Writing Children's Picture Books

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.

\*\*Moved to Sunday due to rain on Saturday\*\* Join us for a casual walk starting at The Well - let's meet at DeMello Coffee, pick up a coffee if you choose, and check out the area for some architecture/street photography and make our way to Graffiti Alley for some great photo opps. All skill levels welcome including mobile phone users, just a chance to meet people and share our common interests. Event is free, just bring a smile :) Hope you can join us! Paul

This event is sponsored by [Eckankar Canada in Ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/) **A Spiritual Conversation** Please join us for a recorded talk and interactive discussion, featuring a video titled **“You Are the Light"** by Sri Doug Kunin, the Spiritual Leader of Eckankar. **Benefits** * learn to go inside yourself to discover the source of all Truth * meet a God-Realized spiritual teacher who also functions, by invitation, as an inner spiritual guide to help discover your own inner truth **Attend** **online OR in person.** **In-person** **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, (Welcome Centre) York Hall A, Room YH A002, (Lower level) 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** **Parking:** Enter the York University Campus via Bayview and Lawrence. Paid parking is available to then rightb of the Welcome Centre. Room YH A002 is located downstairs in the first glass reception building. A host will be available to provide directions. Please stay for light refreshments afterward. **Online by Zoom** [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) For attending online on Zoom: Either click on the link provided above or use the following ID and passcode Meeting ID: 839 7768 4697 Passcode: 168803 **The ECK Masters** Spiritual teachers from an ancient lineage walk among us today—Adepts who have mastered the spiritual laws of life, embodying them in thought, word, and deed. Teachers of the highest order. These are the ECK Masters. Chief among them is the Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ, the Living ECK Master. As an inner and outer spiritual teacher, his role is to awaken the God-knowledge already within you. This discussion, following an earlier online and in-person ECK Light and Sound Service, features a pre-recorded talk by Sri Doug Kunin, the spiritual leader of Eckankar, followed by facilitated breakout discussions. *"It’s the same eternal mission for every Living ECK Master: to awaken the God-knowledge already within the human heart. To help people become aware of who they really are – Soul, a unique, eternal, divine spark of God."* **\~ Sri Doug Kunin**, Spiritual Leader of Eckankar This series of discussions enables you to meet with like-minded, like-hearted, spiritually oriented co-learners who want to raise their spiritual IQ, not only to access higher states of positivity and balance, but also to add tools to their spiritual toolkit that help them function with more love, grace, and service in daily life. *"Eckankar already has students in 120 countries. While many people may not know about us, we have a global presence. Eckankar is not here to convert anyone. We honour individual choice and belief. Do the ECK tools and techniques help you find truth? Only you can decide.* *But even as a wide variety of our digital communications are expanding Eckankar’s worldwide presence, it’s not about the quantity of people we reach, but the quality of connection.* *Eckankar is only as good as its ability to help people connect with the divine principle. Are we able to do that in a way anyone can understand and apply? That’s key."* **\~ Sri Doug Kunin,** Spiritual Leader of Eckankar **Donations** These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: Name: **Eckankar Canada in Ontario** Email address: - **[provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:provincialdonations8093@gmail.com)** To learn more about **Eckankar, *the Path of Spiritual Freedom***, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · [ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets · [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/app/)[ ](http:/#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video Graphics courtesy of [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/), The Path of Spiritual Freedom

