Non-Fiction Writing

**Overview** This two day workshop is open to filmmakers, writers, and creative souls alike - Join us as we discover the amazing word of Fiction! **Workshop Description** *"Whatever You Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not"* [https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog](https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog "https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog") This two-day workshop will explore two essential elements of great fiction: character and dialogue. Together, we’ll first consider (and challenge) some ideas of more traditional storytelling; this is so we can then look at other, more unexpected ways to craft a vivid and undeniable narrative. We’ll discuss a range of techniques for creating characters who’re worthy of audience investment—characters who continually grow more known yet also more mysterious: * What exactly makes a character “interesting” to audiences? * What distinguishes a character arc that’s confusing from one that’s compelling? * What’re common pitfalls or out-of-date formulas for creating characters? * How can you elevate character development from basic level existence to magnetic presence? We’ll also focus on dialogue—one of the most evocative as well as most difficult-to-wield tools in a writer’s toolbox. So we want to demystify why it challenges so many writers. In class we’ll read examples of contemporary fiction writers—like George Saunders, Joy Williams, and Richard Price—who’ve cracked the dialogue code in uniquely spellbinding ways. And we’ll apply some of their techniques to our own creative work. Besides serving as a method for character development, dialogue can also act as a powerful force by which to create conflict, escalate tension, and galvanize a plot’s pacing. Together, we’ll break down some of dialogue’s seemingly more elusive principles, including: * What distinct challenges does dialogue present to writers? * What qualities do we tend to find in or use to describe the better kinds of dialogue? * How do we organically and clearly distinguish different characters’ voices from each other? * What’re some techniques to avoid writing dialogue that sounds one-dimensional or perfunctory? By the end of this workshop, you’ll come away with a greater grasp of how to craft exciting characters, write engaging dialogue, and overcome several unique challenges in storytelling. **Workshop Location and Dates** This event takes place over the course of two days (Saturday May 2nd from 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday May 3rd from 10:00 - 18:00) at the filmArche campus in Berlin Neukölln. **About the Instructor** Alexander Lumans is a fiction writer based in Berlin. He’s been awarded fellowships to The Arctic Circle Residency in 2015 and 2025, a 2018 U.S. National Endowment for the Arts Grant in Fiction, and the Philip Roth Residency at Bucknell University. His writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, Guernica, PolarLit, Off Assignment, American Short Fiction, and others. And he’s won fiction contest prizes from The Sycamore Review, The Yalobusha Review, and Gulf Coast. He received his MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He currently teaches for the Berlin Writers’ Workshop. And he’s currently at work on a novel set in the contemporary High Arctic of Svalbard, Norway. ### **\*To Register for the Event/Purchase a Ticket** PLEASE READ! Tickets cost between 80 - 120 euros. In order to register and pay for the event, you must visit this website and register there: [https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog](https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog "https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog") Please click the link above to register and send your proof of payment to the email provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 11:15. **For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come**. We often have a large waiting list, and not updating your RSVP or not showing up if you do RSVP yes means that others miss out. We also ask that if you do change your RSVP, do it with reasonable notice. Thanks! We typically take over all of the cafe, but try to share tables if you can to allow space for other customers. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/ou3ks02q?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/8jyxp83f?utm_source=Meetup) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um einen Teilnahmebeitrag von zehn Euro gebeten. Hier buchen: [https://textcollective.de/ticket](https://textcollective.de/ticket) Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln. Ein Raum für alle, die kreativ schreiben möchten – egal ob du gerade erst anfängst oder schon länger schreibst. **Jeden ersten Samstag des Monats von 15:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr in der ufaFabrik in Tempelhof.** **Was dich erwartet:** In unseren Treffen arbeiten wir mit abwechslungsreichen Schreibimpulsen, die neue Perspektiven eröffnen und spielerisches Experimentieren ermöglichen. Du schreibst direkt vor Ort, teilst deine Texte mit der Gruppe (freiwillig!) und erhältst konstruktives Feedback. Die Atmosphäre ist offen und unterstützend. Hier darf ein Text noch unfertig sein, eine Idee noch roh, ein Gedanke noch unausgereift. In dieser Atmosphäre gegenseitiger Wertschätzung entsteht der Mut, sich auszuprobieren und die eigene Stimme zu entdecken. Wir lesen einander vor, geben Rückmeldung, ermutigen uns gegenseitig und praktizieren das Zuhören.

This week we are discussing **Deborah Levy:** August Blue. We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group. Just a heads up: **The cafe only accepts card payments for amounts over €10**, so you may want to bring some cash for smaller orders. **Also, if you're unable to attend, please update your RSVP so that someone from the waiting list can take your spot.**

