Fiction Writing

[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.**

📚 Book Club Invitation: *Jesus and John Wayne* by Kristin Kobes Du Mez For our next meeting, we’ll be discussing *Jesus and John Wayne*, a thought-provoking book about how religion, culture, masculinity, and politics became deeply intertwined in modern evangelical America. Kristin Kobes Du Mez explores how certain ideals of strength, leadership, and nationalism came to shape a religious movement and what that has meant for faith, society, and public life. If you’re interested in questions about religion, power, identity, and culture, this book offers plenty to reflect on and discuss. 📅 Date: Saturday, 25 April ⏰ Time: 11:30 📍 Venue: Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect an open and engaging discussion in a relaxed setting, with good coffee and good company. As always, you’re welcome whether you finished the book or just want to join the conversation. Those who wish can stay for lunch afterwards. 🏡 Book Club Home Rules 1️⃣ You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book. 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win. 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness come first. Looking forward to another lively exchange of ideas. 📞 Questions: 0474.60.83.70

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.

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.

Writing a novel? A thesis? Fanfiction? Whatever you're working on, Shut Up & Write!® is here to help you focus and get those words down. We host free in-person and online writing sessions for writers of all genres and skill levels—whether you're crafting fiction, nonfiction, research papers, or anything in between. Bring your laptop, notebook, or whatever you need—let’s get writing! **What to Expect** Join us at the comic and games shop for a chill but productive writing session. RSVP to save your spot, and try to arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled. If you can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join. We’ll start with quick introductions, then dive into a quiet, focused writing session. Afterward, stick around for an optional chat—it's a great time to share your progress, challenges, or just connect with fellow writers. No critiques, no pressure—just a supportive space to write. **Running late? No problem!** Come in, find a seat, and settle in quietly. If you’re on time, be ready to make room for any friendly latecomers. **Other Important Details:** **TRAVEL / PARKING:** Parking Savaanstraat **GUIDELINES**: This venue has a mandatory drink purchase policy, so please bring enough money to buy a beverage. For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) or our Facebook page: [www.facebook.com/shutupwritegent](www.facebook.com/shutupwritegent)

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 25 April 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 4 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, and many 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!**

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 !

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!

Dear WWs, On this Sunday we will walk in the area of three natural areas. Our meeting point is close to Chalet du Laerbeek where we can enjoy after our walk. We will start at 10:00AM, if you are late, please contact me in order to catch up with us. If there are any problems, you can call or WhatsApp Jing at 0486484016 Please wear proper hiking shoes and clothes depending on the weather condition. It might be muddy at some parts. Meeting point: 50.8841920, 4.3025140 if you have any problem. Please update your RSVP as earlier as possible in case there are people in the waiting list. This hike is a public transport accessible event.

**Once a month** (on the last Saturday), **we meet to paint/draw together in pleasant company ☺️✏️🎨** Your skill level is not important, only your desire. **Please note that *this is not a lesson*, it is a meeting where everyone paints what they want, how they want, with what materials they want.** If you want a lesson, we have many different ones, you can find them on our website: https://lu.ma/malinamore.studio 🌷 **Participation fee for this event is minimum 5 euros** **(we strive to make this event affordable for everyone ☺️** but if you’d like to support the project, you’re always welcome to donate more) ❤️ **Please pay here:** https://luma.com/rvnzw9y6 **Bring your own materials if you have them, and if not, no worries at all!** **You can borrow studio materials for an extra 5 euros.** We have paper, acrylics, gouache, pencils, colored pencils, and markers. How does it work? * 15min - Introduction * 15min - Tour de Table * 1,5 h - Let's draw and paint ​**Please note: the event will start at 14:00.** **Please, don't be late!** **VERY IMPORTANT:** ✨ Please, move to "Not going" as soon as you know that you can't come anymore! **✨** Follow the Malina More Studio on INSTAGRAM ☺️ [https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/](https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/) 🌷 See you there 💫

