The PARSA Shut Up and Write (SUAW) program has been run by students, for students, at ANU since 2012. Over the years it has helped hundreds of HDR students make progress in their degrees.
What is Shut Up and Write (SUAW) you ask?
PARSA shut up and Write Sessions are for you to get together on a regular basis and focus on short, intense bursts of productive writing in a supportive environment, using the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique involves writing in silence for 25 or 50 minutes bursts with regular five to ten-minute rests for coffee, snacks and chatting. Chatting is a good way to have a ‘brain break’, especially between intense periods of focus. Writers work on their own tasks – there are no set exercises or group work. This is a great way to share methods, successes, challenges, and opportunities as writers.
Read what the Thesis Whisperer says on how to Shut Up and Write works.
Shut Up and Write Sessions (Facilitated):
SUAW Facilitated Sessions are run by our trained SUAW facilitators. To keep the inspirational writing juices flowing, day sessions include lunch, and evenings include dinner. Come together in a supportive environment to work on your thesis using the Pomodoro Technique, and experience for yourself how much it can boost your productivity.
These sessions are limited to 24 spaces are open to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students (Masters students producing a thesis, PhD, Master of Philosophy). Coursework students and other postgraduates wishing to attend should email the SUAW Coordinator prior to registration. Early Career Academics and HDR students form other universities are welcome attend (subject to availability of spaces) but are not eligible for the complimentary meal.
Join our Shut Up and Write Facebook page or the Shut Up and Write Group to stay connected and up-to-date on all things Shut Up and Write!
All PARSA programs are committed to equality for all students. As a program of PARSA, Shut Up and Write believes that students have a right to feel safe and respected during our sessions. By registering for a SUAW session, you agree to undertake respectful behaviour towards all facilitators and students during the sessions.
To learn more, or for support services see:
Student Support
Gender Rights
As the SUAW sessions are catered we ask that all attendees provide notice if they can not make it. All food bookings are finalized 5 days in advance so early notice is preferred, though any notice is appreciated so a spot can be offered to another person. Anyone who persistently books and does not attend without notice may have their ability to attend future sessions suspended.
If you want to organize Shut Up and Write sessions at your college or accommodation buildings, please reach out to us for any support to parsa.suaw@anu.edu.au
PARSA Shut Up and Write In-Person Sessions
Our SUAW in-person sessions are back! The SUAW sessions will be held every Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm at the ANU Union Bar Cafe on Rimmer Street. Free lunch will be provided to each participant that attends at least half of a session.
Registration is required as the number is capped in each session. Due to dietary requirements, please register before the registration deadline. If you know you can not attend please email parsa.suaw@anu.edu.au as soon as possible.
April Sessions
5| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Wednesday morning session
6| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Thursday evening session
12| PARSA Postgraduate Writing Program presents: HDR Botanical Gardens Writing Retreat
13| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Thursday evening session
14| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Friday morning session
19| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Wednesday morning session
20| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Thursday evening session
21| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Friday morning session
26| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Wednesday morning session
27| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Thursday evening session
28| PARSA Shut Up And Write, Friday morning session