Shut Up & Write! — Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library (in-person)

Tuesdays at 6:30 PM • Main Reading Room by the Printers
Make time for your writing—quietly, together.
Shut Up & Write! is a global community that supports writers in overcoming procrastination, quieting their inner critic, and making steady progress on any project. I first came to Shut Up & Write! to do grad school work and loved connecting with others through their writing projects. So whether you’re working on a novel, dissertation, blog, poem, script, memoir, song lyrics, journaling, or any creative or academic project, you’re welcome here!

Where to Meet
Join us in the Main Reading Room of the Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. Look for the table sign marked “Shut Up & Write.” Go towards the Reference Desk and Printers.
What to Bring
Bring your laptop, tablet, notebook, or anything you prefer to write with. Stay close at the desks or spread out all over the library and write at their fireplace, or at the desks with the giant windows looking out, and other choice writing spots in the library. Drinking beverages is allowed in the library but not eating.
If you don’t have materials, we’ve got you covered—paper, pens, and writing supplies will be provided. A laptop kiosk with Dell Precision notebooks is available for in-house use with a library card, perfect for writers who need access to a computer with Microsoft Office.
Printing
Writers may use the library’s two large color printers to print drafts, outlines, or notes during or after the session (up to $5 free printing per day with your library card). https://sonomalibrary.org/join/getacard

6:30–6:40 PM — Introductions
Settle in, meet the group, and (optionally) share what you plan to work on.
6:40–7:40 PM — Focused Writing Time
A quiet, structured hour dedicated solely to writing. No distractions, no critique—just progress.
7:40–7:50 PM — Check-In
A brief, optional discussion to talk about how the session went. No one reads or shares their writing aloud.

Shut Up & Write! sessions are relaxed, supportive, and judgment-free. Everyone writes separately but together, creating a collective atmosphere of focus and motivation. Drop in any week—no registration required. If you need books on writing or any other resources, we can conveniently find it within reach!
Resource Link: Autobiography & Memoir Writing Books at Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library
For writers seeking inspiration, structure, or practical guidance during Shut Up & Write!, the Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library offers a curated selection of books on autobiography authorship, memoir craft, and personal narrative writing.
Browse the collection here:
https://sonoma.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=%22Authorship%22&searchType=subject&locale=en-US&f_FORMAT=BK&f_FICTION_TYPE=NONFICTION&f_STATUS=ROHN&f_AUDIENCE=adult
This subject search includes titles such as:

• Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create — Elissa Altman
• Memoir Writing — Ryan G. Van Cleave
• Write It All Down — Cathy Rentzenbrink
• The Story Cure — Dinty W. Moore
• The Art of Memoir — Mary Karr
• Your Life Is a Book — Brenda Peterson
• The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Nonfiction
• Crafting the Personal Essay — Dinty W. Moore
• And many more

These materials are available at the Rohnert Park branch and can offer valuable encouragement and direction as you develop your own writing project.