Our History: The Birth of Shut Up & Write!
Shut Up & Write! was the catalyst for the inception of Writing Partners, rooted in the passion and determination of its founder, Rennie Saunders. Driven by a deep love for writing and a desire to create a supportive community for fellow writers, Rennie recognized the transformative power of setting aside dedicated time for focused writing sessions. 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 in silence.
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.
As Shut Up & Write! gained momentum, its impact became evident. Participants reported increased productivity, a sense of accountability, and the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals who understood the writing journey. These sessions became more than just a space for writing; they became a haven for camaraderie and inspiration.
Recognizing the profound effect of the initiative, Rennie saw an opportunity to expand its reach and impact. This led to the birth of Writing Partners, a nonprofit organization built upon the principles of intentional connection and empathy embodied by the Shut Up & Write! community.
Today, Shut Up & Write! stands as the flagship initiative of Writing Partners. It continues to thrive as a community-driven movement, with sessions happening in coffee shops, libraries, and online spaces around the world. Shut Up & Write! sessions provide a sanctuary for writers to find solace, focus, and support within a welcoming community of fellow creatives.
The success and growth of Shut Up & Write! serve as a testament to the power of intentional connections and the value of creative endeavors. Writing Partners is proud to carry forward the legacy of Shut Up & Write!, intertwining its story with the broader mission of fostering creative communities and making a positive impact on the world through intentional connection.
As we reflect on our history, we celebrate the countless writers who have found inspiration, encouragement, and a sense of belonging within the Shut Up & Write! community. Together, we continue to nurture the creative spirit, empower individuals, and build a world where writing and intentional connection flourish.
The Shut Up & Write! Method
Step 1: Connect and Collaborate
Connect with other people who want to write, either in your local community or online, with the goal of forming a supportive writing group.
Before you create a new group, see if you can join an existing one that works for you.
Create a safe and encouraging environment where writers can make meaningful progress on their projects, share their struggles, and celebrate their successes.
Step 2: Select a Space to Write
Choose a suitable writing space that minimizes distractions and allows you to focus on your writing.
If meeting in-person, consider quiet cafes, libraries, or dedicated writing spaces.
If meeting online, try to create a distraction-free environment that tells your mind it’s time to write.
Step 3: Create a Regular Time to Write
Set a recurring schedule for your sessions. Consistency is key to forming a strong writing habit.
Start with hour-long writing sessions and build in time before and after for social connection, but remain open to finding the duration that works best for you and your fellow writers.
Step 4: Set Achievable Goals
Before each session, define specific writing goals for yourself. This could be hitting a word count, completing a scene, or making progress on a project.
Share your goals with the group at the beginning of the session, fostering a sense of accountability and support.
Step 5: Write Without Distractions
When the writing session starts, silence all notifications and put aside any distractions.
Encourage all participants to focus solely on their writing during the designated time.
Write continuously for the duration of the session. Our method also allows for other techniques like the Pomodoro method, with short breaks in between focused writing sprints.
Step 6: Don't Edit While You Write
Embrace the idea of creating a rough draft without worrying about perfection.
Make sure not to edit while you write. If you are using a session to write, just write. If you are using a session to edit, just edit.
Step 7: Reflect and Celebrate
At the end of the session, take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished during the writing time.
Share your progress with the group, celebrating both big and small wins.
Step 8: Stay Engaged and Supportive
Interact with each other during times at the event when you are not writing.
Keep the momentum going between sessions by staying engaged with the writing community.
Share resources, writing tips, and inspiration to help each other grow as writers.
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Your support is vital in helping us continue our mission of facilitating and cultivating creative communities. Your generosity enables us to expand our initiatives, reach more people, and make a lasting impact. Donate today and be a part of the transformative power of creative endeavors.