taking notes! ✒️ **WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?** ► **Appetizer**: Cheese, sweet tomatoes 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. ✒️ **FREE GIFT** ► **Seeds:** Sweet violet and calendula that I grow myself. **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).

Do you remember that feeling — when meeting people felt effortless? When conversations went deeper than small talk, and you actually wanted to stay a little longer? We’re creating that space again. This is a book club — but not the kind you’re used to. No long monologues. No pressure to sound smart. No awkward silence. Just people, ideas, and real conversations. ⸻ 📖 This edition’s book: Misery by Stephen King A modern bestseller exploring connection, timing, emotional intimacy, and the complexity of relationships. ⸻ Important We are not a traditional book club — so don’t worry if you haven’t read the book. We begin with a short and engaging presentation: you’ll get a clear overview of the story, characters, and key themes. After that, each guest receives: • a set of thoughtful, slightly provocative questions • a number for group rotation 💬 You’ll join a small group and spend ~20 minutes discussing deeper topics inspired by the book — not just what happened, but what it means. Then we switch groups. New people. New dynamics. New perspectives. ⸻ ✨ And then — the structure fades away. The rest of the evening is yours: • relaxed conversations • drinks • natural connections ⸻ This is not about literature. And not about dating either. It’s about how stories bring people together. ⸻ If you’re curious, open-minded, and enjoy meaningful conversations — you’ll feel at home here.

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, April 22 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!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**💖 Virtual Speed Dating – Columbia Singles, Curated by Personality** This online speed dating format leans into the human side: strong hosting, repeat attendees, and a sense that the event is part of a growing community. Meet Columbia singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Columbia singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=18-32&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=30-46&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=40-58&face_v=15.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - People re-entering the dating scene after a break 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round **How the event unfolds** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Columbia singles. ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – Columbia attendee **Frequently Asked Questions** **What happens after?** Mutual matches are sent out after the event. **What's the personality quiz for?** **Do I need experience?** **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🥰 ✨ Compressed version with the essentials only. Concise by design so people can decide quickly. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The community matters as much as the session itself - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum The long-term goal is a room people want to come back to, not a one-off event people forget about.