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Shut Up and Write! 

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Live EventPay What You Wish / FreeShut Up and Write!Special Event

Writing is often treated as something you do alone. The Wheeler Centre offers an alternative: write alongside others, without comparison or competition. 

Over the years, the phrase ‘shut up and write’ has travelled widely. What began as a simple, practical mantra has become a global movement embraced by writers seeking focus, accountability and a sense of shared purpose. At its heart is a straightforward idea: set aside distractions, gather in a welcoming space and dedicate time to the page. 

Shut Up and Write! sessions at The Wheeler Centre are open to writers of all kinds – from novelists and poets to academics, journalists and anyone keen to get words on the page. No critiquing and no pressure to share your work. Instead, the emphasis is on carving out protected time to write within a supportive community. 

Whether you’re starting something new or returning to a long-awaited draft, these sessions offer structure, camaraderie and the quiet motivation that comes from writing together. 

Hosted by Xanthea O’Connor.

Event and Ticketing Details

Dates & Times

Saturday 27 June
10.00am - 12.00pm
1.00 - 3.00pm

Tickets

$0.00
Registration 

Tickets are free, but registrations are required.

Location

The Wheeler Centre

176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

Get directions

Accessibility

Accessible toilets available

Registered Assistance Animals welcome

Wheelchair accessible

Additional Notes

This event follows the Shut Up & Write!® methodology. 

The Wheeler Centre’s Shut Up and Write! sessions do not include read-alouds, feedback or teaching. 

This is intentional. Removing critique and instruction keeps the space accessible, especially for writers who are early in a project, returning after time away or working on something personal. The Wheeler Centre will appoint a staff member to host each session and guide the structure. The Wheeler Centre hosts are not writing coaches, editors or evaluators, and cannot provide advice on getting your work published.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to publish your work or advice on other writing-related matters, we recommend reviewing the resources available through Writers Victoria or Australian Society of Authors.  

How a session runs:

  • Introductions and housekeeping: 5 minutes
  • Share your writing intentions with neighbours: 5 minutes 
  • Writing sprint 1: 25 minutes
  • Break: 5 minutes
  • Writing sprint 2: 25 minutes
  • Break: 5 minutes
  • Writing sprint 3: 25 minutes
  • Break: 5 minutes
  • Writing sprint 4: 25 minutes
  • Debrief and close: 5 minutes

Tea and coffee will be available throughout the session. Quiet background music will play during the writing sprints to help with focus. If you prefer silence, bring headphones or earplugs. Quiet tables will be positioned at the front of the room for those who prefer not to chat between sprints.