Writing

Agenda\* **6:15pm - Welcome!** Networking, food, & drinks **6:30pm -** **Presentation #1: Learnings from Sitecore Symposium** **Speaker:** Naveed Ahmad, Group Manager @Avanade **7:00pm -** **Presentation #2: Building for SitecoreAI with the new Content SDK** **Speaker:** Steve Hamilton, CTO @AgencyQ **7:30pm - 5min Break** **7:35pm -** **Presentation #3: Sitecore Unified Data Layer: The Foundation of a True Customer 360** **Speaker:** Boris Brodsky, Head of Data and Applied AI @Zont **8:00pm - Wrap Up, Future Speakers & After Event Networking** This meeting's Food & Beverage Sponsor: AgencyQ \*Agenda subject to change depending on speakers & topics. **Logistics:** The meeting address is AgencyQ's (www.agencyq.com) office, follow signs from the lobby area to the theater and kitchen area on the 2nd floor. Starting at 6pm, there is FREE parking directly across the street at Waverly Garage. Also, the location is only 1 block from the Bethesda Subway Station. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on Meetup or on Sitecore Slack Community. Thanks, Naveed Ahmad *Note: This event is the same as published on Baltimore Sitecore User Group page.*

Holy Cross-Words Toastmasters Club (http://1341379.toastmastersclubs.org/) is open to all. The club meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm via Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 848 0115 8880 Password: 996403 In addition, on 4th Tuesday of each month for an in-person meeting at the Professional and Community Education Center (PCEC) at Holy Cross Hospital. The PCEC is located on the first floor of Holy Cross Hospital, 1500 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Join us for our **Weekly Poetry Circle**, where we’ll dive into all things poetry! Basic Agenda: * kick off with creative prompt to get our writing flowing * reading and discussing inspiring poems * workshopping each other’s work in a supportive setting This series is perfect for anyone looking to explore, improve, and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts in Annapolis! We meet at Seoul Blues at Annapolis Mall.

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Bonjour! Are you missing your French? Have you been wanting to practice your French in a day-to-day setting? Join the Alliance Française Library during our Salon de Conversation every 2nd Tuesday of the month to practice your French in a fun and informal setting. This event is for all levels of French speakers. Please note that on January 13th we will be meeting IN-PERSON in the AFDC Library from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, and ONLINE via zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

As we move into 2026, we invite you to join us in renewing a form of political participation that has come to seem almost quaint: practicing citizenship by making strong connections and strengthening our communities. Over the past few decades, we’ve allowed our communities to shrink, our outlooks to sour and our politics to become toxic. We’re guessing you are reading this now because you want something different and better for yourselves, your families and your communities. Braver Angels provides the infrastructure and tactics and tools to convene and collaborate across the political spectrum. With our sister Alliances in the “DMV” area, the Fairfax County Alliance is creating a schedule of events for the coming year, some of which will relate to our nation’s birthday. **We’ll kick off 2026 with a simple discussion of a complex topic: What does patriotism mean to you? And what about our 250th year as a nation will you contemplate and celebrate?** Join us on January 13th at 7 PM at the [McLean Governmental Center](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=1181632331&e=500efeae3d); doors open at 6:30 PM. We will have light refreshments. We have pulled together [various resources](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=51517eb8d2&e=500efeae3d) to get your brains moving in different directions. Some of these are ‘newsy’, some informative, some lean right or left and some are just opinions. It is not a comprehensive list by any means but merely designed to start your thinking about your perspective and other’s. We look forward to hearing about your own points of reference. Comparing different eras is instructive; the meaning of patriotism changes depending on time and place. Have your views changed over time and place? How do you envision at the future of the United States? How do we embrace the whole of our history? John Woods, Braver Angels’ National Ambassador, has captured these thoughts well in [his latest message](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=3b2e9511c9&e=500efeae3d). *Scroll down John Wood’s email for a range of online events you can join.* Our future is shaped by imagining what can be and putting aside our presumptions of each other. We look forward to seeing you! \* \* \* \* \* **Braver Angels holds workshops, debates, and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide we are experiencing in our country.** Our events help conservatives, liberals, and independents get past stereotypes and have civil conversations about current issues, helping open the way to productive problem-solving, mutual respect and understanding. Meetings and events are free and require no commitments. Just bring your willingness to listen, learn, and participate with civility, without judgment. Please read more about The Braver Angels Way [here](https://braverangels.org/our-mission/).

