The SUAW Method in Practice
Shut Up & Write!’s approach to writing sessions is built on one simple truth: writing thrives in community. Our method is easy to follow, highly adaptable, and welcoming to writers of all levels and backgrounds. As an organizer, your primary job is to facilitate this structure so writers can focus on their work. Here’s the complete step-by-step SUAW method you’ll use when hosting a session:
Connect and Collaborate: Start by gathering people who want to write. This could mean inviting friends, coworkers, or strangers via our platform. The key is community – even if it’s just two people, you’ve created a writing team.
Select a Space to Write: Choose a setting conducive to focused work. For in-person meetups, this might be a quiet café, library, or any comfortable public spot. For online sessions, it means setting up a virtual meeting room (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). The space should feel safe and distraction-free.
Create a Regular Time to Write: Consistency is crucial. Decide on a regular schedule (e.g. every Tuesday at 6 PM). When writers know an event is reliably happening at a set time, it becomes easier for them to build it into their routine.
Set Achievable Goals: At the start of each session, encourage everyone (including yourself) to set a small, achievable writing goal for that hour. It might be “draft 500 words” or “outline the next section.” The point is to give direction to the hour without pressure – goals can be big or small, as long as they are concrete.
Write Without Distractions: Once goals are set and the session starts, it’s quiet writing time. Everyone shuts off distractions—no phone alerts, no unrelated chatting. As the organizer, you lead by example here: you also shut up and write. If the event is in-person, you might put up a little “Shut Up & Write – Quiet in Progress” sign or simply enjoy the collective silence. Online, remind participants to mute their mics and close other tabs.
Don’t Edit While You Write: This is a gentle principle we encourage. Writing time is for writing, not editing or critiquing. It helps participants keep momentum and get words on the page. You can share this tip at the beginning: “Don’t worry about typos or perfect sentences during the hour. Just get it down – you can revise later.” It’s amazing how freeing this can be.
Reflect and Celebrate: When the timer goes off after, say, 60 minutes, everyone stops writing. Now it’s time for a brief check-in. Go around (or invite responses in chat for online) and let each person share what they accomplished or how it went. This isn’t about bragging – it’s about acknowledging any progress, whether it’s “I wrote three pages” or “I only wrote a few lines, but I solved a plot issue.” Applaud or congratulate each person briefly. The idea is to end on a note of accomplishment and mutual support.
Stay Engaged and Supportive: After the focused writing and quick sharing, encourage a bit of informal socializing or Q&A. Often a few people will linger to chat about what they’re working on, swap tips, or just socialize. This optional social time can really solidify friendships and the sense of community. Make it clear it’s optional – those who need to leave can, but those who want to connect further are welcome to stick around. As people depart, thank them for coming and invite them back next time. Consistent encouragement will turn first-timers into regulars.
By following these steps, you help create a reliable ritual that writers can depend on week after week. Now that you know the SUAW method, it’s time to dive into the nuts and bolts of setting up your event so writers can find it.