Writing and Publishing

**Ready to get better at speaking in front of a room and leading with confidence?** MidTown Toastmasters is a friendly, diverse club that meets twice a month to practice real public-speaking skills in a supportive environment. We keep it welcoming and fun. **What to expect** * Quick orientation for newcomers * Prepared member speeches * Table Topics impromptu speaking * Encouraging feedback that helps you improve right away **Guests are always welcome.** You are invited to try a few meetings as a guest before deciding to join. There is never pressure to speak on your first visit. **New here?** Message us here on Meetup with any questions, or ask for Josie when you arrive and you will get a proper welcome and introduction. **RSVP notes** Please RSVP to help us plan seating. If your plans change, update your RSVP so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. **When** Monday, February 23rd 2026 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. **Where** St. Matthew's United Church Oakwood Room 729 St. Clair Avenue West (St. Clair & Christie) **Learn More About Our Club:** Club’s Website: [https://torontomidtowntoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/](https://torontomidtowntoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/) **\-\-\-** **Here's what our previous guests (from August 25) said about our club:** * "It was engaging from start to end" * "I'm very impressed by how the evaluators notice everything." * "I enjoyed practicing my active listening." * "The report on the filler words is useful. I can see myself improving with this feedback."

**Click the link below to reserve your spot:** **[https://energeticmagic.thrivecart.com/mindset-reset/](https://energeticmagic.thrivecart.com/mindset-reset/)** Why Your Brain Is Chemically Rewarding You For Staying Stuck Below Your True Earning Potential Most coaches hitting the almost-six-figure ceiling aren't struggling with their marketing or offer. They're trapped by something far more powerful - a deep-seated reality addiction around money and success. You've built a solid coaching business. You have testimonials that prove your value. Your clients get real results. Yet somehow, consistent $10K+ months remain frustratingly out of reach. Every time you get close to breaking through, something happens: * You discount your rates when a potential client hesitates * You overdeliver to justify your prices * You feel a nagging discomfort when thinking about charging more * You work harder instead of leveraging what's already working The problem isn't your coaching ability. It's the unconscious stories you believe about wealth that create unnecessary friction in your business growth. What "Reality Addiction" Is Costing You Reality addiction is the unconscious belief that your current financial ceiling is "just how things are" for coaches like you. It's the voice that whispers: *"Making more means working more."* *"If I charge premium rates, I'll price out the people who need me."* *"Successful coaches are just better at selling than I am."* These limiting beliefs aren't just in your head — they're actively sabotaging your business decisions, creating a cycle where: * You undercharge for your services * You overwork to compensate * You feel resentful about the imbalance * You burn out before reaching your goals I know because I was stuck in the same cycle. Making $8K months but unable to break through to consistent five-figure months until I addressed my reality addiction around wealth and success. What You'll Discover in This Free Workshop Once you join you'll feel the tension in your chest release as you finally understand why making money has felt so difficult. During our 60-minute session, you'll experience: \- The exact moment you recognize the invisible reality addiction that's been holding your income back—and feel immediate relief knowing it's not your fault \- A profound shift as you see other successful coaches breaking through the same blocks that have kept you stuck \- The liberating feeling of having a clear path forward instead of pushing that boulder uphill every day \- The quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly which stories to release so you can finally command premium rates without the guilt When you apply the framework I'll share, you'll wake up feeling excited about your business again instead of exhausted by it.  “For the first time in my life, I felt valued and loved. This work changed everything.” \- Lynn D Security Coach  “He worked on my fear of success, which was blocking me from getting more clients. I felt a huge sense of relief the very next day and started getting inquiries about my services.” \- Nisreen M Reiki Master/Teacher Ready to Break Free From Your Reality Addiction? P.S. I'm including 2 bonuses valued over $1500 after you register... **Bonus #1** \- You’ll be entered in a draw to attend the next Refuel Your Ambitions \($500 value\)\. This class happens the 1st Friday of each month. You'll be informed when the next date is. This is a 3-hour deep dive unearth and obliterate your limiting beliefs and stories of struggle. 5 people will be selected per workshop. Those are good odds! They're even better if people forget to attend or decide to watch the replay. Make sure that’s not you! **Bonus #2** \- You’ll be entered in a draw to enjoy a 1/2\-hour private session with Shiraz \($1000 value\)\. If I can get results in as little as 5-minutes, imagine how much 30 minutes with me can change your life. 1 person will be selected per workshop.