This is an In-Person Writing Event at Three Whistle's Cafe in Clarendon! Please join us. \*\*Three Whistles Cafe has kindly requested that we do not bring outside food and drink into their restaurant.\*\* This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

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 **7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings.** Edit: As of January 7, 2026, we will be back at Starbucks! 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. **We'll meet inside the coffee shop**. Please buy something to ensure we're welcome back. Sit down anywhere, but let me know you're here so we can introduce ourselves and check in before and after writing! (I'll be the one with the sign.) **SCHEDULE:** 7:00 - Quick introductions 7:20 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:20 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing 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 Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Note that outlets are limited, so please make sure your devices are charged. Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the overhead music or the conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** Starbucks has WiFi. TRAVEL / PARKING: The shopping area is about a twenty minute walk from the College Park or P. G. Plaza/Hyattsville Crossing Metro Stations. There's also a bus stop right outside the shopping center on Baltimore Ave. Parking is free. SEATING INFORMATION: Seating is first come first serve. I'll try to grab a table, but be prepared to sit down anywhere. FOOD GUIDELINES: Tea, coffee, and light food are available at the coffee shop. Please thank our hosts by purchasing something to drink.

We're experimenting and trying a new place! Activities: Writing Sprints (individual time boxed writing time) These writing times can be used to do any writing-related activities like plotting/outlining, and most importantly writing and working on your own writing! Make sure to bring your writing tools (laptop, notebook, your brain). We start the first sprint promptly at 10:15 between every writing sprint we take 5-15 minute breaks We shoot for a total of 3 sprints (45 minutes of writing) Location: Corner Bakery Parking: Is free Food: breakfast until 11:00 Standard lunch menu after that https://cornerbakerycafe.com/

**🖋️ Writing Club Comes to 3 Gear Games — For the First Time!** We’re excited to host a very special meetup at 3 Gear Games as the writing club Stewart regularly attends gathers here for the first time! Looking for a relaxed, welcoming space to write—without pressure or critique? This is it. **How it works:** Using Natalie Goldberg’s writing guidelines and a set of gentle, guided prompts, we simply write. **✨**No pressure ✨Sharing is always optional ✨No critiquing, commenting, or suggestions—just writing and listening Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who hasn’t picked up a pen in years, you’re warmly invited to join. **📅 Date:** Saturday, January 17 **⏰ Time:** 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM **💰 Cost: Free** **🧑‍🏫 Hosted by:** Karla Pahel **📍 Location:** 3 Gear Games 25 C Street, Laurel, MD 20707 **📖** Bring a notebook, your favorite pen, and your curiosity. We can’t wait to write with you. **Space is limited and will be first come first served.** **We hope to see you there!** **Play Games \| Make Friends** **Follow Us On:** [Join Our Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/3gearstudios/groups) [Join Our Discord](https://www.3gearstudios.com/3-gear-games-events-community/community/) Website:[ www.3geargames.com](https://www.3gearstudios.com)

My name is MJ Huntsgood, and I am a speculative horror author with award-nominated speculative fiction published in literary magazines, anthologies, and across the internet. I've taught classes online, at conventions, and in other venues. I'd love to bring my knowledge to the community. In this one-hour workshop, we’ll explore how to use speculative elements (science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, dystopian, surreal) as tools for storytelling rather than decoration. The focus is on clarity, emotional stakes, and ideas that actually sustain a narrative. This session blends short craft discussion with guided writing exercises, so you’ll leave with new material on the page, not just notes. **In this workshop, you’ll:** * Learn a simple framework for generating speculative premises from personal, social, or philosophical questions * Explore how to ground speculative concepts in character and emotion * Draft a short piece or opening scene using a focused speculative constraint * Get tools you can reuse for future stories, regardless of subgenre **This workshop is for:** * Writers interested in speculative fiction (SF, fantasy, hybrid, literary speculative) * Writers who want their work to feel meaningful, not gimmicky * Writers comfortable doing short writing exercises You don’t need to be published, but some prior writing experience is helpful. This is not a critique workshop. **Format:** 1.5 hours **Includes:** Craft guidance, writing exercises, and optional sharing **Bring:** Something to write with and a willingness to experiment (a limited number of pens and notebooks will be available)

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, January 24th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

[Writing Workshop Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DwZnKJiIkfyJ_LrJvDCcCMWWCauWKR-LPJF3DwcKdlI/edit?usp=drivesdk) Please read the above Workshop Guide; it covers where to upload, how much to upload, and what to do with other people's uploads. This is a document based on what we all discussed at the first meeting, but it can grow and change with us as needed. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions! We'll still meet at Northside this time, but consider other locations as needed. See you all there!

Get to know your fellow writers! In this relaxed, easygoing environment, we'll have the space, snacks, and some interactive activities to meet your fellow writers. Led by a professional in the industry, we'll discuss upcoming events in Montgomery County, some upcoming conventions, and local open mics that are available for you to participate in. $5 donation asked to provide for food and supplies so we don't have to worry about going to a cafe or restaurant, but still have a great time. Expect coffee, pastries, and other cafe-like snacks, as well as writing supplies, goodies, and other things to do. Host will use all funds towards the group. Novices and seasoned writers welcome. Just come and make community.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11:00am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15pm-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1:00pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)