Fiction Writing

You love your music ? Enjoy singing ? Why not write a song\*\*...\*\* YOUR SONG !!! Come and join our songwriting workshops We’ll explore what makes a good song\*\*,\*\* unravel its intricacies and key-ingredients And we’ll use these building blocks to create a brand new song, your song ! with your own words and feelings set to music ! (Possibilité d'organiser les ateliers en français également)

**At [Isabel Group](https://www.isabel.eu/en), the conviction was clear: certain processes could be accelerated with the help of AI. What they needed was support on two fronts, identifying which processes had the most potential, and a partner to help implement the solutions.** Through a Start AI trajectory with **[Ixor](www.ixor.be)**, they zeroed in on supporting services, procurement, HR, and customer service, deliberately leaving IT Ops & Dev out of scope. The process started with conversations: talking to everyone involved, understanding what they actually spent their time on, and mapping where the friction was. From there, thanks to the structured approach of the Start AI trajectory, each process was scored on feasibility and impact. Three clear priorities emerged. **[Roel Liers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/roel-l-b594631/)** (Head of Digitalisation at Isabel Group) and **[Martijn Leplae](https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijn-leplae-2258341a5/)** (AI engineer at Ixor) share how that journey went: * **Finding the right processes.** Scoring workflows across supporting services on feasibility and impact, surfacing the overlooked ones, not just the obvious candidates. * **Making processes AI-ready.** Restructuring and rethinking workflows before building anything, because the quality of the automation depends on the quality of the process underneath. **Date** Wednesday 22/04/26 **Location** [Ixor, Schuttersvest 75, 2800 Mechelen](https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=3d16839f334d68f5&rlz=1C5CHFA_enBE1133BE1133&sxsrf=ANbL-n41HRp_bji2meG1ikVLAPIz93Cunw:1769513461367&kgmid=/g/1pxwt4kls&shem=bdsle,ptotple,shrtsdl&shndl=30&kgs=61800e9c5aeb0c1b&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=be&sa=X&geocode=KcOEjoHS5cNHMa9y5riKRn8U&daddr=Schuttersvest+75,+2800+Mechelen) **Timing** *Doors* \- 18:00 *TechTalk* \- 18:30 until 19:30\, followed by networking & drinks *End -* 21:00

IMPORTANT: This Wednesday's session will be held at the Brussels Beer Project - donwstairs. **Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles** Please take a moment to read the information and rules for the sessions. **Overview:** Improv sessions in English accepting all levels. We play short and long-form improv comedy, which includes theater-style scenes, guessing, and group games. **Topics:** * Timing * Location * Participation (Attendees list) * RSVP rules * Improv session format * Who is it for? (Participation requirement) *** * **Timing** Being on time will help you and everyone. **18h15** \- Doors open *Please take this time to order your drinks/food and settle in.* **18h30** \- Start of the session **Are you late?** Please inform the event host or comment on the event page. If you arrive late and the session is already in progress, please wait on the side till the game/scene is finished. Wait for the session moderator to indicate when you can start participating. * **Location** We have two locations: Monday Sessions: The session takes place on the first floor of The Sister Cafe. Stairs next to the bar. It's the room with a curtain at the door. Wednesday Sessions: At Brussels Beer Poject Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles * **Participation (Attendee list)** The session is limited to **12 attendees**. This ensures the session is manageable and everybody gets enough chances to participate. Therefore, only the people on the "attendee list" can participate in the session. **Waiting list**: People on the waiting list should keep an eye on the updates in case someone from the attendees' list drops and you get their spot. It's important for the people on the waiting list also to update their RSVP status if they already know they won't be joining the session. **Do you just want to observe?** In the regular session, we do not have an audience, only participants. Please do not join the session if you do not plan to participate in the games/scenes. If you are unsure about something, please contact the event host. *People on the attendee list are expected to take part.* * **RSVP Rules** * Please update your RSVP status in a timely manner if you can't make it to the session. This applies to people on the **attendee list AND waiting list.** * If you are on the waiting list and know you won't be able to join in case someone from the main list drops, please update your RSVP to "not going". This will give the next person on the waiting list a chance. * Emergencies aside, please update your RSVP status on time. Canceling at the last minute or just 1 hour before isn't helpful. * If we see a pattern from someone not showing up after confirming or last-minute cancellations, we reserve the right to prohibit session access. * Please write a comment if you cancel and your spot becomes available. With this, others will get an extra notification. **Improv Session Format** The session is held in English. The session has three sections: Warm-up, Scene games, and Cool down. **Warmup:** Quick group games are played to break the ice and get the creative juices flowing. **Scenes:** Then we move on to scene games. These are mostly from short-form improv, which can include different games with various gimmicks, like story building, character work, guessing, etc **Cool down:** One or two short group games to end the session. The rules are explained by the moderator before each game. There is no obligation to participate in games you are uncomfortable with. There can be feedback after a game is played. This is so we learn from each other and gain skills and insights. **Tip**: If you are new, pay attention to the regular players when they are performing and notice small details, like how a stage is cleared before a scene, how to enter a scene, and how to collaborate with each other. * **Who is it for?** Anyone interested in improv! We accept participants at all levels, beginners and advanced. This is a great place to start if you are new to improv. The basics will be explained. We only require the "Yes, and...!" spirit! If you are an advanced player and have ideas and games to share and work on, please do let us know. We look forward to welcoming you and doing improv!