\*\*\*\*\*\* ***For address and more details see the website www.pausify.org*** \*\*\*\*\*\* **Event Info:** Pausify is the **biggest community and most active** of book lovers and creatives in Berlin. Impressions: Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/)** Events happen every Sat and Sun at 11 AM. Bring along your **current book to read** (or something **creative** to work on) and join us for this mix of a shared focus time + discussion. \- 11:00\-11:30 \- Meet & greet \- 11:30\-12:30 \- Silent focus time \- 12:30 \- Discussion of books/ projects over coffee Afterwards, join for lunch if you'd like (optional). **Drinks & snacks are included** ☕️ * **To reserve your place, a ticket (€9,90/event) or a community pass (only €17,90/MONTH) [from the website ](https://pausify.org/)*www.pausify.org* is required** * **Attendance here doesn’t show all sign-ups from other platforms. We usually have about 50 to 100 people at each event.** ***FAQ: Why does it cost money if I bring my own project?*** Because we rent a beautiful, central space for every event. Ever thought your monthly apartment rent was too high? Well, multiply that – that’s what commercial spaces in big cities like Berlin cost *per hour*. Of course, if all you want is just some quiet time, your home or a library is perfect. But if you’d like to focus & connect with others in an inspiring space – with drinks, snacks included – that’s what your ticket helps to cover. See pics from our events below - and on our Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/) ☕️** **[Pausify Co-Reading Space Website](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org** For questions, please contact us over [Website ](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org as this platform can have issues. Thank you! *Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes to highlight and share the experiences at our events. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to approach the event organizers before the event.*

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgment. This will be a Ladies Only gathering: a women-only writing space designed for quiet, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re journaling, writing a novel, drafting an article, or just processing your thoughts, this is a space to simply show up and write. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just a warm community, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to your writing practice. 🗓️ **What to expect:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Sunday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at the Iska Cafe at Kalckreuthstraße 7, 10777 Berlin. Google map pin: [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/765XQTN8KBGv95gx9) * 🚇 **U1\, U2 Wittenbergplatz \|\| U1\, U2\, U3\, U4 Nollendorfplatz** * 🚌 **106\, 187\, M19\, M29 An Der Urania \|\| M46 Motzstraße** If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, you will always be welcomed. Let's write together!

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

Hello fellow writers, This is our Sunday meet-up at café Peppe. Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! There will be two sessions of writing, each lasting 45 minutes, and two breaks. \- The first writing session will start at 10:45 am\. \- Second session will start at 11:45 am\. PS: We have limited space of 18 peoples. Please sign up accordingly. See you all on Sunday.

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

**Meet Point:** [Luftschloss Tempelhofer Feld](https://www.bing.com/alink/link?url=https%3a%2f%2fluftschloss-tempelhoferfeld.de%2f&source=serp-local&h=GJQ9V%2fiqL4FpyRsnbIo1%2b55xvEBSBtGWD%2b9ON71floY%3d&p=lw_magsmlt&ig=06366049907145DF8D45D47C15A7C207&ypid=YN636B5DA575E63775) **Start Time:** 11am **Distance:** 75 km **Pace:** About 20 km per hour (moderate pace) Beautiful forecast for this Sunday. Time for a - well overdue - start to the 26 cycling season. Kick off with a standard loop down to the beautiful lakes of Potsdam, Werder. Stopping at my favourite beer gardens for a late lunch and swim for those who want to. If the mood is right we might even catch a band at the Weder Bluten Fest as we loop back to Potsdam station. We will meet on Templehof, head out down the Teltopw canal towards Potsdam, then down to the lunch stop near Caputh. Plenty of opportunities to drop and get the train home for those who need to be home early or don't want to cycle so far. **The Cycling** We are a not a racing bike group, but the pace is reasonable. Expect between 18 and 22 km per hour depending on who comes on the day. Bring a good bike (doesn’t have to be special just in good order. All sports bikes can take part from tour bike, racers to mountain bikes. Heavy 3 speed city bikes would not be appropriate however). **What to Bring** Bring swim stuff, suncream, spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs SNACKS **The Route** See you there Simon

Let's read together on another Sunday morning. Agenda: 10:30-11:00 Arrival, ordering drinks, getting to know each other 11:00-12:00 Reading together 12:00-13:00 Share reading experience There is no books assigned. Just bring whatever you are reading for now. Please sign up only when you can join the event. Hope you will enjoy it there!

**Education: Past, Present, and Future – Knowledge, Power, and Society** Education is a central institution in human societies, shaping how knowledge is produced, distributed, and legitimized. It plays a crucial role in structuring social hierarchies, political participation, and economic opportunities. While often understood as a pathway to equality and personal development, education also contributes to the reproduction of existing inequalities. Historically, access to education was restricted to elites and religious institutions. The expansion of public education since the Enlightenment marked a shift toward broader inclusion, closely tied to processes of industrialization and democratization. Education became both a public good and a key mechanism for enabling social mobility and civic participation. At the same time, education is not neutral. Educational systems can reproduce social inequality by privileging certain forms of knowledge, language, and behavior that align with dominant social groups. They can also function as mechanisms of discipline, shaping norms, expectations, and patterns of behavior. In this sense, education operates at the intersection of knowledge and power. Yet education also holds transformative potential. It can expand access to knowledge, foster critical thinking, and create opportunities for individuals to move beyond structural constraints. It therefore simultaneously functions as a mechanism of social reproduction and as a driver of greater equality. In contemporary contexts, education is being reshaped by digitalization, globalization, and changing economic demands. These developments create new opportunities for access and innovation, while also generating new forms of inequality. Looking ahead, technological change—particularly artificial intelligence—challenges traditional assumptions about the purpose of education. This raises fundamental questions: Should education primarily serve economic productivity, democratic participation, or individual development? And how can it remain both equitable and meaningful in a rapidly changing world? This discussion invites a critical examination of education as a historical, political, and social force—one that both reinforces and transforms the structures of society. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 03 Mai 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:30 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

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!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

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.