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10 Top Writing Groups in Toronto

By Kevin Chan

Are you a writer based in Toronto? Are you thinking about joining a writing group? Check out our list of 10 top writing groups in Toronto below.

1. The Junction Writers

The Junction Writers is a writing group located in York Region in Toronto. Led by co-organizer Andrew and Brian, The Junction Writers now has over 900 active members from all kinds of backgrounds and writing experience. Meetings happen every other week on Monday evenings.

While formerly meeting in person at Annette Street Library, but recently, The Junction Writers meetings are held online. Writing meetings revolve around one of the group members presenting their writing to the rest of the group, followed by a time of critique and feedback. For specific information about The Junction Writers, including the Zoom link for its next meeting, email The Junction Writers directly.

Connect with The Junction Writers!

2. Toronto Writers

Based in Toronto, Toronto Writers is a writing group that welcomes writers of all backgrounds and skill levels to join them for regular writing meetings. Toronto Writers is hosted by Sam Hiyate, a literary agent, who looks forward to supporting writers no matter where they are in their writing journey.

Toronto Writers meetings range from presentations from guest speakers such as professional authors, editors or other literary agents to writing challenges, panel discussions and critiquing some of the writing of fellow group members. Meetings occur once a month on the second Wednesday online, with login information available to participants after they have RSVP’d their attendance.

Take a look at Toronto Writers.

3. Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon

Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon is a writing group led by group organizer Lilian Wong and based in Toronto. Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon aims to support individuals who are involved in writing books, both fiction and non-fiction, scripts or poetry. Group meetings take place online multiple times a week, with specific information available on Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon’s Meetup.com webpage.

Writing meetings at Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon comes in different formats. Roundtable meetings allow writers to discuss the issues or progress they’re having with their current project. Three Rounds of Writing is a meeting type more focused on actively writing. Lastly, Public Readings allow writers to read a completed draft of their work-in-progress in public to a supportive group of peers and writing group members.

Contact Final Draft: a Writers’ Salon.

4. Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

Located in Toronto, Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers is a writing group that provides a helpful community for writers dedicated to science fiction and fantasy genres. Today, over 1,000 active members participate in Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ regular writing meetings.

In addition to their in-person writing meetings, Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers members connect online through the platform Discord. Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers also hosts special events for group members, including parties for events like Halloween and book launch parties.

Check out Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers.

5. Shut Up & Write! Toronto

Shut Up & Write! is a writing group with chapters across the United States and Canada, including one in the city of Toronto. Meetings happen once a week on Saturday afternoon, where writers get an opportunity to socialize and network with some of the 1,000+ active members that make up Shut Up & Write! Toronto.

Shut Up & Write! Toronto meetings allow writers to have focused time to work on their manuscripts in silence alongside other writers doing the same thing at Shut Up & Write! Toronto’s in-person meetings, usually held at their regular location at 5 Elements Coffee Shop.

Find out more about Shut Up & Write! Toronto.

6. East End Writers

Situated in Toronto, East End Writers is a writing group led by writer and editor Sharon A. Crawford. Founded in 2000, East End Writers welcomes all local writers who might benefit from joining a community of like-minded peers, including fiction and non-fiction writers, as well as writers working on screenplays and even song lyrics.

Writing meetings take place in person and online, usually at their regular location in S. Walter Stewart Library or on Zoom. Meetings happen every two weeks on Wednesday evenings and include discussions on writing techniques, read their work-in-progress to other members to receive constructive criticism and feedback, and socialize about their writing and other events.

Learn more about East End Writers.

7. Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups

Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups are a number of writing groups hosted by the Toronto Public Library, the central network of public libraries in the city of Toronto. There are writing groups available for writers of all skill levels and age groups, from children to adults.

Most Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups meet in person at a branch of the Toronto Public Library. Creative Writing Workshop is a Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups that meets on Tuesday evenings every week at Evelyn Gregory Library and welcomes adult writers in the area to join. Another Toronto Public Library Writers’ Group is Write Away, a writing group for teenagers around Eatonville Library who are interested in writing. The Joy of Writing, located at Queen and Saulter, and Writer’s Group of Leaside, supporting writers in the Leaside area of Toronto are two more of the many writing groups that make up the Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups.

