Writing is often thought of as a serious and solitary act, but it’s rarely either. Most of the time, it’s a playful process, fuelled by the philosophies of a drunk friend or the unexpected insight of a stranger. Shaping an idea into words is a collaboration, whether you intend it to be or not. That’s what these meetups are all about. They’re all free, they’re all fun and they’re all regular, so you can form new connections and a routine around writing. Whether you want the freedom of silence, the motivation of peer review or the pen-flowing inspiration of alcohol, Berlin provides plenty of options.
Read Editing
The Read Wedding collective hosts a ton of great writing-based events, including markets, zines, poetry open mics and – why we’re here – meetups. They gather on the second Monday of every month, with the purpose of extracting creation and performance from the writing process to focus on what comes in between: the self-questioning. Here, you can bounce semi-formed ideas, test-run a phrase, play around with what’s unfinished. There’s no set facilitation or format, only what makes sense on that day. That might mean solo writing time, sharing or guided exercises – whatever’s best for those who turn up, because it’s only the turning up that matters.
- Cafe Cralle, Wedding, follow @readwedding for more details
Shut Up and Write
Beginning nearly 20 years ago, Shut Up and Write is now the world’s largest writing community, with meetups in over 60 countries. Combining social time and productivity, it follows a simple, set structure. First, you gather, meet other writers, grab a coffee. Then someone sets a timer for 45 minutes, during which there is no talking – only writing. This cycle of 45 minutes writing, 15 minutes chatting is repeated for as long as the group likes. They have about 10 meetups a week in Berlin in various neighbourhood cafes – Das Hoven, Cafe Peppe, The Social Hub, KASCHK – so you’ll find at least one that works for you.
- Various locations, more info
Writing Under the Influence
This meetup takes the old Hemingway quote, “Write drunk, edit sober,” to heart. They meet every Thursday at a bar, naturally, and let the beer and words flow freely. You can work on your own projects or make use of the provided inspiration sheets during 20-minute writing sprints. In between, chat to fellow writers and merge creative inspiration with a great night out. Write, drink and repeat to navigate that sweet spot of being tipsy and ideas spill onto the page. After all, whether it makes sense or not is tomorrow-you’s problem.
- Das Gift, Neukölln, more info
Berlin Fiction Circle
Strangers discussing literature in a candlelit backroom might sound like a writer’s wet dream, but this meetup is not for the faint-hearted. Berlin Fiction Circle is modelled on the structure of US creative writing programmes, so every two weeks, one writer submits a fictional text in advance. After they read it aloud, a facilitator leads a discussion in which the group offers positive feedback and constructive criticism. We’re telling you, it’s not easy to sit silently while people critique your work for two hours, but it is the most beneficial thing you can do to improve it. Plus, as a reader, it’s a lot of fun! Artful conversations ensue. You’ll meet writers from all over the world and gain insight into the literary gems from new friends.
- Bechereck, Neukölln, more info
I WRITE
At a slower pace, I WRITE frames itself as a quiet, cosy meetup for those who see writing as a way to recharge and process a long week. They create a gentle and welcoming space that includes a one-hour slot of silent writing, bookended by optional social or solo time. Like most of these meetups, it’s for all types of writing – academic, novels, journalling, poetry or those with no idea until their pen touches the page. If you don’t want the pressure of set topics, feedback or extrovert energy, this is the one for you.
- Iska Café, Schöneberg, more info
