Non-Fiction Writing

It's better when we're together. Come and experience the power of the WHM with a wonderful group of people. We breathe, we go into the cold and we teach our bodies to heat up properly. We develop resilience and the mindset to use these powerful healing tools over and over again, all year round. This gathering is fully guided by Wim Hof instructor Steve Beattie. If you are new to this, come on down, enjoy the support and practice in a safe way with us. If you already have a WHM practice this meetup is a great way to take it to the next level, and make lots of new friends. There will be a fire, snacks and drinks shared by other attendees. We have been doing this 6 for years! **What to bring?** * Yoga mat * Weather-appropriate clothing (better to dress too warm!) * Bathing suite, towel * Water shoes (optional) In extreme weather being prepared is very important. Especially if it's your first time, please read up on how to come prepared [here.](https://www.breathinginnature.com/wim-hof-method-meetup/) Learn more about our Wim Hof meetups, workshops, breath classes, wilderness trips, medicine work and special events at **[Breathing in Nature](https://breathinginnature.com/)**. Join the "**[Wim Hof Toronto](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714218015474146/)**" group on Facebook to see all of our local events. This is a free event made possible by our Gift Economy. You can learn more about the Gift Economy [here](https://breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/).

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!

🏡🌿 **THE BRIDLE PATH (DRAKE’S MANSION) & EDWARDS GARDENS WALK** 🌿🏡 Luxury Streets, Hidden Trails & A Garden Escape Some parts of Toronto feel like a completely different world — and this walk takes you right through them. Join us for a social walk through The Bridle Path, one of the most exclusive and wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city — known for its massive estates, gated homes, and quiet, tree-lined streets. This is where celebrities and icons have lived, including Drake and the late Gordon Lightfoot. It’s the kind of area where the houses don’t just impress — they *shock*. From there, we’ll shift into nature and make our way toward Edwards Gardens, where things slow down with flowers, pathways, and a peaceful break in the middle of the walk. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — a mix of city curiosity, nature, and good conversation. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll begin in the Bridle Path area, walking through the neighbourhood to take in some of the largest and most impressive homes in Toronto. From there, we’ll head toward Edwards Gardens, where we’ll take about a 30-minute break to relax, explore, and enjoy the flowers. After the break, we’ll continue along parts of the Don River trail, finishing near Eglinton & Don Mills. For those who want, we can grab something casual afterward at Tim Hortons or McDonald's. ☕🍔 You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* **🌦️ Weather & Expectations** This walk happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. The route is moderate and includes a mix of neighbourhood streets and park trails. 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: Par king lot near Bayview Ave (exact spot easy to find on arrival) 🫎 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. We’ll begin promptly. **End Point:** Near Eglinton & Don Mills (not returning to start) \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good walking shoes A small snack Weather-appropriate clothing 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](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the mansions. Stay for the gardens. Leave feeling like you saw two completely different sides of Toronto — in one walk. 🏡✨

\*\*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.

Hello hello, Last week the weather had other plans. This week, I am trying. Weather permitting, I'll update if the forecast turns on us again. Here's hoping it doesn't. We're claiming a patch of park like it's ours (it's not) for an afternoon of games, sports, and the kind of low-stakes chaos that happens when you put people in sunlight. Frisbee, volleyball, ball sports, some other games here and there. Meetup Spot: Riverdale park East. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MvZvbJy7C9KNGKP88 (I may update the location depending upon free patch of land for us) **Bring:** Any outdoor games / Sports you would like to play, water (Or beer🍺), snacks, and a blanket to relax after the cardio. I'll bring a frisbee and volleyball. *See you on the hill. ☀️*

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great Saturday Night at the Harbour Front in Toronto. **A great day to see the sites, meet lots of friendly people, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the water, sip on a beverage/grab some dinner and enjoy the Toronto Downtown Night Life. (Both outdoor and indoor)** I'm going to show you around, play a little ice breaker game or two; and then gravitate towards some places where we can relax and possibly even more than that. :) \*The walking portion will be roughly 2.5 hours with rest periods/bathroom breaks, then we will find a casual place to chill and eat. This will be a fun day and night (Dress casual would be optimal for this event) (comfortable shoes would be best- for walking and chilling) \*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) We will meet at **Starbucks, 208 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1** 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 afternoon and early evening adventure through the Toronto Harbour Front and more. Event details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **\*SATURDAY IN HARBOUR FRONT\*** **(Walk, Talk & Docks!) (Sunset, Dinner & Nightlife)** -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of the Harbour Front near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of patio's, parks, festivals, bars, restaurants and cafes) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Perhaps 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 Saturday Night 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 **Starbucks, 208 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1** 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 Union Station- close walk from there:) Plenty of parking in that area too- but subway, and/or street car is highly recommended \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

For May, we'll read Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe 313 pages First published in 1722 About the book: Born and abandoned in Newgate Prison, Moll Flanders is forced to make her own way in life. She duly embarks on a career that includes husband-hunting, incest, bigamy, prostitution and pick-pocketing, until her crimes eventually catch up with her. One of the earliest and most vivid female narrators in the history of the English novel, Moll recounts her adventures with irresistible wit and candour-and enough guile that the reader is left uncertain whether she is ultimately a redeemed sinner or a successful opportunist.

