Writing for Youth

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, John and Solitaire

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). **Other Important Details:** **Venue info:** this is a public café, so expect some noise around you. Please bring your headphones. While some plugs are available, they might not be free while we are there. Please charge your laptop beforehand. As this is a public café, and we're going to occupy a table for a while, *please buy something if you can* (even a cup of tea will do)! **IMPORTANT:** in the unfortunate case we are not able to find a table at this café, we'll need to move to another location close-by. The organizer will leave detailed info in the comment section of each event. Please check! **Travel info:** Closest public transport stops \- Finchley Road & Frognal \(Overground\)\, 1 min away \- West Hampstead Thameslink \(train\)\, 10 min away \- West Hampstead \(Overground\)\, 10 minutes away \- West Hampstead \(Underground\, Jubilee line\)\, 12 min away \- Bus stop FB \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away \- Bus stop FF \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away

Join us at for this Saturday between 11am-2.30pm at Pastures Youth and Sports Centre for a fun and social badminton over four courts. Nearest station is Leytonstone station on central line or Leytonstone High Street on overground. If you drive, you can park on street nearby (free on Saturday). Please make sure to bring your own kit and racket. It is £12 per person for 3.5 hours. We play with quality feather shuttlecocks. RSVP is now open on meetup. Once RSVP, please make payment to secure your spot. Any payment please make to: Monzo Name: Ba Quan Le Account number: 30719150 Sort code: 04-00-04 Important note: Our club is paid for by individuals; as such your attendance and payment is required when making a commitments to play - as a matter of respect, please ensure that you consider this when saying you will attend. **Booking rule: Please make sure once you rsvp to pay by the end of same day to secure your spot. In the event of no payment received and we have waitlist, your spot will be cancelled and given to the first person in the waitlist.** **No-shows and late cancellations will be fined: £6 for the first time, full fee for the second time and complete ban for the third time. Fines payable at the next session. Cancellations within 18 hours before session starts will be counted as late cancellations (We appreciate that things could change beyond control (due to injury, illness or transport issues), but unfortunately the club doesn't have resources to manage individual demands or changing circumstances. Keep it simple. Please book only when you are certain or willing to bear the risk of your own changes if you wish to book well in advance to secure your place).**

**Join us on a visit to the [Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends exhibition](https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/inside-aardman-wallace-gromit-and-friends) in London.** In Aardman’s 50th anniversary year, go behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph are brought to life. **MEET DETAILS:** **2:30pm: Meet in Town Square Café - Young V&A Museum, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA** Meet in the Town Square Café located on the ground floor of the museum. **3:00 pm \~ ENTER THE EXHIBITION** **4:30 pm \~ Late: PUB SOCIAL** We'll head to a pub, [Bethnal Green Tavern](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YB3m2PmX25Gp1R2v8?g_st=ic) for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 456 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0EA **TICKETS:** **Book your ticket** **[here](https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=455)** and select the 3:00 pm time slot (or around that time). NB: all tickets for Saturday 18 April 2026 are sold out. Tickets are £11 or 50% off for Art Pass holders. [https://www.artfund.org/national-art-pass](https://www.artfund.org/national-art-pass) **GETTING THERE:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNWhxPkbfstvnvtJ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNWhxPkbfstvnvtJ7) Tube: * Bethnal Green: 2-minute walk * Cambridge Heath (Overground): 5-minute walk * Whitechapel: 18 min walk - nearest station with step-free access Bus: * 106, 254, 388 and D6 stop nearby **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link will be published a few days before the event.** Please let a host know if your WhatsApp name is different from your Meetup name, otherwise we'll assume you're a spammer! **If you are on the waitlist**, please join the WhatsApp group ONLY if/once space frees up and you are moved to the 'going' list. *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP RULES, PLEASE NOTE:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We limit event numbers as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible.** We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who: * RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up (without changing their RSVP) three times in a row. * RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row. * Turn up at an event without being on the 'Going' list (i.e. members who have not signed up or are on the waitlist). **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: Young V&A museum - photo taken by event host, Bobo Liu, on 20 April 2024 for the J is for Japan: Myths to Manga LoMAZ event.

Basic Ideas: 🌞 📚☕ Any books sitting there collecting dust? Some holiday gifts? Or it’s a book that has changed your life that you want to share? Feel free to bring book(s) to discuss or swap, we usually have more books than people in the end, so feel free to pop along just to have a chat as well. Aiming for every 4 weeks book swap meetup. Note: The event is free to attend, so the only cost for you will only be buying a drink at the location, so coffee/tea/beer etc.

