Writing and Publishing

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.

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.

\*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 $18 and $36 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.

Socialize with exceptional people in a cozy pub. Enjoy meaningful and stimulating, conversations, as we strategize and implement our plan... to Change the World in Eighty Days! Activities of ‘Eighty Days!’ follow a clear format: • Steve will meet, greet, and introduce every attendee at each meeting, • will lead a discussion of relevant, current, global news, • lead a discussion of our overall objective, intermediary goals, and specific tasks, • and, ask for volunteer(s) for each specific, small, simple task. • Attendees will help choose the next meeting day, time, and place, • and enjoy socializing, our successes, and making a difference!

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great **Sunday afternoon in** **Port Credit.** If you have never been; it's a great place to enjoy the sun, the water, the trees, the flowers, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the lake and then enjoy a tasty meal. Port Credit is also known for it's live music and dancing too (Event is both indoor and outdoor) I'm going to show us all around Port Credit, play a couple new ice breaker games and then head to a fun restaurant in the main strip of town with a great dinner menu following the walk. \*The walking portion will be roughly 2 hours with some stops along the way; then we will head for dinner and more mingling. This will be a fun day and evening gang! We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small evening adventure through **Port Credit.** More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **\*Long Weekend NATURE WALK and NIGHTLIFE IN PORT CREDIT\* (Walk, Talk & Flock!)** -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of Port Credit near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of live music too) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning as well to help us get to know one another \*A great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and enjoy our long weekend together) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 4::00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30) Go Train will take you there by Union Station too :) Plenty of parking in that area too- especially near Front Street and the Library :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** So in the winter of 2022 I listened to my guests. Time after time, the question that came up was, is there anything good and happy about history? Well not much, it's always a bit on the horrific side, and that is about all I can say, for now! Things are a changing for the better. Let's make the rest of 2026 a happy year! And with everything that has transpired in the last year and a half with tariffs and other undesirables let's have a good old time. I have been told that I am wordy, but that's ok. A tour about good times, good times in the sun, that's a bit of a stretch, but I did it. I put together a fun tour of the sunny side of the street. A tour of the good things in Toronto life from the Santa Claus Parade to decorated windows of both Eaton's and Simpson's, to trips over to the Island, and picnics with little puppies and kittens in High Park. Ok that's going a bit far, cut the puppies and the kittens! No dark secrets, no fires, cut off fingers, floods, tooth marks, disasters, murders, horrific deaths or innocent victims falling from windows, or crushed under subway trains, ghosts peeking out of buildings, human vampires, Spanish Flu or Spanish Civil War's impact on Toronto, or graves, I'm already starting to get homesick for the good times with all this fun stuff. Come along and experience a different and fun Toronto. In this strange era we are living in, a bit of sunshine is just the ticket. But no winter blues on this tour, I promise! You'll be as happy and contented as a **bunny in the sun.** And there is plenty of interesting history here in Toronto that is on the positive and fun, happy side, you'll see. This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. This walking tour begins and ends on the steps of old City Hall at the northeast corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street. Hope to see you soon! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

CN Tower - $59 + Tax Ripley's Aquarium - $50 + Tax Food - Pay yourself.

Grab the mic and bring your crew. Karaoke Fridays at Ace of Spades Lounge is the spot to sing, dance, and let loose in the heart of Little Italy. Huge song catalogue, great sound system, full bar, and a crowd that’s there to have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, you’ll feel right at home. Cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks available all night. When: Every Friday, 8pm Where: Ace of Spades Lounge, 536 Manning Ave., Toronto Cost: Free entry Come solo, bring friends, make new ones. See you on the mic.

Join us this Sunday for a friendly café meetup to connect with new people and expand your professional network.

Spend a day outside playing softball, having a drink, and actually enjoying being out with people. Register here ($35 until May 15th): [https://www.headouttoronto.ca/registration](https://www.headouttoronto.ca/registration) This event is called **In Play - a social-first day** for people who have played before and understand the rules of the game. It's **3 pitch format**, with teams pitching to their own players. **Teams and game times are set in advance**, so you'll know exactly when you're playing. Each team plays two games within a 4-hour window, and you're welcome to hang out at the park as long as you like. **Most people sign up solo or with a friend.** **What to expect:** \- 2 casual games \(50 minutes each\) \- Social\-first\, rec level play \- 3\-pitch format \- BBQ lunch \- Team and schedule set in advance \- Self umpired games **Details:** Date: Sunday May 17th Time: Between 10AM - 4PM Location: Coronation Park, Toronto Register here ($35 until May 15th): [https://www.headouttoronto.ca/registration](https://www.headouttoronto.ca/registration) New to softball? Start with our Starter Series instead!

