Non-Fiction Writing

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!

🍂 **Fall Walk: Rouge National Urban Park** 🌳 is Canada's only Urban Park and is one of our most popular hikes that we do as it's really the only hiking trail in Toronto that you can get to by TTC. Once you are on the trail you will not believe that you are still in the City. Not only will we be walking up and hills but I will take you to one of the best lookout points in the Valley. You don't want to miss an afternoon of hiking. This trail can be a bit challenging (with some ups and downs), so it may not be the best choice for beginners. But if you’re up for it, you’ll feel proud of yourself at the end — and you’ll have shared the experience with a great group of people. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a **group picnic** (30–40 mins). Please bring something small to share — nothing too big so it’s easy to carry! 🥪🍎 *** ### Meetup Details 📍 **Meetup Location (TTC):** On the platform for the **85B bus** at Don Mills Station. Look for me in my Moose Hat 🦌. 🕙 **Meetup Time:** 10:00am (I’ll wait until the bus comes, but remember: *Early is on time, on time is late*.) 🚌 **Bus Leaves:** 10:13am sharp. If you miss it, you won’t be able to join us. 🚗 **By Car:** * Parking is **not available** where we are meeting. If driving, please park at the **Toronto Zoo** (paid parking) and walk to the **Park’s Welcome Centre (the house)**. * Car Meetup Time: 11:00am (we might be a few minutes late arriving). 👟 **Hike Length:** \~2 hours 30 minutes + short break 🧺 **Picnic:** 30–40 minutes after the hike 💲 **Fee:** $5 cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ### What to Bring * Water 💧 * Good walking shoes 👟 * A snack 🍫 * Picnic item to share 🥗 📍 **End Spot:** Park’s Welcome Centre *** ✨ This group is open to anyone who wants to be social, make friends, and enjoy nature. We also run events like movies, hikes, arts & culture, and restaurants. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) 🔔 Reminder: You can just show up on the day if you’re not sure ahead of time. ⚠️ Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. 👤 Organized by Mathew. For questions, post on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

\*\*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.

Join me for an afternoon of movement, breath, nature, community, and **cannabis.** No experience with yoga or cannabis is needed. This class is beginner-friendly, non-competitive, and open to all bodies and experience levels. You’re invited to move in whatever way feels good for you, flowing through every pose or simply resting on your mat and soaking it all in. Cannabis can support relaxation, creativity, embodiment, presence, and connection. Everyone’s experience is different, and part of the practice is getting curious about what unfolds for you. We’ll begin by gathering, smoking or vaping (optional), and settling into the space before moving into our practice under the trees. If you prefer edibles, please take them about an hour before class so they have time to kick in. This class is by donation. Most people contribute between $5–35. Cash or e-transfer accepted. ### Please bring: * Your cannabis * Yoga mat (optional, the grass is lovely) * Water * Warm/weather-appropriate layers * Optional snack to share afterward We practice rain or shine. Hi, I’m Nici from [Breathing in Nature](https://www.breathinginnature.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com). I’ve been teaching cannabis-enhanced yoga for over a decade and love creating welcoming spaces where people can slow down, connect, and explore movement and medicines in a different way.

Do you consider rolling dice strength training? Can you run a D&D campaign, but not a city block? If so, **WIZARDS & WORKOUTS** is for you. My name is Peter Reynolds. I'm a writer and lover of role playing games. I'm also out of shape. I've been looking for ways to motivate myself to start working out with the same enthusiasm I bring to my Dungeons & Dragons campaign. The plan is simple: host a fun, live role playing game where players take on the role of their favourite fantasy characters. The catch? You need to exercise if you want to succeed. Fighting a dragon? A fireball might cost you 5 pushups. Crossing a rooftop? Can you balance on one foot for a minute? By combining simple, low impact exercises, including walking & stretching, with an interactive adventure, we'll all get healthier, have fun and maybe meet some new friends along the way. All fitness levels are welcome (as are dogs), and no previous knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons is necessary. We meet in front of Broadview subway station at 10:00 am sharp and then walk to the Outdoor Fitness Station in Riverdale Park East (there are washrooms). At 11:30 we start walking west, through the park, ending at the Blake House Restaurant \* (Wellesley & Jarvis) by 12:30. **All sessions are free and I’ll be running them every Saturday throughout the summer (June, July & August). Check Meetup listings for individual dates. Hope to see you there!** * The Blake House is where our Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers' Group meets every Saturday from 1pm - 4pm to critique each other’s work. For more information on this event. Check out our Meetup events page.

The Don Valley Ravine hike is becoming popular now. Everyone is glad they went. There is a lot to see and explore. The trails are full of beauty, charm and discovery. Nice way to stay fit and connect with nature. After, we go to the delightful out door Farmer's market at the Brickworks. Lets get another good turn. Let your friends know and invite them . They will thank you. We meet at Sherborne statiion. Please be on time for 10 am. Hikers like to leave on time. Be sure to update your status if there is any change one day before ther event.