Discover more about Toronto Public Library Writers’ Groups!

8. OUTwrites

Serving writers that identify as LGBTQ2S, OUTwrites is a writing group in Toronto that is hosted by The 519, an open and accepting space for communities to get together, express themselves and be able to find community without judgment. Creative writers in particular, including fiction authors and poets, will get a lot of participating in this writing group.

OUTwrites writing meetings happen every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 519 Church Street Community Center. Participants have an opportunity to learn more about writing techniques and also get feedback from other group members on their work-in-progress.

For more information about OUTwrites, check out their website.

9. Toronto Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group

Toronto Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group is a writing group that supports Toronto-based writers who are interested in speculative fiction. Writers passionate about urban fantasy, fantasy, horror, science fiction and other genres that fall within speculative fiction are welcome to join. Currently, the membership list of Toronto Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group is full but interested writing group participants are encouraged to contact the group about being put on the waiting list.

Writing meetings take place two times a month, usually in person at a writing group member’s home. Toronto Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group meetings include writing critique socialization and discussion about different books and the state of the publishing industry.

Speak to Toronto Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group for more details.

10. Toronto Romance Writers

Toronto is home to Toronto Romance Writers, a writing group for romance writers in the city and surrounding areas. The writing group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of each month that cover relevant topics such as social media marketing for books and creating believable characters.

Participants can benefit from networking with other romance writers, learning more about the writing craft and the publishing industry, and receiving constructive criticism and feedback from other romance writers. The annual membership fee is $60 Canadian for any writers interested in joining.

Plan a visit to Toronto Romance Writers.

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Programs » Toronto Writers Collective

Toronto Writers Collective

Program Types: Arts and Culture , Community-Led ,

The Toronto Writers Collective, founded in 2012, is a nonprofit organization that encourages creative expression through writing. We believe that writing in community is an effective and powerful way to connect individuals across difference and to empower those who have traditionally been deprived of a voice in society.

TWC provides free 10-week creative writing workshops throughout the GTA. Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories.

THE 519 519 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9

A City of Toronto Agency Registered charity (119310761-RR0001)

Front Desk: 416-392-6874 | [email protected]

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• Staff, Editorial and Guest Workshop Leaders

Back to top Sister Writes is a creative writing and literacy program dedicated to honouring the wisdom and experiences of women in downtown Toronto. Founded by writer Lauren Kirshner in 2010, with the support of Sistering , a drop-in center empowering ordinary women in extraordinary situations, Sister Writes provides women with the opportunity to work with professional women writers, develop creative potential, hone literary and leadership skills, receive mentorship, and build self-esteem. Hailed by The Toronto Star as a groundbreaking program, and the winner of a 2018 ArtsBridges Award for community arts education excellence, Sister Writes is one-of-a-kind in Canada.

Now in its twelfth year, Sister Writes provides an artistically empowering and collaborative creative writing program for women affected by poverty, underhousing, precarity, trauma, mental health issues and addictions, and women who face extraordinary circumstances or life transitions. Through the support of our sponsors and the assistance of our guest writers, Sister Writes offers a range of hands-on programming that is free and inclusive: The Writing Workshop ; The Mentorship Program ; and our newly launched Sister Writes in the Community Program , which brings one-off creative writing workshops to women’s agencies across Toronto.

Since 2010, our longest running program, The Writing Workshop , has provided over 300 free creative writing workshops in the community for budding women writers, and published nine literary magazines. Our guest workshop leaders have included acclaimed authors, poets, and journalists.

Empowering, inclusive, and hands on, Sister Writes is dedicated to the principle of breaking down barriers to arts, one story at a time.

