Fiction Writing

**Marathon edition (2h30) - please check out the schedule below** **Join us for 2h30 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* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 14:00 - Quick introductions 14:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 15:15 - Break: let's rest our hands for a minute with a quick chat 15:30 - Timer starts again: write for 1 hour 16:30 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing **You can come for just one hour (at 14:00 or 15:30) or do the whole session.** OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 16:30. 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 at the Wereldcafé ! *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: The Wereldcafé (https://www.wereldcafe.be) is run by volunteers, with the profit given to charities around the world, which is why they require anyone gathering in the cafe to at least purchase one thing. They offer hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals.

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of La Belladone to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour, then chat over a drink, then go back to reading (if we feel like it) This is a free activity except for drinks.

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 7 February 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 3 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, andmany yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Functional Movement & Yoga at Le Repère Les Glacières (please register in advance at [www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule](http://www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule)) A practise linking functional movement with yoga and functional breathwork. This practise emphasises posture correction for spine health, core strength, mobility, and flexibility in service of how your body moves & breathing properly even when challenged in key poses during movement. This class is held in a close community giving the chance for people to meet others in a context of calm and wellbeing. We also go for a chai/coffee in the area after class, however this is not mandatory. The location is hosted at Merci Studio in St Gilles (near the parvis) . Everyone is welcome as long as you have a kind and open hearted spirit :-) Address Merci Studio (4th floor) Julien Dillensplein 1 1060 St Gilles Drop in Rate 20 euros

Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind after work, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colours that fade into twilight as we approach the destination. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest. 🕒 The Plan * Meeting Time: 15:20 * Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). * The Walk: We depart at 15:30 sharp. * The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00. * Après-Walk: We can grab a nice hot or chill drink at the brasserie in Rouge Cloître (open until 7pm). 📋 Practical Details * Distance: Approximately 12 km. * Duration: \~3 hours walking time. * Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. * Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). * Water: Stay hydrated! * Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), Bus and Trams stops, which connects you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please RSVP only if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Enjoy weekly Vinyasa Flow classes and connect to your potential of strength, balance, flexibility, and stability. The flows are sequenced creatively to add variety to your practice. This 90 min class offers a wide range of postures combined with pranayama to contribute towards inner space and peaceful mind. Expect a playful and functional approach with grounding, soothing and energizing flows to create more strength, stability, mobility, and flexibility. All classes include pranayama, meditation and inspirational insights to strengthen your physical and spiritual practice. Classes are suitable for all levels, but a prior knowledge of the basics is appropriate (different options are presented). \- Prices: Trial = 12€\, Drop in = 20€\, 5\-pass card = 80€\, 10\-pass card = 150€ all valid for 6 months\. If you live in 1190 Forest, your first session with me is for free. Please carefully read the instructions before booking your class: \- This is not a standard yoga studio\, but a private venue \- Changing corner is available \- Online Registration for each class is mandatory because of the limited participants per class \- Payment with registration or cash on the spot \- Yoga Mats\, bolsters\, blocks\, straps\, blankets\, eye pillows are on the spot \- Herbal tea and positive vibes Style: Functional Vinyasa Yoga Flow I’m so excited to practice with you, X

