Fiction Writing San Francisco

Your Life Is Full of Stories! Write Out Your Memories

In this two-hour workshop Katharine Harer will help you bring back to life people you have known and places you have been. You remember more than you think, not just sights and sounds but feelings, smells, tastes. Write out memories here, and go home with some new skills for bringing out those stories only you know, only you remember, only you can really tell. - Katharine has taught memoir, as well as a variety of creative writing classes, at the San Francisco Writing Salon for 8 years. Before that she was a beloved English professor at Skyline College and has published seven collections of poetry, the most recent, Deconfliction, in 2020, and a full-length volume of poems, Jazz & Other Hot Subjects, in 2016 Her poetry and nonfiction have been published widely in literary journals, newspapers, magazines, and anthologies Event Website Link [ https://berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/1695811](https://berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/16958111)

Shut Up & Write!® NEW LOCATION in NORTH BEACH

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **PLEASE NOTE: if there are no RSVPs by 24 hours before the event on Saturday (i.e. by Friday 11 am) the MeetUp will be CANCELLED for lack of interest.** **===============================================================** ***Want to write in a café on a Saturday afternoon in the company of other writers?*** We’re doing just that, every week. Come and be inspired to complete your work! **NEW LOCATION!** Because Caffe Capriccio no longer allows customers to use their laptops, we have moved down the block and around the corner to **Cafe Francisco — 2161 Powell St.** Plenty of seating options (tables, booths, inside, outside), a large menu, great location. Here’s how it works: **10:45 AM** **Show up** at **Cafe FRANCISCO,** feeling productive and energized! We meet in the main cafe area, across from the counter. We’ll have Shut Up and Write signs on the tables, so we’re easy to find. Brace yourself for 90 minutes of writing in focused silence. * ***\*RSVP and please arrive by 10:45 am in order to get settled in, get set up, order food. We will introduce ourselves briefly and start promptly at 11:00 am.*** * * **11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: we shut up and write!** * **12:30 PM: Post-writing chat!** More writing if you like! Or break and head out to get a jump on your other weekend activities. ***Sound good?! Join us!*** \* \* \* If you are new to the "Shut Up & Write" concept... Shut Up & Write hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour (or more) of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** ***\*\*\* RSVP and please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled at an in-person event.\*\*\**** Our host will lead introductions and then everyone will write for a quiet, focused period of time. Afterward, we’ll have an optional time to chat and get to know each other. Members often talk about their successes and challenges as writers. Our events are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Being Late is Okay**: Just show up and get settled, without interrupting other writers who may be in the zone :-) Check in with me **after** the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write sign.) **\*\*If you RSVP that you will attend, and your plans change, PLEASE change your RSVP to indicate you will NOT be attending!** (\*\*That saves your host from trying to save seats/table space) This is a cozy cafe and can get busy on the weekend -- if it gets crowded, please be considerate and allow room for other patrons by sharing your table with writers in our group. **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s ambient music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** VENUE WIFI NAME/PASSWORD: [next to cash register] TRAVEL / PARKING: * The **#8/#30/#45 buses + the Powell/Mason Cable Car all pass by within a couple of blocks. Street parking.** GUIDELINES: **Please support a local business and thank our hosts by purchasing something**. No outside food. We want the owner to be glad we are there and see that we are good for business!