Staff, Editorial and Guest Writers

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Founding Creative Director Lauren Kirshner

Curator Anna Gallagher-Ross

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Editorial Intern Abbey Jessome

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Guest Workshop Leaders Gwen Benaway Danila Botha Kate Cayley Laura Clarke Jennifer Cowan Lynn Crosbie Amber Dawn Farzana Doctor Bernice Eisenstein Lisa Foad Catherine Graham Danielle Groen Aisha Sasha John Ibi Kaslik Emily M. Keeler Alexandra Kimball Ben Ladouceur Brooke Lockyer Hoa Nguyen Grace O’Connell Morgan M. Page Sarah Pinder Souvankham Thammavongsa Andrea Thompson Emily Pohl-Weary Vivek Shraya Zoe Whittall Lindsay Zier-Vogel Carlyn Zwarenstein

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Back to top The Ontario Trillium Foundation The Toronto Arts Council The Ontario Arts Council The Toronto Public Library The Feminist Debaters Sistering

Back to top Sister Writes volunteers are passionate about creative writing, literary arts, arts education, and women’s stories. We ask volunteers to commit to at least three months of service of approximately two hours per week. This way, you have enough time to learn from us and we from you. We also have longer term opportunities for students looking to fulfill Bachelor of Education internship requirements. Right now, we have  volunteer openings in these areas:

• Editing: substantive, copyediting and proofreading
• Event planning
• Administrative support
• Poster design
• Software skills (InDesign, Excel and Adobe)

To apply send us your CV and a cover letter (contact information  here ). We are especially interested in how your skills complement our program, so be sure to read through our Programs page first. We accept volunteers at the start of each session, in September, January and May.

Writing Groups

Writing groups at open sky stories, safety in numbers writing group, do you want to write but can’t seem to find the motivation.

I get it. Life is overwhelmingly busy. There are hundreds of thoughts and tasks that demand priority at any given time. Besides, writing is supposed to be lonely, right?

What if you made a commitment to show up every week and write for 20 minutes? And what if you weren’t alone but had other people around who are working on their own writing projects?

Safety in Numbers is an opportunity to commit to your writing. It’s a chance to show up and write with other people while keeping your own words private.

Your monthly membership gives you access to four writing sessions every week. You can show up for all of them or just a few – you will always be welcome!

Writing Schedule:

Sundays @ 12:30pm ET Mondays @ 7am ET Wednesdays @ 8pm ET Fridays @ 7am ET

Stay Accountable with Friends Group

New session dates to be announced

Do you have a writing project on the go but keep going off-track?

This group is for anyone who is currently working on a writing project: a book, short story, poetry collection etc.

We will read sections of our writing in the group and be open to receiving kind feedback.

We will support each other in our highs and lows along the journey in the sessions and in a private Facebook group.

This group runs for 3 months, with sessions twice per week. The group is limited to 10 participants. If you are interested in joining, please reach out by  email .

A guide to Canadian writing groups

Social Sharing

Whether you write as a hobby or have loftier goals, you don't have to do it alone. Joining a writing group is a great opportunity to meet other writers, hone your craft and find a mentor.

• Calling all writers! The 2022 CBC Nonfiction Prize is now open

The groups listed here are a sampling of what the Canadian literary community has to offer.  Are you part of a writing group that is open to new members and want to be on our list? Email us at [email protected] .

• 4 reasons you should join a writers' group

British Columbia | Alberta | Saskatchewan |  Manitoba | Ontario | Quebec  | New Brunswick |  Prince Edward Island |  Nova Scotia  | Newfoundland & Labrador

British Columbia

Christianne's Lyceum of Literature and Art What: An inclusive set of programs and writers' workshops Where: Vancouver, B.C. Who: Writers of all ages

Comox Valley Writers Society What: Supports writers in the development of their craft. General meetings monthly, small writing critique groups, monthly Prose and Poetry at the Courtenay Library, annual community outreach literary event – the North Island Writers Conference. Where: Courtenay, BC Who: Writers of all ages

Kelowna Writers' Group What: Writers meet the first Tuesday of every month at the Kelowna library. Where: Kelowna, B.C. Who: Writers of all genres

Kelowna Word Guild What: Monthly meetings to provide support to writers who are Christians through workshops, critique circles, skill building exercises and other areas of need. Also host events to showcase the writers, regional one day conferences, and writer retreats. Where: Kelowna, B.C. Who: Christian writers

New West Writers What: Writing critique group Where: New Westminster, B.C. Who: Writers of all genres

Sooke Writers' Collective What: A writers group offering support, feedback, an annual anthology, workshops and mini-retreats. Where: Sooke, B.C. Who: Writers of all levels and genres

Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society What: An inclusive group of writers and editors that meets monthly and has community-minded projects. Where: A combination of Zoom and various venues on Sunshine Coast, B.C. Who: Writers and editors of all levels of experience, ethnicities and is inclusive of the LGBTQ2 community

Surrey Libraries writing groups What: Writing groups for adults and teens Where: Surrey, B.C. Who: General public

Vernon Critique Group What: A group of fiction writers offering critique and feedback on each other's work on the third Saturday of each month.  Where: Vernon, B.C. Who: Fiction writers

Victoria Writers' Society What: Participate in small, informal groups where writers present their works in progress and receive critical feedback. There are currently groups focused on short stories, novels, general fiction and creative nonfiction. Where: Victoria, B.C. Who: Members of the Victoria Writers' Society

British Columbia Association of Travel Writers What: A group for B.C. travel journalists and writers Where: British Columbia Who: Meetups are open to the public

The Grind Writers' Group What: Writers of all levels and genres Where: Vancouver, B.C. Who: General public

Heart & Mind Writing Group What: Writers of all levels and genres Where: Sicamous, B.C. Who: General public

Alexandra Writers' Centre Society What: Community of emerging writers of all ages Where: Calgary, Alta. Who: General public

Edmonton Writers' Group What: Informal group of aspiring and published writers Where: Edmonton, Alta. Who: General public

Imaginative Fiction Writers Association What: Critique of written work, marketing advice, writing games and exercises Where: Calgary, Alta. Who: Members of the Imaginative Fiction Writer's Association

Parkland Poets What: Community of poets who share their work Where: Stony Plain, Alta. Who: General public

Strathcona County Writers What: Writers of all levels and genres Where: Strathcona County, Alta. Who: General public

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Writers Guild What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Saskatchewan Who: Members

Brandon Writers' Collective What: Writing group for all genres Where: Brandon, Man. Who: General public

Interlake Writers Guild What: Writing group for all genres Where: Selkirk, Man. Who: General public

Manitoba Writers' Guild What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Manitoba Who: Workshops are open to both members and the general public

Immigrant Writers Association (IWA) What: Programs, activities, and services that empower and support immigrant writers in their journeys. Our mission is to encourage immigrants to express themselves through writing. Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: Canadian immigrant writers

InkWell Workshops What: Drop-in creative writing workshops Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: Adults with mental health and addictions issues

Firefly Creative Writing What: Writing workshops, coaching and retreats Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: General public

KW Writer's Alliance What: Organization helping to connect and develop writers of all genres Where: Waterloo, Ont. Who: General public

London Writers Society What: Organization helping to connect and develop writers of all genres Where: London, Ont. Who: General public

Memoirs Writing Group What: Group discussions to help writers develop their writing voice with feedback to assist with the editing process Where:  Brampton, Ont. Who: Adult writers

Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW) What: A gathering place for people with a passion to weave fiction and non-fiction stories, write poetry and plays and string words together in a variety of other formats. Where: Ottawa, Ont. Who: Adult writers

OUTwrites Queer Writing Collective What: queer-positive, sexually diverse group for all levels Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: General public

Sudbury Writers' Guild What: Community-based writing group for all levels and genres Where: Sudbury, Ont. Who: General public

Toronto Public Library What: Various groups and workshops focused on a variety of genres, including memoir, fiction and poetry. Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: General public

Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers What: Group group for science fiction and fantasy writers Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: General public

Toronto Writers Collective What: Free writing workshops for underserved communities Where: Toronto, Ont. Who: Adult writers

Writers' Community of Durham Region What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Durham region Who: Workshops are open to members and the general public

Writer's Community of York Region What: A collective of local authors, poets and industry professionals who endeavour to build a supportive and encouraging framework for writers and their craft. Where: All communities and localities within York Region. Who: WCYR members and registered members of the general public.