Do you ever find yourself looking for more from your relationships? Or finding that relating with others is challenging, and wish you could have help? This event may be for you. We’re having an afternoon of organized discussion about what it means to be human and to relate with others, followed by some connection exercises to practice skills and techniques. The discussion salon will include opportunities to share feelings in groups of different sizes. It’s a chance to feel heard and connected, and to practice openness and compassion and empathy. The connection exercises, following the discussion, will provide an opportunity to learn and practice skills that are helpful for open relating. These exercises may include opportunities for gentle, non-sexual touch and may tenderly touch on challenging edges for some people, including the possibility of some clothing optional exercises towards the end. Participants are always at choice, including choosing to observe the exercise or leave this part of the program. This month's theme is conflict & repair - this theme will inform some of the exercises and the discussion. But the overall format is similar from month to month. (Previous themes have included authenticity & vulnerability, and empathy & compassion) After the salon there will be a small casual gathering with snacks and a chance to connect informally. The duration of the event is about 3 hours. There is a suggested donation of $15 to cover the cost of snacks and materials. A donation jar will be available at the event. Note that this event is being run twice, once on Saturday May 16, and again the next day, because the last two events we ran were full and we had to turn people away. The content of the event will be identical, but the participants will be different. The Sunday event is already full but there is a wait list, and there's a decent chance that spaces will open up before it happens. The Saturday event has space. Each day there will be up to 12 participants; some are coming from the open relating community via Facebook or other contacts, while others are new to the community and are coming via Meetup. I will be asking registered participants and people wanting to be on the wait list for contact information other than Meetup, either a phone # for texting or a Facebook contact for messaging. This is because often things change at the last minute (e.g. spaces open up for the waitlist, people have questions about parking, etc., etc.) and I want to be able to contact you quickly, and experience has shown that most people don't check Meetup messages frequently enough to communicate quickly enough. I will send information about address and logistics to registered participants a few days before the event.

Join our **Spanish–English Language Exchange Meetup** and improve your conversation skills in a relaxed, social environment. This free event is perfect for anyone looking to practice Spanish or English while meeting new people in a cozy coffee shop setting. ### **🗣️ What You’ll Do** * Practice Spanish and English through real conversations * Join small groups and switch languages throughout the event * Learn practical vocabulary and everyday expressions * Build confidence speaking in a supportive environment ### **👥 Who Should Attend** * Spanish learners (all levels) * English learners (all levels) * Native speakers who want to help others * Anyone interested in language exchange and cultural connection ### **☕ Venue** We meet at a local coffee shop—just grab a drink and enjoy the conversation! ### **💸 Cost** **FREE event** (please support the venue by purchasing a drink) ### **🌟 Why Join?** Language exchanges are one of the most effective ways to learn. You’ll improve faster by speaking with real people, hearing authentic accents, and using the language in everyday situations. Whether you're a beginner or fluent speaker, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to practice and connect. **👉 RSVP now and start speaking with confidence!** **Héctor**

Join us for an engaging history discussion as we explore the Sui and early Tang dynasties, a transformative era that reshaped China after centuries of division. The Sui dynasty reunited the empire in 589, restored centralized rule, expanded the Grand Canal, and launched ambitious military and administrative reforms. Yet its heavy demands on labor and failed campaigns against Goguryeo quickly led to rebellion and collapse. Out of this turmoil rose the Tang dynasty, which built on Sui foundations while creating one of the most powerful and cosmopolitan states in world history. The early Tang era saw imperial expansion, legal and bureaucratic refinement, Buddhist influence, cultural confidence, and the rise of Chang’an as a global capital. **Topics for Discussion** * The Reunification of China under the Sui * Emperor Wen and the Restoration of Centralized Rule * The Construction of the Grand Canal * The Sui Legal and Administrative System * Emperor Yang and Imperial Overreach * The Goguryeo Campaigns * Rebellions and the Fall of the Sui Dynasty * The Rise of Li Yuan and the Founding of the Tang * The Xuanwu Gate Incident and the Rise of Li Shimin * The Tang Legal Code and Bureaucratic Government * Expansion into Central Asia * Chang’an as a Cosmopolitan Capital * Buddhism, Daoism, and Imperial Legitimacy

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.

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!

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!