**A cacao & drum ritual to nurture your 2026 intentions** ​✨ About the Ritual ​Early February carries a quiet but potent energy. Winter is not yet over — and yet, beneath the surface, life is already moving. ​This ritual is an invitation to **slow down, soften, and consciously nourish the seeds of what you wish to bring to life in 2026**. ​Cacao, as a sacred plant medicine, supports the opening of the heart — not by force, but by gently expanding our capacity for **self-love, compassion, and inner listening**. As a plant, cacao also reconnects us to the Earth, reminding us that growth happens through care, patience, and presence. ​Supported by breath, sound, movement, and community, this ritual offers a grounded space to: * ​reconnect with what truly matters to you * ​clarify intentions for the year ahead * ​embody love not as an idea, but as a lived experience *** ​🌿 What to Expect \| Ritual Flow ​The experience unfolds in a carefully held and progressive way: * ​**Welcoming & arrival** Grounding into the space and the group * ​**Breathing and somatic practices** To calm the nervous system and prepare the body * ​**Guided cacao ritual** Drinking high-quality, ritual-grade cacao, prepared with intention Accompanied by a gentle guided meditation * ​**Drum meditation** A deep, rhythmic journey to support inner clarity and emotional release * ​**Conscious dance** Allowing insights and emotions to move through the body * ​**Closing circle** Integration, sharing (optional), and grounding before returning to daily life ​No previous experience with cacao ceremonies, meditation, or dance is required. *** ​🤎 About the Cacao ​The cacao used in this ceremony is: * ​**100% pure, ritual-grade cacao** * ​ethically sourced * ​prepared slowly and mindfully, with intention for the process and the group ​Cacao is **not** a psychedelic substance. Its effects are subtle, heart-opening, and grounding. *** ​⚠️ Important Health Information (Please Read) ​Cacao is generally safe for most people, but **it is important that you inform the host *before registering*** if you have any of the following: * ​serious heart conditions * ​uncontrolled high blood pressure * ​are taking antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors) * ​are pregnant or breastfeeding ​If you are unsure, you are warmly invited to contact the host to check whether this experience is suitable for you. ​This helps ensure the ritual remains safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone. ​📩 *Contact:* +32 477 96 78 99 *** ​🍵 Practical Information * ​**Please avoid heavy meals** for at least 2–3 hours before the ritual * ​**Drink water** during the day and bring a water bottle * ​Wear **comfortable clothes** that allow movement * ​Bring anything that helps you feel grounded (warm layers, shawl, notebook) *** ​🎟️ Tickets & Contribution **Places are limited.** Reserve your spot soon! ​**Standard ticket:** On 07/02/2026: 48 EUR Advance ticket (03/02 till 06/02): 44 EUR Early bird (till 02/02) and joining the [whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D2jAzaL7MI31z7btdFfDiv): 38 EUR ​**CHB members:** Please check Lu.ma event page **Contribution via bank transfer:** Please transfer your contribution to the bank account below. Your spot is confirmed once the transfer is completed. IBAN BE55 3631 9673 5844 Mara Mendes Message: Cacao + your name ​✨ *Your contribution supports not only this ritual, but the continuity of conscious community events.* ​ *** ​🌕 Who This Ritual Is For ​This ritual may resonate especially if you: * ​are in a moment of transition or re-orientation * ​feel the need to reconnect with yourself after a demanding period * ​want to set intentions in a **felt, embodied way**, not just mentally * ​are curious about cacao, sound, and movement as tools for inner work *** ​💛 Final Note ​This is not a performance. Not therapy. Not self-improvement. ​It is a **pause** — to listen, to feel, and to let love take a more lived form in your life. ​ **About Your Host:** ​​​​This experience is guided by Mara [Regina D’Gaia](https://linktr.ee/reginadgaia), an alchemist, healer, and holistic therapist. Regina holds transformative spaces for inner exploration and renewal. ​​​​📧 Contact: integractiveconnections@gmail.com ​​​​📸 Follow on Instagram: [@reginadgaia](http://www.instagram.com/reginadgaia) ​​​​Come and tune into the rhythms of your soul—align, manifest, and step into your journey! 🌿🌀

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 !

**Cinema Aventure : Brussels Independent Film Festival** 08/02 @ 17h00 **Inferior Shadows + Short ** This screening session includes 1 short film + 1 feature film. Total running time approx. 95 minutes. All selected films are in English and/or have English subtitles. Shifting Roots (Lebanon) by Angie Mrad Running time: 00:08:30 Inferior Shadows (Iran) by Ramin Khalighi Parvin and Rasoul, a young couple, left their small town for the big city to find work and a better life. Parvin’s younger brother, Amir Ali, is also living with them as a guest. This family, all three struggling with addiction and forced into scavenging, recounts their story. We witness their daily struggle for survival and their attempts to escape the swamp in which they've become trapped. [Cinema Aventure](https://www.brusselsfilmfestival.org/events/sunday-7-feb-17-00-brussels-independent-film-festival-cinema-aventure) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Are you someone who is local (or a westerner who has lived in the city for a while, understand the local culture and speak the local language) and are confident when meeting new people of different backgrounds and cultures? We’re looking for a lively friendly host to manage some of our weekly Fastfriends meetups in your city. As a host, your role would be to: ✨ Welcome members and make them feel comfortable ✨ Encourage conversations and help people connect \- direct and manage our fastfriending socialising format ✨ Keep the energy positive and the fast friending event flowing smoothly \- manage the event relationship with the venue What is in it for you? \- this is a volunteer role but we give you an expense allowance to cover some of your expenses\. \- ⁠you get exposure to the local and international community and can make a positive contribution \- ⁠you get experience with meeting new people\,running social events and managing groups\. We would love to hear from you. Please write a quick message to Dan at ‪+44 7715705005‬ and let's chat.