Shut-up & Write/Tais-toi et écris Montréal What: Community of writers who share their work, in any genre. Where: Montreal, Que. Who: General public

Quebec Writers' Federation What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Montreal, Que. Who: Workshops are open to members and the general public

New Brunswick

Writers' Federation of New Brunswick What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: New Brunswick Who: Members

Prince Edward Island

PEI Writers' Guild What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: P.E.I. Who: Workshops are open to members and the general public

Nova Scotia

Evergreen Writers Group What: Creative writing group comprised of poets, short story writers, novelists, and playwrights Where: Dartmouth, N.S. Who: General public

Word Nerds Teen Writing Group What: Teen-oriented writing group Where: Colchester-East Hants, N.S. Who: Teen writers

Halifax Public Library Writers' Circle What: Weekly meetings for support and inspiration at various library branches Where: Bedford, N.S. ​Who: Adult writers

Yarmouth Write Away Group What: Monthly writing group that welcomes all genres. Where: Yarmouth, N.S. Who: General public

Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Nova Scotia Who: Members

Newfoundland & Labrador

Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland & Labrador What: Professional organization that offers development and workshops for all genres Where: Newfoundland & Labrador Who: Members

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12 Best Creative Writing Classes in Toronto

Showing 12 courses that match your search.

Writing the Novel: Introduction

University of Toronto

A beginner's course in novel writing, emphasizing literary techniques, style development, and understanding prose fiction. It involves analyzing established writers' styles and includes practical writing and editing of a novel's opening.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1679-w...

Categories: Book

Start date:

Open all year round

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Writing the Memoir

Focused on memoir writing, this course guides you in selecting personal stories and developing writing skills, aiming to produce memoir chapters while connecting with a community of memoir writers.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1769-w...

Categories: Memoir

Writing Short Fiction: Introduction

Ideal for aspiring short story writers, this course teaches basic literary techniques and includes writing and reviewing stories, culminating in a critiqued story draft.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1680-w...

Categories: Short Story

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Writing Humour

Delve into the art of humor writing, learning techniques from slapstick to satire. The course offers exercises and workshops, aiming to produce comic pieces and connect with fellow humor writers.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/2287-w...

Categories: Comedy

Secrets of Great Food Writing

Blend your culinary passion and writing talent to create engaging food content. This course covers various formats, from restaurant reviews to cookbooks, emphasizing recipe development, interviewing techniques, and discovering a unique food-writing style.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/2400-s...

Categories: Food

Screenwriting: Introduction

This foundational course in screenwriting covers essential elements like story, character, plot, and dialogue. Designed for beginners and those developing a screenplay, it includes screenings and exercises to master screenplay structure and short film script formatting.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1709-s...

Categories: Screenplay

Playwriting: Introduction

This introductory course covers the basics of stage writing, including structure, character, dialogue, and environment. Classes are divided into idea analysis and a supportive workshop for feedback. Guided by a produced playwright, students will gain insights into various theatrical forms and develop scriptwriting skills, aiming to complete a one-act play or half a full-length play.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/2825-p...

Categories: Playwriting

Generating Stories I

A 20-hour workshop-based course, it aids in generating and refining fiction or non-fiction prose or poetry. Suitable for beginners, it emphasizes weekly exercises and assignments to inspire writing across genres. Students will learn story identification and shaping, prose organization, and revision skills, honing their ability to amplify resonant parts of their writing.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/2374-g...

Categories: Fiction

Freelancing the Feature

This course focuses on creating high-quality, long-form journalism for various media platforms. It equips students with tools for crafting compelling feature articles, including interviewing, narrative structuring, and self-editing. The curriculum includes lectures, group discussions, and workshops for feedback. A unique aspect is learning to transform magazine pieces into book proposals.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1722-f...

Categories: Essay and Freelance

Freelance Science, Medicine & Public Health Writing

The "Freelance Science, Medicine & Public Health Writing" course, led by Paul Webster, is ideal for those in science or healthcare seeking to improve their writing for various audiences. It focuses on making complex topics engaging and understandable, covering good writing practices, market insights, and practical assignments like news stories, blogs, and features.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/2950-f...

Categories: Scientific and Freelance

Creative Non-Fiction II

Creative Non-Fiction II offers an intensive exploration of creative non-fiction, suitable for writers focusing on memoirs, essays, travel narratives, or biographies. This course emphasizes skill advancement in writing and revision, with a strong focus on workshopping participant's works-in-progress. It encourages active involvement in critiquing and integrating peer feedback, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere for refining and developing new material.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1692-c...

Categories: Nonfiction

Prerequisites: 1691 Creative Non-Fiction: Introduction is required.

