Creative Writing San Francisco

The Weight We Carry: A Poetry Gathering on Memory, Inheritance, and What Remains

There are things we carry without remembering when we first picked them up. A phrase spoken by a parent. A song heard in childhood. A gesture repeated across generations. A silence no one in the family learned how to name. Some inheritances are visible: a photograph, a recipe, a piece of jewelry, a book with someone else’s handwriting in the margins. Others live quietly within us. A language we understand but no longer speak. A fear whose origin we cannot trace. A tenderness learned from someone who is no longer here. A way of surviving that once protected us, but no longer serves us. We carry histories in our bodies, voices, habits, and desires. Sometimes as shelter. Sometimes as weight. Often as both. Perhaps this is where poetry begins. Not only in what happened to us, but in what reached us from lives lived before our own. Not only in memory, but in inheritance. **The Weight We Carry** is a gathering devoted to memory, inheritance, and the invisible threads that connect one life to another. Together, we will explore the burdens and gifts passed between generations—family histories, ancestral voices, migration, belonging, language, love, grief, resilience, and the quiet ways the past continues to shape the present. Across traditions, poets have returned to these questions again and again. Seamus Heaney uncovered generations beneath the soil beneath his feet. Mahmoud Darwish carried homeland through language. Li-Young Lee found entire family histories inside ordinary gestures. Ocean Vuong writes about inheritance as both wound and gift. Jane Hirshfield reminds us that what endures is often what is passed silently from one heart to another This gathering asks: How do we carry the past without being carried entirely by it? How do we honor those who came before us without becoming imprisoned by their unfinished lives? What remains within us after names, places, languages, and people begin to disappear? And what might we pass onward — intentionally or unknowingly — to those who come after us? We will read poems about family histories, ancestral memory, inherited language, cultural belonging, migration, trauma, kindness, ritual, and the ordinary objects through which memory survives. You are welcome to bring: * A poem about family, ancestry, memory, language, or inheritance. * A piece connected to migration, homeland, cultural identity, or belonging. * A poem that reminds you of someone who shaped your life. * A family story, photograph, keepsake, recipe, song, or fragment of language that carries meaning for you. An original work about what you have inherited, what you are learning to release, or what you hope to pass forward We invite poetry from all languages and traditions. Together, we will read, translate, reflect, and listen — allowing different histories to meet without asking them to become the same. As always with Kaavya Connections, the gathering may wander beyond the theme. We follow where the poems, memories, and conversations lead. Join us for an afternoon where memory is given language, inheritance is held with tenderness, and the past is welcomed not as a fixed destiny, but as something we can examine, transform, and carry differently. Bring a friend, a poem, a memory—or simply come to listen. **Above all, bring what has shaped you.** Please find more about us here — Kaavya Connections Website: [https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/) Please also join the mailing list for upcoming gatherings and events: [https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/) If you would like to volunteer to help organize future gatherings and performances, please email: contact@kaavyaconnections.com **Kaavya Connections**

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.

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.

Shut Up & Write!® in the Richmond

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 of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. **What to Expect** RSVP and please arrive on time 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, then check in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write!® sign.) If you are on time, please be willing to make room for any friendly latecomers. **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:** GUIDELINES: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something. WIFI pw: Enchante!

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.

The Free Write Returns

Shut Up & Write Already! Fremont & East SF Bay

**IMPORTANT NOTICE:** This event is listed on the Shut Up & Write! website. To see full event details, RSVP, or ask any questions, make sure to join the group here: [https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00](https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00) Please see the listing on the Shut Up & Write! website for full and updated event location details. \-\-\- Hello, Starting a Shut Up & Write group in Fremont. Location : Tables in large open atrium area in the back of the Fremont Library (May be changed later, with notice, to reserved rooms in Library, or to local Niles area cafes) Simple Format : 15 min : Meet & Catch up, share what you like about your writing goals 1 hour 30 min : Write in quiet 15 min : Share what you like (or didnt like) about your writing session! \*\*\* Join fellow writers each week to show up, sit down, and get words on the page. No critiques. No sharing. No pressure. Just focused writing time alongside others doing the same. After the session, you're welcome to stick around to chat, connect, and build your writing community. Wherever you are in your project, you're not doing it alone—this is your space to write.

The Write Time on Piedmont

Welcome to Write Time! We'll meet up on Wednesday at 5:30 PM on the upstairs deck of Doña on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland and wrap up by 7:30 PM. In terms of structure, we'll write in two 45-minute blocks and aim to follow this structure: 5:30 - Meet up, say hello, settle in 5:45 - Writing block #1 6:30 - Break and check in (not required! keep writing if you're in the flow) 6:45 - Writing block #2 7:30 - Finish Doña has food if you're hungry and coffee, tea, beer, and wine if you're thirsty. They are kindly letting us use their space to meet, so please buy something to support them. A few common questions: * **Yes, there is wifi.** But it can sometimes be hard to join when there's a lot of people. * **You can come and go at any time.** Don't worry about showing up late or leaving early. * **You are welcome to wear a mask.** We'll be outside, but some people are still more comfortable masked and that is 100% fine. * **Everyone who writes is welcome.** It doesn't matter if you're writing a novel or a blog, a dissertation or a poem. If you write, this is is the space for you * **This** **gathering is about getting words onto the page**, not about getting feedback or critiques. We don't typically work from prompts either, but I'm happy to help you think of something to write about if you don't have any current projects or ideas. Finally, if you've found yourself on the waitlist but really want to come, I encourage you to just show up. It's common for people to RSVP, then not show up. We'll almost certainly have space for you!

Take Time to Write at Cafenated Coffee

Let's meet up to write on Sunday at Cafenated Coffee on Vine Street in Berkeley. Anyone who writes is welcome! 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 - first focused writing block 11:20 - break 10:30 - second writing block 12:20 - 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. 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!

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!

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.

Shut Up & Write!® in Potrero Hill

Join us for some focused writing time. You can write poetry, your resume, do research, write a novel, screenplay, short stories, song lyrics or work projects, create apps and games, etc. All types of writing and writers at all levels of experience and expertise are welcome. But 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 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. Writers can say what they are working on if they choose. I 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! 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) WiFi Access: Patrons will find WiFi at all San Francisco Public Library buildings. Travel / Parking info: Muni #55 bus. Abundant Street parking.