I am now an event organizer for Shut Up & Write!
In the Before Times, I used to attend two Shut Up & Write groups that met in cafes in San Francisco. Since the pandemic trapped me at home, I’ve been attending various SU&W groups over Zoom. As strange as it sounds, it is surprisingly motivating to have a screen filled with other writers working, even if we’re scattered around the world. I feel like, if as long as they’re working, I should be, too.
Now I’ve volunteered to host my own Shut Up & Write session.
Please come join me every Tuesday morning at 10 AM PST, if you’d like to have a couple hours of peace to yourself or if you have something to get out of your system or if, by any chance, you are working on a novel. All are welcome, as long as you’re willing to put your head down and bang out some words. If you like, I will give you a gold star just for showing up.
Last week, only three of us showed up to write. That was okay: we got some work done and felt virtuous.
It would be more fun with more people. I’m just saying.
The RSVP link: https://www.meetup.com/shutupandwriteonlineevents/events/vdggdsycccbzb/
The description:
Staying at home to do your civic duty during the COVID-19 pandemic? Join us via Zoom for a couple of hours of writing from the comfort of your own home.
I’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with others, even if we’re all just hanging out online together. See if it’s true for you at 10AM Pacific time on Tuesday mornings.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. Don’t worry, no one will see what you’ve written or give you unsolicited advice.
SCHEDULE:
10:00 – Quick introductions
10:15 – Timer starts: write until noon
12:00 – The End: chat, take off, or keep writing
WHAT DO I NEED?
A computer with working camera and microphone, a good internet connection, and optionally, headphones or earbuds. Also, an idea of what project you’d like to spend your time on.
OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Technical difficulties are part and parcel of getting together online.
If you’ve never used your computer for an online meeting, take a few minutes before we meet to familiarize yourself with how to use Zoom by reviewing the below tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VebiA5pGq0
If you run into technical issues, remember that this is the time you’ve carved out for yourself and your writing. Whether or not you are able to join our online meet-up, go ahead and get your writing started, then leave a comment below to let us know how it went for you.
In addition:
I’m hosting Creative Support, a non-Shut Up & Write group for writers and artists, on Zoom on Wednesdays from 10 am to noon PST. The format is more or less the same: a few minutes to check in at the beginning, then two hours of silent, self-directed creation.
If you’d rather join that group, drop me a note through this contact form and I’ll send you the link.