Creative Writing: Introduction

The University of Toronto offers an introductory course in creative writing, designed to cover the basics and encourage creative expression. The course details, including its duration, fee structure, and information about the instructor, are not specified on the webpage. It's suitable for those beginning their journey in creative writing, looking to explore various aspects of the craft​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/1664-c...

Categories: Fiction, Essay, Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Story, and Book

So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Toronto

Margaret Atwood, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Robert Rotenburg—the most famous of Canadian authors have been inspired by Toronto, so much so to set their novels in the Queen City. Today the site of a thriving literary scene, Toronto is also home to many creative writing classes that are meant to help hone your writing skills.

This directory of the best writing courses in Toronto is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself.  We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:

• Who is the instructor?
• What is the price of the writing course?
• How far away is the writing course in Toronto? Is there a remote alternative?
• How long could the course last?

Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Toronto for you? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] . Good luck!

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Toronto Writers’ Centre

The Toronto Writers’ Centre first opened its doors in 2006 in the Annex at 627 Bloor Street West. In July of 2023, TWC made the move just down the street and is now situated beside Hot Docs Cinema at 500A Bloor Street West. The TWC is a creative hub that offers emerging and established writers a quiet, professional work environment and a supportive community.

The TWC is an incubator for literary endeavours — where new ideas can be stimulated and nurtured among a vibrant cross section of writers. With an expansive writing space, lounge, kitchen, and boardroom, the Toronto Writers’ Centre provides writers with a place to focus their ideas, and be part of a community of writers.

A godsend. No laundry, no children, no phones, just silence and the blank page. It’s been like rediscovering writing all over again.

I’ve produced five novels since starting at the TWC and I’m currently working on two more.

The Toronto Writers’ Centre improved my productivity immensely. Having a safe, quiet place to go to write meant I could always work without distractions. I’m not sure I ‘d have written The Blackthorn Key without it.

An enormous relief —it’s no small thing to have a place to just sit and write among supportive, like-minded members.

TWC is my home away from home where I can work in peace and quiet, and also chat with other writers when the mood strikes.

A great boon . I’ve done some of my best work there quickly, because there are no domestic or social distractions. It’s the place to get serious about writing.

Members of Toronto Writers’ Centre enjoy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year comfort, community & security. The Toronto Writers’ Centre is a 2000-square-foot, air-conditioned writing haven, divided into two quiet rooms, lounge & kitchen, and boardroom. The TWC is the affordable alternative to writing at home or in shared spaces. Write among published authors and serious professional writers as committed to their craft as you are. Seriousness of intent is all that is required of potential members. There are no restrictions on genre. The TWC is open to all writers.

It’s a great place to make business contacts, get referrals, and make friends. Everyone is welcome to post news of upcoming events — readings, book launches, films etc. — on the bulletin boards and to send announcements to the entire membership.

Land Acknowledgement

The Toronto Writers’ Centre stands on the ancestral lands and waterways of the Anishnabeg (Mississaugas of the Credit), the Haudenosaunee Peoples from the Six Nations Confederacy of the Grand River, Wendat, Chippewa, M é tis, and is now home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from across Turtle Island. This meeting space of Tkaronto is governed by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt agreement, which upholds our shared access to and responsibility for the lands on which we live, and those with whom we share them.

Creative Writing Group

Thu, Dec 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Discover your creative voice, sharpen and hone your ideas in an engaging and supportive environment. Join our Creative Writing Group where we read, inspire each other and share our stories.

Registration begins Sept 05, 2023.

To register please call the branch at 416-396-8916 or come on in.

Space is limited.

Older Adult

Book Clubs & Writers Groups

When we write with others, we discover ourselves. Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) is a charitable arts-health organization that ignites connection through creativity by inspiring powerful, authentic stories shared in community.

We work with partners to offer our community writing workshop program that is proven to create deep connection, increase resilience, and strengthen self-advocacy among community members. Our unique workshops empower  the authentic voices of one and all, including traditionally underserved populations and underheard individuals nationwide.

The work of the WCC is among the most important in today’s world: to help give the power of word and voice to those who need it most. I have seen first-hand how becoming the authors of their own stories can transform people’s lives, and those of their entire communities.