This Weekend Morning Coffee Meeting - Sunday Edition - will take place at Bar Mazette, in the heart of the Marolles, and will be hosted by Emilia and Adriano. Newbies welcome! 🗓 **Sunday, 8 February** ⏰ **from 10:30** 👥 **limited to 12 people only** **Address:** **Bar Mazette** **Place du Jeu de Balle 4** **1000 Brussels** This is one of our Sunday editions, which are usually meant to test new places outside our usual coffee locations. These editions are smaller and more experimental, and focus as much on the place and the neighbourhood as on the group itself. *** ### ⏰ Timing The **core time** of the event is **10:30 – 12:00**. That’s when everyone should be there. Because this is a **very small group (12 people maximum)**, **registration is obligatory**. *** ### ⚠️ IMPORTANT — please read carefully Places are usually **very limited** on Sundays. Please **do not register if you are unsure you can come**. If you register and later realise you can’t make it, **cancel as soon as possible, latest on Saturday afternoon.** There is often a **waiting list**, and it’s only fair to give people on it a real chance to join. Registering and not showing up means someone else stayed home for nothing. Thank you for being fair and respectful. If you’re on the waiting list, please **check your status on Saturday evening at the latest**. See you on Sunday ☕ *** ### 📍 The place & the area Mazette is located right next to **Place du Jeu de Balle**, where Brussels’ best-known flea market takes place every Sunday morning. The area is busy, sometimes messy, full of objects with past lives and people just passing through. It’s a very typical Marolles atmosphere. Mazette opened in 2022 as a **cooperative project**. It was created by people who wanted a place that belongs to the neighbourhood and works with it. It’s not only a bar, and not only about beer. Part of the beer is brewed on site, with the tanks located below the bar. The food follows the same logic: bread baked in-house, a short menu, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that are simple and meant to be shared. Nothing complicated, nothing rushed. The place also works as a neighbourhood meeting point. Locals come in after the flea market, others stay for events or just to sit for a while. Conversations overlap, people stay longer than planned, and the space naturally shifts between café, bar and meeting place. For a small Sunday morning coffee meeting, it’s a very fitting setting: informal, local, and closely connected to the Marolles around it

Join us on Sunday, 8 February 2026 for a relaxed Photoresk photo walk through the Marolles, Brussels’ most characterful quarter. We’ll meet at 11:15 at Place du Jeu de Balle, explore lesser‑known corners and textures, then visit at least one exhibition linked to the PhotoBrussels Festival. We’ll wrap with lunch in the Marolles (vegetarian option available), with Matonge as a backup lunch zone. **Plan** * 11:15 Meet at Place du Jeu de Balle – entrance of the church Maria Immaculata. * Hidden‑gems walk: flea market, Rue Haute/Rue Blaes, murals and courtyards. * Exhibition: one PhotoBrussels Festival venue * Lunch: Marolles bistro/café; one vegetarian option guaranteed. * Public transport only; short, frequent hops; mostly walking. **Who’s coming** * Brussels and members traveling from Heerlen (NL), Cologne, Luxembourg, and elsewhere (primarily by train). Aim to arrive Brussels‑Central 10:30–10:45. See also [Photoresk.com ](https://photoresk.com/events/photoresk-brussels-hidden-gems-in-the-marolles/) **What to bring** * Compact kit, comfortable shoes with grip, rain/wind shell, and a sense of curiosity for “hidden gems.” Non‑flash museum etiquette. **Weather plan** * We’ll adapt for rain/wind/cold with covered routes and indoor photo options (churches, galleries, arcades). Final go/modify/pivot posted on the morning. **RSVP** * Please RSVP early and update if your plans change. If you have dietary/access needs, tell us by Friday so we can coordinate lunch and access with venues. **Notes** * PhotoBrussels Festival Sunday hours differ by venue; we will verify week‑of. Place du Jeu de Balle flea market is active mornings (ends \~14:00). Many shops in the Marolles have variable Sunday opening; we’ll treat browsing as a bonus.

Our journey takes us once more under the towering beech cathedral of the **Forêt de Soignes**. We’ll begin our transition from city to nature at the threshold where Brussels meets the wild: the entrance to **Bois de la Cambre**. Standing before the **stark white pavilions**—those historic sentinels of the park—we’ll gather our strength before disappearing into the deep greens and dappled light of the ancient woodland. We will go over light trails and firm forest paths (trail shoes aren't a necessity but advisable) - depending on the weather conditions the route may be adapted. [Find us on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/3431563936572874958) What to Expect: * Distance: \~14-15 km * Pace : 6-6:15 min/km * Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. * Post-Run Coffee: Optional gathering at 'Cafe de La Presse' for coffee and refreshments. * **Bag Drop: Available** Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Faisons une randonnée au rouge cloitre!Let's have a walk in the nature of Rouge Cloitre. Our meeting point will be a the entrance of metro herrmann debroux near a big "Loxam" red sign. We are 1 minute away from Avenue Herrmann Debroux, 1. 1160 Auderghem. Our Walk will be about 5,5 km and will last about 2 hours and we will come back at our meeting point. after the walk for those who want we can have a drink. Apres la marche pour ceux qui le veulent npus irons boire un verre Any question? Des questions here is our whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/IXERRBKunuc7csq1qQRpmh

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 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!

A quiet writing and sharing space, Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!

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!

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!