About Shut Up & Write!

What is Shut Up & Write?

Shut Up & Write!, or SUAW, is an international writing community that provides the tools and support for writers to get their writing done. Our organizers host free events for writers all over the world. We are an initiative of Writing Partners, a nonprofit organization based in California dedicated to facilitating and cultivating creative communities worldwide.

How long has Shut Up & Write! existed? How did it get started?

Shut Up & Write! was started in San Francisco, CA by Rennie Saunders, a science fiction writer who liked the idea of using group support and accountability to help him stay motivated. In 2007, Rennie took the first step by organizing a small gathering of writers in a local café, inviting them to join in the experience of writing together.

Word quickly spread about these unique sessions, and what began as a small gathering blossomed into a movement. Shut Up & Write! became a beloved platform in 60 countries where writers of all backgrounds and skill levels could come together, share their passion, and nurture their creativity. The emphasis was not on critique or competition, but on the simple act of showing up and dedicating time to the craft.

What is a Shut Up & Write! event?

Shut Up & Write! events, or “Shut Up & Writes!,” are hosted either in-person or online. Whether our writers meet in a local cafe or over a video call, the goal of a Shut Up & Write! is for writers to support each other by writing together quietly at a set time and place. Writers do not share their work or conduct critiques; the goal of our events is to foster productivity, creativity, and connection. All of our events share our reliable format of checking in before and after your writing time.

Do people ever read their work aloud afterwards?

As our name implies, our writers get together to simply “Shut Up & Write!” While we always socialize before and afterwards, we do not schedule time for read-alouds or critiques. There's no pressure to show your work to anyone after a writing session—we focus on productivity.

I'm interested in a specific type of writing (memoir, non-fiction, academic, etc)— is Shut Up & Write! a good fit for me?

Yes, absolutely. Shut Up & Write! helps anyone make progress on any writing project. Our writers work on screenplays, novels, short stories, poems, school essays, memoirs, blog posts, dissertations… you get the idea. Members come to our events to focus on their writing with no pressure, only encouragement and support.

I'm a complete beginner and don't even have a current writing project. Is it still okay if I attend?

Yes! Shut Up & Write! is for writers of all skill levels, at any stage of the writing process. Because our events are spent quietly writing, no one will judge or critique you. It's a great place to write, edit, or simply outline some ideas for something you've always been wanting to write about.

In-Person Events

What happens at an in-person Shut Up & Write?

At our in-person events, writers of all genres meet up at a location of the organizer's choosing—usually a place like a coffee shop. The event starts by everyone introducing themselves and saying what they will be working on. Then the organizer sets a timer for an hour and tells everyone to “Shut Up & Write!” After a period of focused writing, the organizer calls time, and everyone briefly shares what they accomplished during the session. That's it! Members are welcome to stay and socialize after time is called, which can be a great way to meet other writers and discuss the craft. But primarily, our events are about making a regular commitment to writing and enjoying the support of others doing the same.

What should I bring to an in-person Shut Up & Write?

Bring whatever you prefer to write with: your laptop, iPad, or even pen and paper. Sometimes in-person locations are noisy, so we recommend bringing headphones to minimize distractions. Power outlets and WiFi are not always available, so please plan accordingly.

There aren't any events near me. Will someone please start one?

The best way to get an event near you is to apply to start your own! It's a great way to commit to your writing and help others do the same.

What do you think—are you interested? If so, you can apply to be an organizer here. Please note that we require our applicants to have attended at least one Shut Up & Write! event before applying to host their own.

Online Events

What can I expect from a Shut Up & Write! online event?

Our online event format is very similar to our in-person format. At a featured online event, expect a quick round of introductions, then an hour of writing, with optional socializing afterwards. Some of our organizers choose to host longer online events, as we do allow some flexibility with the online format. However, a featured online event will always have one hour of writing time.

What equipment and software do I need to attend an online event?

Our online events are hosted via Zoom or other similar video platforms, based on the choice of the event host. For Zoom events, you'll need a computer capable of running Zoom, a stable internet connection, and a Zoom account.

You can download Zoom here.

Do I need to pay for Zoom to attend an online event?

No. As long as you are registered with Zoom, you may attend our online events free of charge for the full duration of the event.

User Accounts

My username and password aren't working / I can't log in to my account.

Sorry to hear that! If you are unable to access your account, email questions@shutupwrite.com and we will help resolve the issue. Our help desk is available Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm Pacific time.

I have an account on Meetup. Can I use my Meetup login information here?

Our platform at shutupwrite.com is independent from meetup.com, so you will need to create a separate account for this site. Your meetup.com username and password will not work on shutupwrite.com.

Organizing Events

What does becoming an organizer entail?

If you'd like to apply to become an organizer, we first ask that you attend a Shut Up & Write! event so you're familiar with our format. You'll apply using our online form, and schedule a video interview with one of our staff members. If your application is approved, we'll help you set up your event listings, and you can start hosting!

What are the benefits of being an organizer?

It's a great way to commit to your writing and connect with other writers in your area. It's also a lot of fun! Organizers make a real difference in their communities, and enjoy being part of a movement bigger than just a single writing group.

What is the time commitment for being an organizer?

It takes less than two hours a week to plan and host a regular Shut Up & Write! event. We do ask that our organizers check their email and promptly respond to anything related to their event.

How do I apply to be an organizer?

Get started with the organizer application process here.

I have another question that isn't listed here.

Reach out to us at questions@shutupwrite.com.