Newstead Writers Group: Let’s Shut Up and Write!

Supported through an RTC Community Grant

Coordinated in 2026 by
Leni Shilton,
Laurel Freeland,
Paula Durance,
Chris Johnston

Get writing in company

Do you sometimes wish you had others around when you write? To keep you motivated or focused? Provide quiet company? Share in the solidarity of the joy (or chore) of writing?

Well wait no longer! Come along to the Newstead Writers group and be part of our informal monthly ‘shut up and write’ sessions on the 4th Friday of every month at the Newstead Arts Hub 1-5pm.

Our writing sessions seek to create a shared space for quiet focused writing as well as a chance to catch up with other writers during scheduled breaks. Writers participating are working on poetry, novels, creative non-fiction, children’s literature, essays and more. No need to book, just turn up (at 1pm or whenever you can get there) with your writing gear – notebook, tablet, laptop – and get going. There are tables and chairs ready to go at the Hub plus coffee, tea and herbals available.

In case you like to plan the whole year, here are our 2026 Friday dates: 27 February, 27 March, 24 April, 22 May, 26 June, 24 July, 28 August, 25 September, 23 October, 27 November.

During the year, three local writers will talk about their ‘Writing Life’ at our regular ticketed Friday evening events at the Newstead Arts Hub from 6-7.30pm, following SUAW sessions.

Don’t miss Deborah Wardle, on 24 April, Christie Nieman on 27 August, and Janice Simpson on 22 October.

Our 27 November special evening will again be Writers Read: a chance for you to come and read from your writing.

All welcome. Gold coin or note donation appreciated at our Shut Up And Write sessions.

Bookings required for The Writing Life.

Header image: Matt Artz, Unsplash.com