For most writers the activity of writing is often a lonely journey. Writing is that solitary activity where the creator disappears into the world of their topic. For many writers, this is simply part of the creative process.
But then what happens when you get stuck? How do you break out of that rut? Or how do you stop procrastination from sneaking in when you know you want to be writing?
Did you know there is an organization whose mission it is to help writers? They provide their resources for free, eliminating any barriers to entry. Shut Up & Write was started in 2007 and has grown into a vibrant organization with chapters around the world.
“Shut Up & Write! was created by science fiction writer Rennie Saunders, who recognized that many writers struggle to maintain a consistent writing routine. He launched the first chapter at Crossroads Cafe, committing to a weekly meeting with one simple rule: Shut Up and Write! This straightforward approach quickly resonated with writers looking for support and accountability.
The mission of Shut Up & Write! is to provide everyone with the resources, tools, and methodology to create inclusive and supportive writing groups. The organization believes that writing is for everyone and that fostering a culture of community, accountability, and encouragement helps individuals develop sustainable writing habits.” Source: Shut up and write website.
There is also no gatekeeping- if there is not a chapter right near you and you want to start one, the process is pretty simple with the organization. First, attend and event somewhere so that you can get a feel for how it works. And then apply to start your own through Shut Up & Write. This simple format has worked well for the organization, with over 100,000 members in over 60 countries.
How does it work?
All Shut and Write groups are set up with a simple premise. The group meets (either in a physical location or virtually). There is a simple process for the meeting:
Gather: Each person introduces themself and briefly shares what they are working on.
Write: Everyone Shuts Up and Writes for 60 minutes.
Repeat: Each person shares how their writing went.
It is up to each individual to share as much or as little as they want. No one is editing your work or auditing your work. It’s a safe space for writers. You are simply gathering together in a place (virtual or physical) to be in community with other writers working on their individual projects.
It’s surprisingly effective- when distractions are eliminated, there is little between the writer and their notebook or keyboard. It’s amazing what can happen when you put yourself in a focused place where it is just you and the writing.
I’ve been attending Shut Up and Write events for over 18 months and running a group for the last four months. New attendees are often surprised by just how much writing they get done. It’s pretty magical.
Where do you meet?
Locations are often third spaces that are happy to host groups. Independent restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, etc. Particularly for small businesses, attendees often choose to support the location as well by purchasing something, although this is not required. The key is finding a location where it is mutually beneficial for the writers and the location. And of course there are virtual options as well.
How do I find a group near me?
There are really two main ways to find a local group- the main Shut Up & Write website or Meetup.com. Not all groups are Meetup so we recommend the main website for searching for the most comprehensive results.
Happy writing!