Shut Up & Write!® Phoenix Metro

At Shut Up & Write we’ve discovered it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Whatever you’re writing—or dream of writing—you’re invited to join us. No one will see what you've written (unless you ask them to) or give you unsolicited advice. We’ve got resources to get you started, to keep you writing, and to help you stay on track.

LOCATION

First Draft Book Bar (inside Changing Hands-Phoenix)

300 W Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ 85013

Please note: Writing sessions are for adult writers only; there is no childcare available at the site.

COST

$5.00 (cash) per writer / per session (private room rental fee)

SCHEDULE

• Sign in, choose a seat (optional: purchase food/beverage)

• Silent writing (sessions vary from 1 hour to 1.5 hours)

• Post-writing chat. This is a great way to connect with other writers, discuss writing projects and hurdles, share recommendations, and participate in mini-workshops.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

• Your favorite writing tools (if you bring a laptop, be sure it's charged)

• $5.00 cash for room-fee

FOOD/BEVERAGES?

May be purchased at First Draft Book Bar. (No outside food or beverages permitted.)

WIFI?

Yes, First Draft Book Bar has free Wi-Fi.

PARKING?

Free parking is available at the site.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?

First Draft Book Bar is easily accessible via city bus or light rail.

At Shut Up & Write, we’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, poem, essay, dissertation, journal, resume, melody, or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice unless you ask for it from one writer to another.

Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. Meeting with other writers keeps you accountable for doing the actual writing and you become part of a writing community. If this sounds right to you, meet us at 5:30 pm on Thursday evenings. We look forward to having you Shut Up & Write!

SCHEDULE:
5:30 - Quick introductions/Announcements
5:45 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour
6:45 - Writing ends: Optional writing exercise starts
7:15 - Exercise ends

OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 7:30. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing.

BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer.

Third Thursday: As requested by group members, the third Thursday of each month, will be for an optional writing critique. We will provide a 30-minute period for one person each month, followed by our usual writing time.
To participate, please bring 8 copies of your writing, no more than 2,000 words. We will read in the order you signed up on Meetup. If more than one person would like critique feedback, they will be first on the list for the following month, followed by those in sign-up order. This is optional, one person per month for anyone who wants feedback on an area of their work. If you attend, please be prepared to provide constructive feedback that would be helpful to your fellow writer.

Happy writing, and I look forward to seeing you at La Madeleine Cafe!

What Should I Bring?
Whatever you need to be able to write!
Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons.
Please be sure your laptops are charged, as plugins are limited.

Other Important Details:
La Madeleine does have WiFi.
The closest parking is the lot to the east of Dick's Sporting Goods. La Madeleine Bakery & Cafe is located on Desert Sky Drive across the street from Bourbon & Bones Steakhouse
Our group will be in the private room in the back.
GUIDELINES: La Madeleine has graciously offered the use of their private back room for our meetups! Please be courteous and thank our hosts by purchasing a drink, a bakery item, or a meal.