🚶‍♂️🌿 WEST TORONTO RAILPATH & THE JUNCTION WALK WITH LUNCH (9KM) 🌿🚶‍♂️ Urban Trails, Creative Energy & A Junction Hangout Some of Toronto’s best walks follow the paths that used to move trains — now they move people. Join us for a relaxed, social walk along the West Toronto Railpath, a unique urban trail that blends city views, street art, and a slightly hidden side of Toronto most people overlook. We’ll make our way north toward The Junction, a neighbourhood known for its creative spirit, independent shops, and laid-back vibe — the kind of place that feels a little different from the rest of the city. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk with interesting surroundings and time to connect. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll start near the Railpath and follow it north, enjoying the mix of greenery, industrial backdrops, and local art along the way. The trail is mostly flat and easy, making it a comfortable and steady walk. Once we reach the Junction, we’ll explore the area a bit before stopping for a casual lunch together. It’s the perfect way to wind down after the walk. You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. *** 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This walk will happen in typical spring weather — sun, clouds, or light rain. As long as it’s not extreme conditions, we’ll be going ahead. Dress in layers and come prepared — this is April in Toronto, after all. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. I ’ll share bits of context casually, but the focus is on being social and enjoying the walk. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the subway station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. **Lunch:** Shoeless Joes **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://shoelessjoes.ca/food-menu/) We’ll begin promptly — thank you for respecting everyone’s time. End Point: Right back at the Meetup spot. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes A small snack Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + rain-ready ☔) Optional: cash/card for lunch Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the trail. Stay for the neighbourhood. Leave feeling like you discovered a side of Toronto that’s quietly cool and a little unexpected. 🚶‍♂️✨

Toronto girls, let’s hang out together. Spring Tufting discounts are here! Create your own one-of-a-kind tufting rug experience! (Design and make your very own custom rug or blanket—hop on board and join us!) 🌈 **What is Tufting?** Tufting is basically this: You use a “tufting gun” to punch yarn into fabric, strand by strand, and create a rug that’s uniquely yours 🧶 You do not need to know how to draw or have any crafting experience—beginners can pick it up easily too! Here is the best part: 👉 **You can completely choose your own design!** Cute puppies, anime characters, couple designs—anything you like! 👉 **Every piece is one of a kind!** It is a custom rug made by you, just for you ✨ ✨ **Why is tufting so popular?** ✔ **Super stress-relieving** The tuft-tuft-tuft process is incredibly satisfying, and your stress just disappears along with the yarn\~ ✔ **A huge sense of accomplishment** From a blank canvas to a finished piece, you create a full rug with your own hands! 😍 ✔ **Perfect for photos** Both the process and the final result look amazing—instant +100 for your social media content ✔ **Great for dates or hanging out with friends** Make a special keepsake that belongs to you and your favorite people 🎁 💛 **Come enjoy a fun hands-on crafting experience in Mississauga** 🧶✨ Take your time and enjoy the tufting process here! We will guide you step by step, from choosing your design to finishing your piece. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience! 💗 **Contact us** ☎️ 647-848-3328

While a philosopher might ask the question, “Why are we here?”, geologists want to know, “How did we get here?”. In this meetup we will travel back in time through the Earth’s history; learning how our planet operates today, what it may have been like in the past, and the tools geologists use to figure these things out. Join us for this quick trip through geologic time, from the Anthropocene to the Hadean! For this meetup, we have an expert in earth sciences who will share her expertise with us and facilitate the gathering. Silvia Castilla is a PhD student in the Earth Sciences department at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on volcanology and isotope geochemistry to understand the processes that occur before volcanic eruptions. Her PhD project involves studying rocks from around the world, conducting stable isotope analyses, and applying these techniques to determine how long it takes for a volcano to erupt. \-\-\-\-\- No readings for this meetup, but I’m including a great Radiolab episode that explains the science of dating rocks [https://radiolab.org/podcast/heavy-metal](https://radiolab.org/podcast/heavy-metal) \-\-\-\-\- I will take some pictures during the meetup.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Toronto City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Hello everyone! Join us for our next meetup! Bring along any art or craft you’re currently working on, drawing, painting, knitting, writing, or anything else, and enjoy a relaxed, creative hangout together. Date: April 19th Time: 2 pm Place: Eglinton Food Hall (2300 Yonge St) \*Note: If you RSVP 'yes' but aren't able to make it, please try to change it to "no". This will allow people on the waitlist to join in!

Come and play your heart out! Join us for a lively evening of fun, friendly competition, and great company. Whether you're feeling lucky or just in it for the laughs, everyone’s welcome—grab a card and get ready to shout BINGO!

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, April 22 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 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!

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.