Writing

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

We're going to watch the Beaches Easter Parade ! We will take a nice stroll along Queen street and will stop in a chocolate store filled with Easter goodies before the parade starts at 2pm. We'll be joined by my other meetup group, Walk and Roll. Then we will walk along Queen street to see the parade filled with bands, dancers, floats and easter bunnies. Afterwards you can go to the beach. Queen street will be closed between Woodbine east to Neville Park from approximately 2 - 4pm. For those who are driving it is best to park near Woodbine and Queen. For those taking the TTC, go to Woodbine station and take the 92 Woodbine bus south and get off at Queen street. The firestation is very close to the bus stop. Or take the Queen car to Kingston road then walk a few blocks to the firestation. The firestation is at the corner of Queen east and Woodbine. It's the tall building with the bell tower. Felice is wearing a red hat. Please know that when you post a message below it goes to all members who have signed up. If you need to cancel please change your RSVP you don't need to leave a comment for me.

We're going to watch the Beaches Easter Parade ! We will take a nice stroll along Queen street and will stop in a chocolate store filled with Easter goodies before the parade starts at 2pm. Then we will walk along Queen street to see the parade filled with bands, dancers, floats and easter bunnies. Afterwards you can go to the beach. Queen street will be closed between Woodbine east to Neville Park from approximately 2 - 4pm. For those who are driving it is best to park near Woodbine and Queen. For those taking the TTC, go to Woodbine station and take the 92 Woodbine bus south and get off at Queen street. The firestation is very close to the bus stop. Or take the Queen car to Kingston road and walk a few blocks to the firestation. The firestation is at the corner of Queen east and Woodbine. It's the tall building with the bell tower. Felice is wearing a red hat. Please know that when you post a message below it goes to all members who have signed up. If you need to cancel please change your RSVP you don't need to leave a comment for me.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **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** In 1918, Toronto struggled to carry on in a world without hope. A world of violence and death. With the coming end of WW1 in sight, Toronto and Canada glimpsed hope for the first time in 4 years. But something worse was on the horizon, something unseen, worse than the trenches and the death from poison gas. It was a killer that encircled the globe and struck down victims in mere hours, soldiers and civilians alike, children and adults, and was called the Spanish Flu. In time millions would succumb to the monster. With the hundreds of troop ships, and the war still ravaging Europe, the disease spread unchecked. Wave after wave of influenza engulfed entire countries. Entire populations were sickened and thousands died in a matter of hours. The Spanish Flu disappeared as quickly as it appeared in early 1918. But that was a century ago. And we have learned plenty from it. Learn about the history of the Spanish Flu and its impact on Toronto, how we fought it both on the ground and politically, and how it eventually disappeared. And to see that our world is different and our health measures are stronger. We are in a better position because of the Spanish Flu. **This is a living history tour!** This walking tour begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Queen Street West, and Bay Street. The tour returns to the start location at the Old City Hall. This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. This walk has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. If you plan to attend please secure your spot early! \*\* **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**

**✨ Ottawa Speed Dating – Personality Matched, Hosted on Zoom** Meet Ottawa singles from home. We handle the matching, you just show up. Short, hosted rounds on Zoom with Ottawa singles matched to your age group and personality. No awkward silences — just easy conversation. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Ottawa&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=18-32&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Ottawa&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=30-46&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Ottawa&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=40-58&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Ottawa&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=55+&face_v=23.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone doesn't secure your spot.** You must register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Anyone curious about speed dating but wants a low-pressure start - Singles who want a hosted, organised experience - People tired of dating apps who want real conversation - First-time speed daters **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video rounds - **Location:** From home – just need Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Friendly host who guides each round - **Vibe:** Casual, easy-going conversations with Ottawa singles **How It Works** 1. **Choose your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Do the matching quiz** – Helps us find your best matches for the night. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, hop on, and the host takes it from there. 4. **Chat** – Short timed rounds with Ottawa singles matched to you. 5. **Results** – We'll share your mutual matches afterwards. 💡 **Tip:** Have a couple of questions ready — helps the conversation flow. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Is my info private?** Yes. Contact details are only shared on mutual match. **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us pair you with compatible people. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Nope. Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi is all you need. **What if I'm shy?** The virtual format and hosted rounds make it comfortable for everyone. --- ✨ Meet Ottawa singles from home. Register and we'll handle the rest. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

