Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

We'll meet in virtual space, using the Discord software for voice chat. The software is free. For preparation, you should download the software and make sure your microphone is working properly (You can also get Discord as an app, and use your phone to connect to the group).

The link for the Discord server is here: https://discord.gg/3fGAeHP

Come prepared with a Google Doc versions of your story so readers can leave comments/suggestions/edits using the "Commenter" mode, which functions the same as "Track Changes" in Word.

Our goals are to grow as writers, to support each other, and to improve pieces that are in development. Short stories, flash fiction, screenplays, or pieces of novels are all great so long as they adhere to the 2000-word limit.

Everyone is equally welcomed regardless of experience. This is a positive, supportive, and encouraging group in which everyone is equal. If you are new to the group, please take a minute to check out our "Values and Structures" document to get an idea of what our group is about and how the meetings are run. You can find that here: https://davidfshultz.com/writing-group/

We'll be meeting in the back room of the Imperial again.

We request that each attendee be fully vaccinated and take necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID and other illnesses. We kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick or exhibiting any symptoms. We'll 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.**

Also, please feel free to bring in samples of your writing (up to 2000 words) to read and critique! It's best to bring copies so that it's easier for others to follow and so people can make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcomed. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak.

We also ask that readers provide content warnings when necessary.

Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: https://dfshultzblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/toronto-sff-writers-structure-and-values-revision-june-2020.pdf

And, that's everything! See you then!

Join us for a chat with author Peter Watts. Watts describes himself as 'an awkward hybrid of biologist, science-fiction author, and (according to the US Department of Homeland Security) convicted felon/tewwowist.'

Watts is known for landmark novels including Starfish and Blindsight, award-winning stories The Things and The Island, and his recent writing for an episode of Secret Level staring Keanu Reaves.

He will be available to answer all of your questions about hard science fiction, the ups and downs of publishing and taking on writing projects for existing franchises. Also, make sure to ask him about his experiences with flesh-eating disease.

Watts will join us in-person at the Imperial Pub following our normally scheduled meeting. You can also attend online via zoom, since we'll still set up a camera for everyone (link to be provided the morning of the event by email).

[We'll meet online using Discord. The Discord server is here: https://discord.gg/b4hkV5F2zR ]

Our virtual productivity get-together! We'll do a series of timed "sprints" with the goal of getting a bunch of words written. During the sprints, everyone writes on their own; between sprints we have short breaks of conversation. For those interested, we'll keep track of words written for each round, to see how much we can collectively write, keep ourselves accountable, and set records that we can try to beat in future productivity sessions.