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.

Join us for an engaging history discussion as we explore the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty after the reign of Li Shimin/Emperor Taizong. From the consolidation of imperial power under Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian to the dazzling prosperity of the High Tang, this period saw China become one of the most cosmopolitan and powerful civilizations in the world. Yet beneath its poetry, trade, military expansion, and cultural brilliance, the Tang also faced court rivalries, frontier pressures, regional warlords, devastating rebellions, and the gradual collapse of central authority. **Topics for Discussion** * The Reign of Emperor Gaozong * Wu Zetian and the Zhou Dynasty * The Restoration of the Tang * Emperor Xuanzong and the High Tang Era * Chang’an as a Cosmopolitan Capital * Tang Poetry and Cultural Flourishing * The Equal-field System and Tax Reforms * The Silk Road and Tang Foreign Relations * The Expansion into Central Asia * The Battle of Talas * Yang Guifei and Court Politics * The An Lushan Rebellion * The Rise of Military Governors * The Decline of Imperial Authority * The Huang Chao Rebellion * Zhu Wen and the Fall of Tang

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) The area was first settled in 1794 by the Ashbridge family, whose name is remembered by the nearby bay and park. Their homestead on Queen Street East was well to the west of the area currently identified as the Beaches. A later generation of the Ashbridge family rebuilt the family home in 1854 and can be seen on Queen Street East opposite the TTC barns near Kingston Road. The Beaches remained a sparely settled community until the end of the 19th century when extension of the Grand Truck Railway, the draining of the northern parts of Ashbridges Bay, and the construction of street car tracks on Queen Street and Kingston Road, opened the area to settlement. From Sunnyside Amusement Park built in 1922 to Scarboro Beach built in 1906, it seemed that Toronto cornered the market on summertime chills and thrills. We had 5 major amusement parks along our waterfront, and two smaller parks, Victoria Park and Munro Park, virtually unknown to Torontonians today, but extremely popular summertime places, years ago as pleasure parks. This walking tour is for all walking levels and fitness skills. Please dress for the season and bring water. And remember to bring your love of history. It begins outside the Beaches Branch of the Toronto Public Library at Queen Street East, and Lee Avenue adjacent to Kew Gardens. The tour ends at the Neville Park Queen Street Streetcar Loop. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/)

🌲🥾 **CROTHERS WOODS TRAIL HIKE & DAIRY QUEEN STOP** 🥾🍦 Real Trails, A Solid Climb & An Ice Cream Finish Toronto doesn’t have many *true* hiking experiences — but this is one of them. Join us for a more active, nature-focused walk through Crothers Woods, one of the city’s best spots if you’re looking for something that actually feels like a hike. This isn’t your typical flat city stroll. There are hills, forest paths, and a proper climb — especially at the end (Pottery Road 👀). But don’t worry… we’ve got a reward waiting. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social hike — a bit more effort, a bit more nature, and a great group to do it with. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll start at Broadview Station and head south along Broadview before making our way down Pottery Road into the Don Valley. From there, we’ll connect to the Don Valley trails and enter Crothers Woods, where we’ll hike through forested paths and take a short break along the way. After the hike, we’ll make our way back — finishing with the climb up Pottery Road (the final challenge 💪). And then… we reward ourselves with a stop at Dairy Queen for some well-earned ice cream. 🍦 We’ll end back near Broadview Station. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This hike happens rain or shine. Please come prepared — trails may be muddy, and conditions can vary. This is a slightly more challenging walk than most of our events: ✔️ Uneven trails ✔️ Some hills ✔️ One bigger climb at the end Good footwear is important. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about movement, nature, and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Broadview 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. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Broadview Subway Station \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good hiking/walking shoes (important!) A snack Weather-appropriate clothing (trail-ready 🌧️🌿) Optional: cash/card for ice cream 🍦 **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](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the trail. Stay for the challenge. Leave feeling like you actually *earned* that ice cream. 🍦🌲✨

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great Saturday Night at the Harbour Front in Toronto. **A great day to see the sites, meet lots of friendly people, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the water, sip on a beverage/grab some dinner and enjoy the Toronto Downtown Night Life. (Both outdoor and indoor)** I'm going to show you around, play a little ice breaker game or two; and then gravitate towards some places where we can relax and possibly even more than that. :) \*The walking portion will be roughly 2.5 hours with rest periods/bathroom breaks, then we will find a casual place to chill and eat. This will be a fun day and night (Dress casual would be optimal for this event) (comfortable shoes would be best- for walking and chilling) \*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) We will meet at **Starbucks, 208 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1** 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 afternoon and early evening adventure through the Toronto Harbour Front and more. Event details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **\*SATURDAY IN HARBOUR FRONT\*** **(Walk, Talk & Docks!) (Sunset, Dinner & Nightlife)** -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of the Harbour Front near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of patio's, parks, festivals, bars, restaurants and cafes) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Perhaps 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 Saturday Night 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 **Starbucks, 208 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1** 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 Union Station- close walk from there:) Plenty of parking in that area too- but subway, and/or street car is highly recommended \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

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!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

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!