1. **Always RSVP before attending.** 2. **Limited spots:** RSVP does not guarantee a spot — please check if you're on the main list or the waitlist. 3. **WAITLIST notice:** Please don’t take a spot from someone who signed up in time — only attend if you’re off the waitlist. You may move to the active list if someone cancels, which can happen the day before or even on the day of game night. 4. **Be on time:** If you’re more than 20–25 minutes late, you likely can’t join a table — we won’t restart game explanations for latecomers. You may wait for the next game. 5. **Take care of the games:** The people hosting the evening kindly bring and share their own private — and often quite expensive — games. Please don’t bend the cards (these aren’t just cheap poker decks!), be gentle with the components, and make sure everything goes back neatly in the box. 6. **Be present, not on your phone:** Please give your attention when someone is explaining the rules — especially the person hosting the game, who took the time to prepare and make sure everyone can enjoy it. This is a game night, not just a casual bar hangout, so please respect their effort and the focus of the other players. 7. **No double booking:** On Wednesdays, another game night is organized at the same time by another group, the International House of Leuven (IHL). If you sign up for both events, we will automatically remove you from our list. Please don’t be rude by occupying a spot that someone else could use — respect both communities and let everyone enjoy a fair chance to join.

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen zu diesem Treffen ein! Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

**S'ancrer dans la sagesse des pierres pour inventer l'avenir** **Et si, pour ne pas sombrer dans le tumulte du monde, il fallait apprendre à regarder en nous ce qui ne change pas ?** **Une conférence de Fernand Figares** **Philosophe, Géologue, fondateur de New Acropolis Belgium** Dans le cadre de la journée internationale de la Terre Nous courons après l'avenir, mais avons-nous pris le temps d'écouter ce que le sol sous nos pieds a à nous dire ? La pierre n'est pas inerte : elle est la mémoire du monde, une architecture de patience et de stabilité. Nous vous invitons à nous rejoindre pour une conférence qui fait le pont entre les **sciences de la Terre** et la **philosophie pratique**. Nous explorerons comment la structure minérale du vivant peut nous enseigner une nouvelle forme de présence. En apprenant à « penser comme une montagne », nous ne regardons pas le passé : nous forgeons les racines nécessaires pour inventer un futur solide. **Un voyage intérieur pour découvrir :** * Ce que la géologie et le cycle des pierres nous enseignent sur notre propre résilience. * Comment l'ancrage philosophique permet de rester debout face aux incertitudes de l'époque. * L'art de transformer notre vision du temps pour agir avec la force du vivant. **Vous ne viendrez pas pour apprendre une théorie, mais pour vivre un changement d'échelle : celui où l'on cesse de subir le temps pour enfin l'habiter.** **PAF : 10 €** 15 € pour les deux conférences données dans le cadre de la journée internationale de la Terre

[This is a paid event and sign-up via the website is obligatory](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/the-unit-and-the-whole%3A-how-to-construct-your-poetry-pamphlet). After running this very successful workshop in autumn 2025 we are running it again for those who might have missed out the first time. In this workshop we will explore how to bring together a group of poems to produce a pamphlet or book. We will explore the notion of the poetry pamphlet versus full collection in terms of the function and purpose of each and how they operate. We will think about structuring a body of work, how to sequence poems and what the organising principles might be. How does the placing of poems together change or enhance the poem? How do we build on and around key themes? We will look at examples of published pamphlets and books to consider how and why authors have brought poems together in the way they have, identifying the choices and opportunities available to poets. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own poems or projects in progress to discuss with others in the group. This workshop is run by poet Paul Stephenson, who has published three poetry pamphlets and one collection.

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 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:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. 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 and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

This event aims to gather science fiction enthusiasts to come discuss about the series they have picked to read in the following list: Children of Time, Tchaikovsky Pandora series, Peter Hamilton The Hyperion Cantos, Dan Simmons A memory called empire, Arkady Martine Terra Ignota, Ada Palmer Ideally we could meet in a park if the weather is already pleasant, otherwise we will find a cafe with a calm area where we can discuss around a drink/breakfast. Feel free to join us even if you haven’t finished the series. Please note, however, that we will be discussing all the books—including the ending—so there will be spoilers.

Hello, readers ! In April we are reading The Hour Of The Star by Clarice Lispector . We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, April 25, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

For our second meeting, we’ll be discussing Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — a gripping and atmospheric novel that blends mystery, nature writing, and climate fiction. About the book: Dominic Salt and his three children are the caretakers of Shearwater, a remote island not far from Antarctica that houses one of the world’s largest seed banks. As rising sea levels threaten the island, they are among the last inhabitants left, preparing to move the precious seeds to safer ground. During the worst storm the island has ever seen, a mysterious woman named Rowan washes ashore. As the family nurses her back to health, their suspicion slowly turns into connection. But Rowan is hiding the truth about why she came to Shearwater—and soon she discovers that Dominic may be hiding secrets of his own. As powerful storms gather around the island, they must decide whether they can trust one another enough to protect the seeds in their care—and whether they can leave the tragedies of the past behind to build something new together.

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!

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.