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Hit Refresh with a Health & Wellness Trip to Toronto

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5 Creative Workshops to Explore Your Artistic Side in Toronto

Kickstart a self-discovery journey by exploring these unique experiences that are good for your mental health too..

Alternatives to talk therapy are on the rise as people seek new and creative ways to work on themselves. 

Toronto is a hotbed for the arts and innovation, so it’s unsurprising the city is home to unique outlets for reflection, resetting and self-improvement. 

Whether you’re looking for a solo or group experience, there’s no better time to take that first step. Here are five creative workshops for self-discovery in Toronto.

Art therapy at artandmind

Art therapy is a form of treatment that lets people explore their thoughts and feelings with a therapist without relying solely on words, whether that’s through drawing, painting or even sculpture and collage. 

Psychotherapist, art therapist and educator Eva-Marie Stern has extensive experience helping people explore trauma and other concerns. 

“ Art in therapy isn’t about making nice pictures, it’s about making marks… I won’t analyze you or your artwork” she explains. 

Stern uses art to help people express themselves in a way that feels safe. Client and therapist can make connections between past and present, creatively exploring relationships and experiences in their life.  Neighbourhood: just north of Downtown Yonge

Creative movement at Upward Spiral

Julia Aplin is a professional dance artist and movement teacher who created her private practice, Upward Spiral , to provide hands-on body work and movement lessons. She offers everything from private Mitzvah or Pilates sessions to Dance With Trees wilderness experiences. 

She also offers solo and group sessions to help her clients recover from injuries, work on self-healing, or simply enjoy an unstructured form of movement that incorporates dance, meditation and time in nature.  Neighbourhood: various locations include a west-end park, your hotel room via Zoom, or a forested retreat outside the city during warmer months.

Improv at Second City Training Centre

Improv as an anxiety-management strategy? No joke. Improv (or improvisation) involves acting out unscripted games, exercises and scenes, rather than script-based performances like monologues and scenes from plays. 

Downtown’s Second City Training Centre offers an impressive array of improv classes, including innovative ones specifically designed for people with social anxiety. 

In their Improv for Anxiety 1 class, for example, the instructor leads the class through off-the-cuff exercises designed to help participants address their anxiety triggers in a safe and supportive environment. 

The exercises and scenarios give participants skills they can apply spontaneously to daily life and its numerous vexing situations. Anxiety 2 and 3 classes then build on the skills participants have learned. Neighbourhood: South Core

Creative writing at Firefly Creative Writing

Firefly Creative Writing ’s team of writing coaches offers small and large group writing workshops and one-on-one coaching. These classes are designed for all skill levels, from beginners learning to put their ideas into words to seasoned writers honing their craft. 

Workshops involve sharing and talking about writing. Some are organized into themes such as poetry, short fiction or even writing about death and loss, while others have the simple goal of helping people find their voice and confidence as writers. 

For example, their Worlds of Words workshop offers teens 14 to 17 years the opportunity to explore different forms of writing, including poetry, fan fiction, lists, rants, letters and memories. 

Firefly also runs programming by and for BIPOC writers exploring themes around race and identity. Neighbourhood: Eastside and other locations.

Music therapy at The Music Therapy Centre

We all know music can soothe the soul. Music therapy is an evidence-based therapy that uses listening to and/or creating music to help reduce stress, improve mood or foster self-expression. 

Strike the right note at the Music Therapy Centre , which offers a range of programming, including those targeted at children and youth with disabilities, adults with physical disabilities and caregiver support groups. 

If group work isn’t your thing, the centre also offers one-on-one music therapy sessions for an individualized approach. 

The Centre also offers guided imagery and music, a form of psychotherapy in which participants listen to recorded music and explore the images that arise during the listening experience.  Neighbourhood: Westside

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Diana ballon.

Health and travel writer Diana Ballon was born on the Prairies, lived in B.C. and grew up in Montreal. So she had experienced all sides of Canada before settling in Toronto almost 25 years ago. Diana has a restless spirit, loves to travel, and loves active experiences in Toronto, whether cycling along the waterfront, cross-country skiing in High Park, finding a new gym, or doing HIIT classes in her living room. Instagram:   @dianamaryballon