Shut Up & Write!® NEW LOCATION in NORTH BEACH

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **PLEASE NOTE: if there are no RSVPs by 24 hours before the event on Saturday (i.e. by Friday 11 am) the MeetUp will be CANCELLED for lack of interest.** **===============================================================** ***Want to write in a café on a Saturday afternoon in the company of other writers?*** We’re doing just that, every week. Come and be inspired to complete your work! **NEW LOCATION!** Because Caffe Capriccio no longer allows customers to use their laptops, we have moved down the block and around the corner to **Cafe Francisco — 2161 Powell St.** Plenty of seating options (tables, booths, inside, outside), a large menu, great location. Here’s how it works: **10:45 AM** **Show up** at **Cafe FRANCISCO,** feeling productive and energized! We meet in the main cafe area, across from the counter. We’ll have Shut Up and Write signs on the tables, so we’re easy to find. Brace yourself for 90 minutes of writing in focused silence. * ***\*RSVP and please arrive by 10:45 am in order to get settled in, get set up, order food. We will introduce ourselves briefly and start promptly at 11:00 am.*** * * **11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: we shut up and write!** * **12:30 PM: Post-writing chat!** More writing if you like! Or break and head out to get a jump on your other weekend activities. ***Sound good?! Join us!*** \* \* \* If you are new to the "Shut Up & Write" concept... Shut Up & Write hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour (or more) of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** ***\*\*\* RSVP and please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled at an in-person event.\*\*\**** Our host will lead introductions and then everyone will write for a quiet, focused period of time. Afterward, we’ll have an optional time to chat and get to know each other. Members often talk about their successes and challenges as writers. Our events are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Being Late is Okay**: Just show up and get settled, without interrupting other writers who may be in the zone :-) Check in with me **after** the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write sign.) **\*\*If you RSVP that you will attend, and your plans change, PLEASE change your RSVP to indicate you will NOT be attending!** (\*\*That saves your host from trying to save seats/table space) This is a cozy cafe and can get busy on the weekend -- if it gets crowded, please be considerate and allow room for other patrons by sharing your table with writers in our group. **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s ambient music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** VENUE WIFI NAME/PASSWORD: [next to cash register] TRAVEL / PARKING: * The **#8/#30/#45 buses + the Powell/Mason Cable Car all pass by within a couple of blocks. Street parking.** GUIDELINES: **Please support a local business and thank our hosts by purchasing something**. No outside food. We want the owner to be glad we are there and see that we are good for business!

Shut Up & Write!® NEW LOCATION in NORTH BEACH

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **PLEASE NOTE: if there are no RSVPs by 24 hours before the event on Saturday (i.e. by Friday 11 am) the MeetUp will be CANCELLED for lack of interest.** **===============================================================** ***Want to write in a café on a Saturday afternoon in the company of other writers?*** We’re doing just that, every week. Come and be inspired to complete your work! **NEW LOCATION!** Because Caffe Capriccio no longer allows customers to use their laptops, we have moved down the block and around the corner to **Cafe Francisco — 2161 Powell St.** Plenty of seating options (tables, booths, inside, outside), a large menu, great location. Here’s how it works: **10:45 AM** **Show up** at **Cafe FRANCISCO,** feeling productive and energized! We meet in the main cafe area, across from the counter. We’ll have Shut Up and Write signs on the tables, so we’re easy to find. Brace yourself for 90 minutes of writing in focused silence. * ***\*RSVP and please arrive by 10:45 am in order to get settled in, get set up, order food. We will introduce ourselves briefly and start promptly at 11:00 am.*** * * **11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: we shut up and write!** * **12:30 PM: Post-writing chat!** More writing if you like! Or break and head out to get a jump on your other weekend activities. ***Sound good?! Join us!*** \* \* \* If you are new to the "Shut Up & Write" concept... Shut Up & Write hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour (or more) of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** ***\*\*\* RSVP and please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled at an in-person event.\*\*\**** Our host will lead introductions and then everyone will write for a quiet, focused period of time. Afterward, we’ll have an optional time to chat and get to know each other. Members often talk about their successes and challenges as writers. Our events are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. For more information about our events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Being Late is Okay**: Just show up and get settled, without interrupting other writers who may be in the zone :-) Check in with me **after** the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write sign.) **\*\*If you RSVP that you will attend, and your plans change, PLEASE change your RSVP to indicate you will NOT be attending!** (\*\*That saves your host from trying to save seats/table space) This is a cozy cafe and can get busy on the weekend -- if it gets crowded, please be considerate and allow room for other patrons by sharing your table with writers in our group. **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s ambient music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** VENUE WIFI NAME/PASSWORD: [next to cash register] TRAVEL / PARKING: * The **#8/#30/#45 buses + the Powell/Mason Cable Car all pass by within a couple of blocks. Street parking.** GUIDELINES: **Please support a local business and thank our hosts by purchasing something**. No outside food. We want the owner to be glad we are there and see that we are good for business!