## Details **NO MUSICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED** **About Drum & Soul** The only intention behind Drum & Soul is to help create vibrant, healthier, and more united communities – together. We believe art is the best channel for that purpose. This is more than a drumming circle. It is a practical space where we do two things at once: we develop useful skills and cultivate inner qualities, and we help others grow those same qualities. Through rhythms from many cultures, collective singing and meaningful conversation around a focused theme, we practise skills that strengthen both the individual and the community. **Why come** If you want to expand your expressive capacity, practise listening with depth, learning to lead or join others who take community wellbeing to heart, Drum & Soul is for you. This is a place to try courageously, to learn deeply, and to contribute authentically. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or musical experience. If you feel shy in groups, that is completely natural and we got you. A few of us will gently hover around newcomers like butterflies, offering a warm welcome and quiet space so nobody feels out of place. Many people tell us they arrived nervous but soon felt as if they had stepped into a family home. **How it works** At the start of each session we centre with a short breathing exercise, followed by a demonstration of simple rhythms, then break into small groups for guided conversation. Then we’ll have a potluck meal and continuing our conversation and connection over a break. Finally we move into collective jamming and improvisation. **Typical meeting flow** 1. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 Arrival & social time – 15 min 2. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Welcome, check in and centring – 15 min 3. 🪘 Call & Respond **Drumming & demo** – 15 min 4. 💬 Facilitated **Discussion** on the Theme (groups of five-or so) – 20 min 5. 🦋 Potluck **dinner** & social time afterwards – 40 min 6. 🕺🏽 Open **Jamming** with multiple instruments – 30 min *This outline is flexible and may shift to suit the group and the space.* **Logistics & what to bring** We meet in a large beautiful space. Drums are available on a first come first served basis. We also provide plenty of small percussion instruments so every hand can play. You are welcome to bring your own drum or instrument. After our time of drumming and dialogue, we share a simple potluck dinner, an extension of our circle where conversation continue to flourish over nourishing food. Feel free to bring whatever you love to share. **Cost & contributions** This is a free event. As a community we are encouraged to contribute even a small snack to share with everyone, or pay what or if you can, to cover the costs of refreshments and material, by E-transfer to: \*\*[hooshmandnyc@gmail.com**](http://hooshmandnyc@gmail.com**) – Contributions are optional. **Helpful notes** No prep needed. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. Please arrive by then so we can start at 4:00 p.m. sharp and keep the flow. Location and any last minute updates are posted on Meetup and in our WhatsApp group. We recommend joining the WhatsApp group (ask us for the link at the venue) for quick notices. **Why this matters** The world is ill, and is aching for a lasting remedy. We believe our sacred mission is to nurture one another, define our roles in service to our fellow humans, and become living temples of unity. A meaning growth unfolds through both self‑discovery and collective effort, and one cannot truly flourish without the other. Come open and prepared to learn, to offer your gifts, and to be strengthened by the power of community. *This ad is also posted in other groups* 📷 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/artsoultoronto/) 🎥 [A glimpse from one of our sessions](https://youtu.be/ejfeV1PF-0k)

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

**❤️‍🔥 Zoom Speed Dating for Kitchener Locals – Age & Personality Matched** Skip the apps. Meet Kitchener singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Join from home, get matched with Kitchener singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host runs the whole thing so you can just relax and chat. **Select your age group below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Kitchener&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=18-32&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Kitchener&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=30-46&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Kitchener&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=40-58&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Kitchener&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=55+&face_v=23.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to secure your spot. Limited places. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Anyone who prefers connecting online before meeting in person - First-time speed daters - Introverts who do better in one-on-one chats - Anyone curious about speed dating but wants a low-pressure start - Busy professionals who value their time ⭐ *"Way better than apps. Real conversations with real people."* – Kitchener attendee **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and structured - **Location:** Anywhere you're comfortable – no venue, no commute - **Host:** Friendly host who guides each round - **Vibe:** Casual, easy-going conversations with Kitchener singles - **Privacy:** Contact details only shared on mutual match - **Duration:** About 60–90 minutes - **Matching:** Based on personality quiz results - **Matches:** Mutual matches shared after the event **How It Works** 1. **Sign up** – Click the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Quick personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Log in** – Join the Zoom session from home. The host runs everything. 4. **Meet your matches** – Rotate through quick chats with compatible Kitchener singles. 5. **Get matches** – Mutual matches revealed after the event. 💡 **Tip:** Test your Zoom and find a quiet, well-lit spot beforehand. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from home. 💝 ✨

**✨ Hamilton Zoom Speed Dating – Matched by Age & Personality** A hosted online speed dating event for Hamilton locals. It's straightforward: take a short personality quiz, hop on Zoom, and meet Hamilton singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches revealed after. **Register for your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hamilton&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=18-32&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hamilton&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=30-46&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hamilton&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=40-58&face_v=23.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=391.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hamilton&groupurlname=soul-seekers-local-singles-mixer-club&ar=55+&face_v=23.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To attend, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Hamilton locals looking for personality-matched dates - People tired of dating apps who want real conversation - Busy professionals who value their time ⭐ *"The personality matching actually works. My matches were spot on."* – Hamilton local **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom video event – short timed rounds - **Location:** Online from home – no going out required - **Host:** Professional host keeping things smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Casual, easy-going conversations with Hamilton singles - **Rounds:** Several short one-on-one rounds - **Privacy:** Contact details only shared on mutual match **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Quick personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Get on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will guide you through. 4. **Meet your matches** – Rotate through quick chats with compatible Hamilton singles. 5. **See your matches** – Find out who you clicked with after the event. 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a tidy background go a long way. --- ✨ Your next match might be one Zoom call away. ✨ ✨

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

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.

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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!