Creative Writing Toronto

From Dark Fiction Writers (Horror, Dark SFF, Suspense & Thriller)

Join us for a very special summer edition of our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in High Park in Picnic Area 2. Bring a blanket! There are washrooms and places to purchase food nearby. Here's a map of the area: https://highparknature.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/HPmap2017-HPN-web1.pdf 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!

23 attendees

[IN-PERSON] Dark Fiction Writers - Readings & Feedback

Fri, Jul 31, 10:00 PM

Join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

10 attendees

Brainstorming Ideas - Plot, Characters, Worldbuilding

Sun, Aug 23, 5:00 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® Toronto

**BACKGROUND** Whether we are authors, game masters, or artists, sometimes we can get stuck on ideas and rough concepts before fully forming our creations. This is the opportunity to brainstorm these with others. **DETAILS** You can bring in your ideas - including world-building, character details, plot arcs, magic systems, technology, etc. - and brainstorm places where you are stuck. Each participant will be given a time slot to workshop their ideas in a free-form manner as they see fit. It is not mandatory to bring something to discuss yourself; you can just show up and help others brainstorm and meet like-minded people in the process. Please make sure your RSVPs are honored on the day. **LOCATION** Balzac's Image Arts 122 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X8 (Walking distance from Yonge-Dundas/Sanfoka Square/TMU station )

4 attendees

Saturday Writing Meetup – near Bloor-Yonge

Sat, Jul 25, 5:00 PM

4.7

\*\*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.

10 attendees

IN-PERSON Saturday Meeting!

Sat, Aug 1, 5:00 PM

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!

2 attendees

In-Person Writing Sprints

Sun, Jul 26, 5:00 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® Toronto

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.

3 attendees

Shut Up & Write — West Queen West

Sat, Aug 1, 3:00 PM

4.7

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.

2 attendees

Sunday Shut Up & Write!® in Sheppard-Yonge

Sun, Jul 26, 5:00 PM

From Shut Up & Write!® Toronto

4.7

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.

2 attendees

Wizards & Workouts - FREE

Sat, Aug 8, 2:00 PM

From The Poetic Toolbox Meetup Group

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 through the summer. 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.

5 attendees

Meet Your Creative Monsters

Wed, Jul 29, 11:00 PM

**Meet Your Creative Monsters — Toronto Workshop** **July 29th\, 7pm \| Toronto** Something keeps getting in the way of your creative work. You probably already know it isn't laziness or lack of talent. It's something more specific, more persistent, and more workable than that. In this workshop we call them monsters. Each one is a pattern your nervous system built to protect you, usually a long time ago, now quietly running in the background every time you sit down to make something. The Hibernator that freezes you before you start. The Pot Dweller that makes sharing feel dangerous. The Razor Eye that tells you nothing is ever good enough. Once you name yours, something shifts. Here's what happens in the room: We start with an introduction to the creative monsters framework, grounded in nervous system science and symbolic thinking. You'll hear about the most common patterns and start recognizing your own. Then we move into a hands-on exercise where you give your monster a shape, a voice, and a name. We close with a small group reflection and a ritual to begin changing your relationship with it. Past participants have described leaving feeling lighter, clearer, and surprisingly less alone in what they'd been carrying. This is a small group of 8-10 people maximum, which means everyone gets space to share and be heard. It's intimate by design. **Date:** Tuesday July 29th **Time:** 7pm **Location:** Toronto (exact address shared with ticket holders) **Price:** $75 **Spots:** Limited to 10 Facilitated by Cuau, filmmaker and founder of the Poetic Toolbox, who has run versions of this workshop with artists in Berlin and Japan. You can also purchase a ticket and learn more here: poetictoolbox.com/creativemonsterslive *** Grab your spot below. Questions welcome, just send a message through the group.

1 attendee

Grow Your Art Career • Conversation with KEVPOP

Fri, Jul 31, 8:00 PM

From KEVPOP Canada • 10K Art Lovers, Artists & Collectors

4.5

You know how to make things. Maybe you've always known. Maybe you figured it out over years of practice, failure, and starting over. Either way — the making part? You've got that. But there's another part. The part that happens after the work is finished. How it finds an audience. How it finds a home. How you keep going long enough to make the next thing and the thing after that. Nobody really teaches that part. I'm KEVPOP. I've taught community education courses and workshops at public and private universities. I've received thousands in grant funding. I've shown work around the country. I've spoken globally from the US to Indonesia. And the thing I kept hearing from artists everywhere, at every stage, in every room? *Nobody told me how any of this actually worked.* So let's talk about it. This is a free, candid conversation for working artists, emerging artists, and anyone who makes things and wonders what a sustainable creative life actually looks like — not in theory, but in practice, right now, in the real world. **We'll cover:** 🎨 How artists are building lasting careers right now — the paths, the models, and the ones most people overlook 📋 Grants, open calls, and residencies — where they live, how to find them, and why most artists never apply even when they qualify 👥 What artist communities actually offer — peer support, accountability, access, and whether the paid ones are worth it 🌍 Public art activations — how showing up in the world builds an audience over time 💬 Your questions — bring them. This is a conversation, not a lecture. I've been in those rooms and I'll tell you what I actually know. **This event is free and open to all 10,000+ members**. It's also the first glimpse of something larger we're building. More on that at the event. Come curious. Come with questions. Come ready to talk about the part nobody talks about. **Reserve your spot today.** *KEVPOP • 10,000+ artists, collectors, and art lovers across North America.*

7 attendees

🌅 Sunset Picnic at Riverdale Park East

Wed, Jul 29, 10:30 PM

From 20s-30s Quiet Social Group

🌅 Sunset Picnic at Riverdale Park East When was the last time you sat down and simply enjoyed the sunset? If it's been a while, come join us for a relaxing evening together! We'll gather at Riverdale Park East, one of the best spots to enjoy Toronto's beautiful skyline as the sun sets. Bring something to eat, something to create, or simply yourself, and let's slow down together. What to bring: - 🧺 A picnic blanket (especially since rain is expected Wednesday morning, the grass may still be damp) - 🍓 Your own snacks and drinks - 🎨 Any art or craft project you'd enjoy working on while watching the sunset (optional) 📍 Meeting location: Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen inside Riverdale Park East. ⏰ Schedule: - 6:30 PM: Meet at the statue. https://maps.app.goo.gl/VW8NsKeUBvTU9A1n7?g_st=ac - We'll wait until 6:50 PM to give everyone time to arrive. - At 6:50 PM, we'll walk together to the sunset lookout (Sunset Vista) and find a comfortable spot to settle in. We look forward to spending a peaceful evening with you. See you there!

9 attendees

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