Shut Up and Write - In-person at Sana'a Cafe! - Monday Nights

We're getting into our writing groove in person for the first time since the pandemic. The original Shut Up and Write, formerly of Crossroads Café in SF, is now at Sana'a Cafe, 199 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Join us at our new location at Sana'a Cafe, where there is wonderful Yemenite Coffee, tea, chai, ice chocolate, other drinks, and various tasty pastries to quench your writer's hunger and thirst while in our session. No matter when you arrive, please first stop at the table with the "Shut Up & Write" sign so we know you've joined us. 🙂 Any kind of writing is welcome - poetry, prose, non-fiction, academic, literary, comedy, tragedy - homework, grunt work - all will be made better by drinks, snacks, teamwork, and accountability from a collegial group to cheer you on. We're not a critique group, so that no one will give you unsolicited advice. The schedule will be as follows: 6:30 Introductions and Chat 6:40 Write 7:50 Check-In and Head Out Attendance is free, but please buy a drink or a snack occasionally--we want to keep feeling welcome here. And if you want to stay after we finish, the café is open until 10:00 PM!

Shut Up & Write!® at Precita Park Cafe

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://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** Free WiFi available. Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Hangout + Silent Writing

Hangout + Silent Writing is the backbone of the group. This is where both build a community of writers and also take time to connect with our writing. **At 11am:** People will start gathering in the coffee shop. This is an opportunity to meet other writers, introduce yourselves, and just chat it up! Discuss your writing or your favorite book or why your bus ride was extra interesting today. (What else inspires our writing than the stories we witness?) **At 11:30am:** We will begin an hour of silent work. This is when we pull out laptops or notebooks or whatever and begin working. Whether you're working on a novel or a screenplay or a piece of flash fiction, this is your chance to dedicate one solid hour to just engaging with it. Before the hour starts, I will call everyone's attention and do a round of check-ins where we share our intentions for the hour. **At 12:30pm:** The hour of silent work is over! I will call everyone's attention again and we will check-out by sharing how the hour went for us. After check-out, people may choose to continue working away. If you're really in the groove, I encourage this! Otherwise, people may go back to chatting and discussing their writing, etc. You may also decide to head out if you have other Sunday activities to get to. **Location:** We will be meeting at the Wave Art Collective in Lower Haight. They have both indoor and outdoor seating so plan accordingly. On Sundays, they graciously open up their space to the community. They run a small coffee shop and invite pop-up food vendors. I can guarantee there will always be coffee, but I cannot guarantee what food will be there. Everyone is encouraged to purchase what they can to help support the Wave Art Collective!

Sit Down and Write

Writers write. And if you haven't written in a room full of writers writing, you haven't lived! It's a nice feeling, at the least. 11:00 a.m. Arrive, find a spot, support our patron by purchasing a beverage and/or snack and tipping well. Then socialize until writing-time begins! A few minutes before, we'll go around the circle introducing ourselves, our writing passions, and our goal for the day. 11:15 a.m. The organizer will start the clock, and for the next 1 hour conversation shall be discontinued as everyone works on whatever writing or reading (or what-have-you) strikes his or her fancy. The key here is a nice, courteous quiet. Headphones are recommended. 12:15 p.m. Writing-time ends. You're welcome to continue writing, resume socializing, hail a cab, do whatever you want, because you're an adult.