Join us for one of the **most beautiful and underrated hikes in Belgium** — a stunning adventure through the **Furfooz Nature Reserve and the Lesse Valley**, starting directly from the train station. This is a **perfect nature escape from Brussels — no car needed 🚆** ## 🥾 The Experience We’ll follow a **~14–15 km loop hike (4–5 hours) **through: - 🌿 The** Furfooz Natural Park **(protected reserve) - 🪨 Limestone cliffs with panoramic views over the Lesse - 🕳️ Prehistoric caves and unique rock formations - 🏰 The spectacular** Walzin Castle**, perched dramatically on a cliff - 🌳 Forest trails, riverside paths & scenic viewpoints 👉 The route is** moderate (332m elevation) **— expect some climbs, but very rewarding views. ## 🚆 Easy Access (No Car Needed) We’ll take the train from Brussels to: 📍** Gendron-Celles station** 👉 From there, the hike starts directly — we’ll follow the Lesse river and head toward Furfooz and Walzin. 💡 The route is well marked and follows a mix of forest paths and scenic trails along the river. A** WhatsApp group **will be created to coordinate: - Train timing - Meeting point at the station - Live updates on the day ## 🍻 Optional stop If timing allows, we may stop for: - 🍺 A drink along the way - Or after the hike in the area (Depending on group pace and timing) ## 💰 Costs - 🌿 Entrance to Furfooz Reserve:** €6 **(paid directly on-site) - 🧭 Sunday Vacations organising fee: - Explorer:** €5** - Voyager / Ambassador:** FREE **(use your code) - 🚆 Train ticket: at your own expense ## ⚠️ Important - ❌ Dogs not allowed in the reserve - 🥾 Good hiking shoes required - ⚠️ Moderate level — not suitable for very low fitness - ⏱️ We keep a group pace (not a race, not too slow) ## 📍 Logistics - Departure: morning from Brussels - Meeting point:** Shuman Train Station** - Return: late afternoon / early evening 👉 Full details shared in the** WhatsApp group** ## 🎟️ Participation Most Sunday Vacations events are** members-only**. 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) Membership starts at** €5/year** ## ✨ Why join? Because this is one of those places where people say: “I had no idea Belgium had landscapes like this.”

We'll be discussing Bezoar And Other Unsettling Stories by Guadalupe Nettel and choosing the next book. This is a short book so you may also read My Friends by Fredrik Backman.

## 🏃‍♂️ Sunday Run : The Green Lungs of Uccle (16km) **Kick off your Sunday with the Brussels Runners!** Whether you’re a long-time regular or this is your very first time joining, come find your rhythm with us. This week, we’re leaving the cobblestones behind to explore the hidden valleys and leafy heights of Uccle. ### 📍 The Route: From Pavilions to Plateaus We’ll start at the **historic white Pavilions** (Bois de la Cambre) and head south into a side of Brussels. Our journey is a "greatest hits" of Uccle’s nature reserves: * The rolling greens of **Parc de Wolvendael** * The wilder paths of **Keyenbempt & Kinsendael** * The sweeping views of the **Engeland Plateau** * The tranquil **Parc de la Sauvagère** We’ll loop back through the Bois de la Cambre to finish a beautiful **16km circuit** on a mix of pavement and soft park paths. ### 📋 The Essentials * **Distance:** \~15 km * **Pace:** Strictly **6:15 min/km**. This is a steady, social effort—perfect for building endurance without the burn. * **Meeting Point:** At the **2 white Pavilions** (Entrance to Bois de la Cambre). * **Bag Drop:** Available on-site—run light! * **Post-Run:** Join us for a post-run "rehydration" (coffee or something colder) at **Café de la Presse** to swap stories and weekend plans. ### 👟 Why join? This is a **no-drop social run**. We’re here for the community, the conversation, and the consistent miles. It’s the ultimate way to discover Brussels’ "green lungs". **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.** By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers 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. Questions and comments are welcome.

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 are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, 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!**

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