Shut Up & Write! Ghent: Finding Focus Together

By Marta and Vanessa

Writing is often described as a solitary pursuit. Yet many writers know that the hardest part is not finding ideas: it is finding the focus, discipline and motivation to sit down and write. That is exactly where we come in.

Hosted by Marta and Vanessa, Shut Up & Write! Ghent offers a welcoming space where writers of all genres, ages, and experience levels can simply do what they love: write.

For several years now, the group has become a valued part of Ghent's writing community by providing regular sessions throughout the month across the city. Writers can join Thursday evening sessions at De Krook City Library, Sunday afternoon sessions at Zebrastraat and sessions on Saturday mornings at Worlds' End. This variety makes it easier for busy writers to find a time that fits their schedule, or simply to dedicate more time to writing!

After each session, participants are welcome to stay for a chat, exchange experiences, discuss challenges or simply celebrate a productive writing session together.

Writing Marathon

One of the highlights of the Shut Up & Write! Ghent calendar is the occasional writing marathon. What started as an idea for one exceptional writing session has become an event that is now held four times a year due to its popularity and success!

The marathons are extended sessions that give writers the opportunity to immerse themselves in their projects for an entire day. Unlike a regular session, which typically includes two to three hours of writing time, the marathon gives participants the opportunity to enjoy seven hours of focused writing. A communal lunch break at noon provides a welcome moment to connect, share experiences, and talk about the joys and challenges of the writing process.

This year, two out of the four marathons have taken place at a unique spot in the heart of Ghent: Bookz & Booze. It's not your typical local bookstore! The owner, Ief Stuyvaert, believes that every exceptional book deserves a signature drink. He pairs a Russian classic with a Flemish vodka, a thriller with a blood-red wine, or a hefty novel with a peated whisky. You can choose from the quirky selection of books, graphic novels and comics along with their matching drinks.

The relaxed atmosphere and inspiring surroundings make it an ideal venue for spending hours immersed in words. And so last May, more than 25 writers gathered together to soak up inspiration and work on their projects. Throughout the day, participants alternated focused writing sessions with well-earned breaks, making use of both the sunny terrace and the cozy writing cellar. The atmosphere was one of quiet concentration, mutual encouragement, and creative energy. Whether working on novels, short stories, poetry, or personal projects, everyone left with new words on the page and fresh inspiration for their writing journey.

For anyone

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Shut Up & Write! Ghent is its accessibility. Participation is completely free, and everyone is welcome. There are no membership requirements, no publication credits needed, and no expectations beyond a willingness to write.

Attendees just need to bring a laptop, notebook, or pen and paper. The rest is taken care of by Marta and Vanessa, along with the welcoming writing locations that host these sessions.

This environment helps writers overcome procrastination, build consistent habits, and make meaningful progress on projects that might otherwise remain unfinished. It is proof that sometimes the best way to support writers is not to talk about writing at all: but simply to write together.

Living in Ghent and want to participate?

If you have a story waiting to be told, a manuscript gathering dust or even a long-overdue letter that needs to be finished, why not join the next session? Bring your work, find a seat and discover how much you can accomplish when you simply Shut Up & Write!

You can find the full calendar of writing sessions, photos and more on the Shut Up & Write! Ghent social media pages and the group page on the Shut Up & Write! website.