🎬Something BIG is coming to UK cinemas — and our kids deserve to see it. Time Hoppers: The Silk Road 🎥 is the first ever Muslim animated film to get a nationwide UK cinema release. 🎞️ I’ll be there at 10:40 am on Saturday 18th April 2026 Your children will see Muslim heroes on the big screen, travelling through Islam’s Golden Age to save the legacy of scholars like Al-Khwarizmi (the father of Algebra) and Ibn al-Haytham (the father of Modern Optics). 🎬 200+ UK cinemas 📅 Box Office Weekend — April 17, 18 & 19 ⭐ IMDb 8.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 99% 🏆 Top 10 US Box Office 🎶 Vocals-only soundtrack Book your family’s tickets now 👇 www.time-hoppers.com Please share with family and friends — let’s fill these cinemas! 🤲 RSVP on here doesn’t mean entry not mean you have a free ticket and you need to purchase your ticket via www.time-hoppers.com

**SocialSportsMix have teamed up with London Journey for this creative urban game!** **NOTE: You must pre-register** **at [https://londonjourney.org/](https://londonjourney.org/) to actually play!** FYI, there are **141 players** registered to play on the main site!! (correct as of: 16/04/26) Journey is a free volunteer-run interactive urban chase game in which hundreds of players traverse the city, completing challenges at checkpoints, guided by checkpoint agents from fairytales, while evading chasers. Get caught and become a chaser yourself, or make it to the end of the night without getting caught to win! # ✨ Welcome to Fairy Academy ✨ Tonight, your magic awakens. You have been chosen as a Fairy Trainee — a spark-bearer, glowing with wild, untamed fairy dust. You’ve felt it already: the air crackling when you run, laughter spilling out around you, the shimmer just under your skin. But listen carefully. You are not a fairy yet... Raw fairy dust is volatile. It flares bright… and then it burns out. To claim your wings, you must survive the Five Trials of Fairy Academy. Each test will sharpen your magic. Each checkpoint will push you closer to transformation. Pass all five, and you will rise crowned with your Fairy Title, your power steady and eternal. But the night is not empty. Lurking in the dark are the Dropouts — former trainees who lost their light. They no longer create magic of their own. Now they hunt it. If they catch you, they will siphon your fairy dust to feed their fading glow. Lose your spark… and you join them. Run bright. Guard your glow. Graduate, or be consumed! **————————————————————————** **\- WHERE/WHEN** The course, which begins at Jubilee Gardens will be approximately 9km and may take 2 to 4 hours to complete (accounting for interference). Check-in will be from 4:00-4:30pm and the game will begin at 5pm. Do your best to be on time. **\- How do I play?** Register here: https://londonjourney.org Full rules of gameplay will be presented there. **\- Where has it been played?** The game has been played in cities all over the world (see [https://ichaseyou.com](https://ichaseyou.com/)), including in London in 2007-2009 and 2024-25. Join us for 2026! **\- Why is the game free\, is there a catch?** We organise Journey to the End of the Night because we are passionate about helping Londoners to get out of their comfort zones, explore the city, get creative and immerse themselves in imagination. We love doing it and spend several months preparing the game. It is important to us to be able to keep it free to players so that it is accessible to anyone. That said, we do incur costs for the game materials, maps, ribbons, etc (typically a few hundred pounds) so if you're able to support us with a [donation](https://buymeacoffee.com/londonjourney) of £5 it really helps! [https://buymeacoffee.com/londonjourney](https://buymeacoffee.com/londonjourney) **\- Are there ways I can get involved before the event?** If you're interested in being a part of the creative volunteer community organising Journey, please visit [LondonJourney.org](http://londonjourney.org) and fill out our volunteer interest form or email LondonJourney24@gmail.com and we'll get in touch! **-What should I wear?** Comfy clothes/shoes for running Theme (time travel) related costume - optional **-What should I bring?** Water A charged smartphone or good sense of direction