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.

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:** **SUNDAY IN JULY 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!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

🌳🍦 ST. CLAIR WEST VILLAGE WALK, WYCHWOOD PARK, ICE CREAM & MORE! 🍦🌳 Hidden Streets, Storybook Homes & Some of Toronto’s Best Ice Cream Some parts of Toronto feel like you've accidentally wandered into a completely different city. Join us for a relaxed social walk through St. Clair West and the hidden enclave of Wychwood Park — one of Toronto's most unique and exclusive residential communities. Wychwood Park is private, residential, and unlike anywhere else in the city. The homes are all architecturally distinct — no cookie-cutter subdivisions here. Living in Wychwood Park involves a waiting list, board approval, and community guidelines designed to preserve the character of the neighbourhood. It feels almost village-like... peaceful, artistic, and slightly secret. This is not a formal historical tour. It's a social walk with beautiful surroundings, interesting neighbourhoods, and good conversation. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We'll Do We'll begin by walking west along St. Clair, taking in the neighbourhood and exploring some of the area's hidden gems. Along the way we'll stop at Dutch Dreams for ice cream — one of Toronto's most famous ice cream destinations. 🍦 From there we'll wander through the winding streets of Wychwood Park before making a stop at Artscape Wychwood Barns to browse the market and community space. Afterward, we'll make our way back toward St. Clair and finish at Grandma Loves You, a local favourite known for some of the best sandwiches in Toronto. 🥪 You are welcome to join us for food or continue back to the subway station. Sometimes the best part of these walks is simply discovering places you never knew existed. *** 🌦️ Weather & Expectations This event happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for outdoor walking and typical Toronto weather conditions. This is an easy social walk suitable for most people. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside St. Clair West Station by McDonald's 🫎 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. PLEASE BE ON TIME. We will leave promptly and I won't be able to spend time trying to help late arrivals find the group. 📍 End Spot: Back at St. Clair West Station *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer 📧 [mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com) This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring 👟 Good walking shoes 💧 Water 🍦 Spending money if you'd like ice cream or lunch 🚻 Please use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. *** 📚 Learn More Interested in learning more about Wychwood Park before we go? Click Here! *** 🌈 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](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the hidden streets. Stay for the ice cream. Leave feeling like you discovered one of Toronto's best-kept secrets. 🌳✨

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/up-the-oxtongue)** **Join us for this gorgeous 16 km paddle up the Oxtongue River to the base of Ragged Falls.** The Oxtongue River is a major waterway that flows out of Algonquin Park, and if you follow it upstream by canoe, it'll take you right to the base of Ragged Falls: one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Muskoka watershed. Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, struck by its natural beauty, paddled and painted these same shores. You'll soon see why. We launch from Algonquin Outfitters on Oxtongue Lake and paddle roughly 8 km northeast through open lake water before the shoreline closes in and the river takes over. The current is gentle enough that the upstream paddle feels easy. The downstream return feels even easier. The round trip is about 16 km, with time at the falls included for lunch and swimming. When you arrive, you can take in the falls from the water, then pull your canoe up and hike 300 meters to the top. The view from the rocks above is worth every stroke it took to get there. Back at the bottom, the pool at the base of the falls is one of the better swimming holes in the area. No canoe experience required. If you can hold a paddle, you can do this trip. This trip includes canoe rentals, PFDs, paddles and safety kits. **Highlights** **Algonquin Exploration:** The Oxtongue flows straight out of Algonquin Park, with this paddle taking you right to its edge. **Ragged Falls:** The first major waterfall in the Muskoka watershed. View it from the water or hike 300 meters to the top and stand on the rocks while the river rushes around you **Stunning Summer Scenery:** Forested riverbanks, open water, and the kind of quiet you only get when the only sound is your paddle **Event cost: $100+HST (for explorer members) - $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/up-the-oxtongue)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

**\*\*ALERT--UPDATE—CHANGE\*\*** We have decided to change plans for Saturday, July 4th to make it a FIFA watch party instead of a philosophy meetup The 2 reasons are as follows … we might be rained out & Canada plays its biggest game in its Footballing history (the whole nation might be watching). So we decided to have a “viewing-party” meetup at The Maddy for 1pm on July 4th. We’ll be on the patio on the second floor just outside where the pool table & the washrooms are located. I’ll get there early to claim our space — it’d be great to have a few of you there to help me do the same (let’s say around 12 noon). This will be a special moment no matter the result of the game — come on over to The Maddy & let’s create a beautiful memory with our friends from Practical Philosophy. This is what our community is about — we’ll make it a moment to remember. Letttsss gooooo, CANADA!!!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

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!

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!