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\*\* These Spanish, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and French classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Call (647)904-5285 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Join Us for a Cashflow 101 Game Night! Come, meet new people, and learn valuable life skills while having fun! Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the game, Cashflow 101 is a fantastic way to improve your financial literacy in a relaxed, social setting. Beginners are welcome — no prior experience needed. Let’s roll the dice, strategize, and make our way out of the rat race together!

*** 🎭🎶 **FREE MONDAY MUSICAL MEETUP: IN THE CUBES – An Insider Look at *IN REAL LIFE*** 🎶🎭 I found us another great sounding, free event to beat the February chills. Join us for a fantastic **free** Monday night of live musical theatre and behind-the-scenes storytelling as part of **Tapestry’s Free Underground Concerts** series! We’ll be attending **IN THE CUBES: A CONCERT**, presented by **The Musical Stage Company**, offering an insider look at the brand-new Canadian musical **IN REAL LIFE**. ✨ **IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ** ✨ 👉 **This event is FREE, but you MUST book your own free ticket in advance.** 🎟️ Reserve your ticket here: [https://tapestryopera.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FOF0000099JEL2A2](https://tapestryopera.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FOF0000099JEL2A2) 🔗 Learn more about the event here: [https://tapestryopera.com/performances/the-musical-stage-company/](https://tapestryopera.com/performances/the-musical-stage-company/) *** ### 🎼 What to Expect This special evening includes: * Live performances from *IN REAL LIFE* by composer **Kevin Wong** * Performances by talented Sheridan cast members: EJ Candelaria, Annelise Forbes, Chris Otchere, Kayla Samson, Mea Tonet, and Lindsey Tower * Musical accompaniment by **Jonathan Corkal-Astorga** * A behind-the-scenes creative conversation with composer/co-lyricist **Kevin Wong** * Hosted by **Michael Rubinoff** (Artistic Director, The Musical Stage Company) and **Jaime Martino** (Executive Director, Tapestry) Perfect for fans of musical theatre, Canadian arts, and anyone curious about how new musicals are made 🎤🎹 *** ### 📍 Event Details 🗓 **Monday, February 23** 📍 **Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre** 877 Yonge St. (Performance Hall) ⏰ **Meetup Time:** 5:15 PM 🚪 **Doors Open:** 5:30 PM 🎶 **Concert:** 6:00 – 7:00 PM 👋 **Look for Nick** outside the venue with a **Meetup sign** before **and after** the show. 💬 We’ll gather for a few minutes afterward to chat and share thoughts on the performance. *** ⚠️ **Final Reminder:** ✔️ You are responsible for booking your own **free ticket** ✔️ Please only RSVP if you’ve secured a ticket or plan to do so Looking forward to a great night of music, creativity, and conversation — see you there! 🎭✨

Do you LOVE horror? If so, join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

Are you passionate about restoring the unity, values and strength of the traditional British Commonwealth? Join us for this meetup where we discuss, drink and plan ways to support this noble cause. Whether you are interested in politics, history, or global relations, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals who share your love for the Commonwealth. Let's work together to bring back the ideals and values that made Canada strong, and create a renewed British commonwealth based on fair trade for all the Commonwealth members. Join us and be a part of something greater than ourselves. Everyone of every faith and background is welcome!

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other’s work. **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) . Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! 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 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!

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!

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!

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*