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

If an alien landed in Britain of 2026, it might well conclude that things have never been worse for women. That to be a woman in the neoliberal, post-sexual revolution West is just a vale of tears: bodily, emotionally, reproductively, and socially. Except, that's not at all the truth, is it? In Good Slut, Zoe Strimpel argues the exact opposite, that things have never been better for women, and the fact that this is a taboo shows how far off the right piste we're going. She takes aim at what she sees as a culture of female victimhood, arguing instead that women in the modern West enjoy unprecedented freedom—socially, sexually, and economically. The book is a forceful defence of the sexual revolution and a call to embrace agency, ambition, and desire without apology. It argues for a proud promiscuity: not just sexual, but in all other things too. This argument has sparked sharp disagreement. Critics have questioned whether Strimpel downplays the real costs of modern dating culture, from the effects of pornography and dating apps to the persistence of exploitation and dissatisfaction. Others argue that her dismissal of “victimhood” overlooks genuine problems—or that her vision of liberation risks collapsing into a defence of whatever currently exists.  Join us for a candid conversation on sex, freedom, and the deeper ideas at stake: what does genuine independence actually require—and is modern culture helping us achieve it, or standing in the way?

Image by Garry Knight (Creative Commons) Meet Angel Underground Station 11-11.10 Fee £15 **Pay on the day and RSVP me please by email - on this page - or text** Low lives, salvation seekers and an array of just about everything in between is dotted along this walk littered with varying architecture and a neighbourhood which, though largely gentrified, still retains an edge. The high street was a path for coach and horses in the days Smithfield was a bustling livestock market and the area was abuzz with theatre and music hall having played host to Charlie Chaplin, Gracie Fields and .....the Sex Pistols! Chuck in a world famous canal, the obligatory stunning church and maverick playwright Joe Orton and you have a walk that has no theme yet just about every theme........................... Leader Laurence 07889 298573 JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

Join us for Games 1 and 2 of our ongoing LARP series set in a BPRD‑inspired Hellboy universe. If you’ve ever wanted to try Live Action Role Playing, this is an ideal moment to jump in. Agents have disappeared while investigating reports that one of the UK’s eeriest historical theme parks may be genuinely haunted. A second team of enhanced operatives has now been dispatched to uncover the truth. Players will take on the role of BPRD agents sent to Carthage. If you plan to attend, please let us know — we tailor character backgrounds for everyone, and early notice helps us prepare something fun and personal for you. We’re a friendly hobby group that always welcomes new players. You can find more information about who we are and what we do on our website: [Furthest Frontiers - About - FURTHEST FRONTIERS](https://lotna-larp.co.uk/about.html) If you RSVP, we’ll get in touch to guide you through character creation and explain what to expect on the day. The site is accessible by car, and we can also arrange pickups from Longfield Station. A group meets at 8:45 at Victoria Mainline Station to catch a train together. The cost for a one‑day game is **£20**, which helps us cover venue and equipment expenses.

**Come try quadball - a mixed-gender sport open to anyone and everyone regardless of gender, ability, or background.** Quadball, formerly quidditch, features players on each side aiming to outscore their opponents by throwing a volleyball through one of three opposing hoops, whilst defending their own hoops with tackles or knocking out opponents with dodgeballs - all while on a broom. **[Short Video on How To Play Quadball](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKUZ9LLH-_c)** These sessions are open training days with the **Werewolves of London Quadball Club** who train every week in Clapham Common ## Despite our quidditch origins, quadball is very much a sport unto itself and has no relation to or any involvement with Harry Potter or JK Rowling. We celebrate the inclusion of members of the LGBTQ+ community and welcome people of **all** backgrounds and gender identities to get involved. **These sessions are training sessions, and are for beginners and experienced players alike!** * Training is organised and managed by the Werewolves of London. * Expect a mix of drills, followed by games and socialising afterwards. **Please bring** * Suitable athletic or outdoor footwear * *Trainers or Football Boots* * Suitable clothing for exercise Whether you’re brand new to sport, a seasoned athlete, or just wanting to give something new and interesting a go - this is the place to be!

Hello! If you haven't seen much of me of late it's because I have been busy writing a book! My Guide to the Great Themes in Art is a compendium of many themes that concern us today, painted across the centuries by some great artists. Love & Marriage, Body, Health, War, Faith, Nature, Identity, Food are just some of the themes that you may find interesting. The book will be published early next year and in advance of that I am inviting you to an illustrated talk and a reading from the book ( combined with an optional Sunday roast dinner ! ) at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell 2 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5PQ Places are limited, so book [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mona-lisa-and-other-housewives-a-guide-to-the-great-themes-in-art-tickets-1983974779974?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) soon but do also rsvp here so that I know you are coming Hope to see you if you happen to be in London... Lydia

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!

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!

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