Take Time to Write at Cafe Leila

Let's meet up to write on Sunday at Cafe Leila at 1724 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley (cross street is Francisco St). Anyone who writes is welcome! Please not that this event is in ADDITION to the ongoing meeting at Cafenated Coffee on Vine St. (we are outgrowing that space). We'll be inside of the cafe, and I'll have a sign saying "Take Time to Write". We'll write in two 50-minute blocks, with breaks in between and after. Come find us between 10 and 10:30 to get set up in time for our first one at 10:30. Schedule: 10:00 - arrive, get drinks, chat 10:30 - Focused writing block 11:30 - End. (This is the time that we need to vacate to make space for other customers of the cafe) About the location: There will be wifi and some (limited) outlets. We'll be indoors, but they typically leaves the doors open so that the space is well-ventilated. The casual restaurant offers coffee, tea, bottled drinks, and a wide range cooked food. Please buy something to support them! About the group: Anyone who writes is welcome -- novelists, playwrights, academics, journalers. This isn't a critique group, and there's no pressure to share your work. We're here for camaraderie, moral support, and friendly peer pressure, so you can focus on taking time to do what you love to do. This meetup is for people who want to write! Take some time to sit down with other writers and focus on your work. We're here for camaraderie, moral support, and friendly peer pressure, so you can focus on taking time to do what you love to do. Anyone who writes is welcome -- novelists, playwrights, academics, journalers. This isn't a critique group, and there's no pressure to share your work. We meet in the East Bay and use the pomodoro method, with blocks of focused writing and breaks to socialize in between. Come join us!

CWC Write-In at the Oakland Museum of California

Join California's oldest writing club for a monthly 6-hour write-in with camaraderie and accountability! WHERE: The Oakland Museum of California. The big beautiful building has a bigger and more beautiful garden with lots of seats and tables and places to write. Please choose any publicly accessible spot in the garden or in the Cafe. The host is usually in the cafe or the picnic benches by the water lilies pond. Check in with the host, who will likely have a CWC sign on the table. HOW MUCH: This is a free event. While the museum charges a price for admission to the exhibits, there is no charge to use the Café or the gardens. Do buy lunch, drink, or something nice at the gift shop. We love OMCA! WHEN: Second Saturdays, 12-5pm. Come for as little or as much of that time as you like. Find a space and write! Socialize respectfully! If someone is too busy to talk, no worries, shut up and write! At 3:30 pm, we gather together so we can share what we have written. We usually meet behind the cafe, and the host will always check that spot if for some reason the reading location moves. BRING: 1) your favorite writing tools, such as a pen and paper or a laptop, whatever is portable. 2) a warm jacket, blanket, or hoodie, if you chose to write outside in the spacious and glorious gardens in winter, or a hat and sunscreen in the summer. 3) a pillow or cushion, if that will make you more comfortable to sit and write, and 4) lunch money or a bag lunch/snacks to help you power through. View for Monthly Dates: [https://bit.ly/cwc-write-in-at-the-oakland-museum-of-california-multipledates](https://bit.ly/cwc-write-in-at-the-oakland-museum-of-california-multipledates) Our [Google calendar](https://cwc-berkeley.org/calendar), if you want to save this event into your personal calendar or get notifications.

Take Time to Write at El Jardin

Let's meet up to write on Saturday at El Jardin in South Richmond. Anyone who writes is welcome! We'll be inside of El Jardin, and I'll have a sign saying "Take Time to Write". We'll write in two 50-minute blocks, with breaks in between and after. Come find us between Noon and 12:30 to get set up in time for our first one at 1:30. Schedule: 12:00 - arrive, get drinks, chat 12:30 - first focused writing block 1:20 - break 1:30 - second writing block 2:20 - finish, optionally hang out About the location: There will be wifi and some (limited) outlets. We'll be indoors, but they typically leaves the doors open so that the space is well-ventilated. The casual restaurant offers coffee, tea, bottled drinks, and a wide range cooked food. Please buy something to support them! About the group: Anyone who writes is welcome -- novelists, playwrights, academics, journalers. This isn't a critique group, and there's no pressure to share your work. We're here for camaraderie, moral support, and friendly peer pressure, so you can focus on taking time to do what you love to do.

Sit Down & Write - Afterhours