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International Writing Community “Shut Up & Write!” Launches Upstate SC Chapter in Greenville
Bi-weekly writing gatherings offer community, momentum for writers across the region
Greenville, SC — Writers across Upstate South Carolina will soon have a new place to gather, focus, and simply do what the name says: write.
A new Upstate chapter of Shut Up & Write!, the 150,000+ member global writing community that hosts free writing sessions around the world, will launch its first gathering on Thursday, May 14, at The Brand Leader Studios in Greenville. The group will meet bi-weekly from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is open to writers of all levels and genres.
Greenville joins a growing international network of writing communities designed to help writers overcome isolation and build momentum through shared writing sessions.
The Upstate chapter will be hosted by Geoff Wasserman, founder and CEO of The Brand Leader, and Rich Hefty, Director of Copy for The Brand Leader.
Shut Up & Write! sessions (https://www.shutupwrite.com/) help writers overcome procrastination by gathering together for focused writing time. Participants briefly introduce themselves, set writing goals, and then work independently in silence before reconnecting afterward. Unlike traditional writing workshops, there is no critique or feedback required. It is simply dedicated time to write.
“For many writers, the hardest part is not the craft. It’s simply showing up consistently,” said Wasserman. “But sometimes the very first step is the hardest of all. This is also for the person who has always felt there is a book in them or creativity waiting to come out, but they’re not sure how to begin. Sometimes you just need a door to walk through. A place to sit down, open a laptop or notebook, and start.”
Wasserman first discovered the organization on a trip to Montreal with his wife, Amy, also a writer. Inspired by its inclusive format, they knew immediately the Upstate needed a chapter.
The Greenville group becomes only the second Shut Up & Write! chapter in South Carolina, joining an existing chapter in Columbia.
For Wasserman and Hefty, launching the chapter is also a way to give back to the writing community that has long been part of their professional lives. For nearly three decades, The Brand Leader has collaborated with writers across the Upstate as freelancers, journalists, content strategists, and authors.
“The Upstate is home to so many talented writers,” said Hefty. “Seasoned pros, stay-at-home parents, aspiring authors, would-be poets — this group is for all of them. No matter who they are, writers want to write. Unfortunately, most of us are pretty good at finding reasons not to. No time. No inspiration. No space. No coffee. The whole point of this group is to remove excuses, reclaim some time, and offer an hour-long retreat where anyone who wants to can work on their craft in the company of fellow writers.”
Wasserman, himself an author and longtime ghostwriter, says the group is not about critique or instruction.
“It’s simply about showing up. Writers bring whatever they’re working on. Novels, articles, scripts, research, or simply journaling. Then they spend dedicated time making progress.”
Sessions are relaxed and welcoming, with optional conversation before and after writing periods.
“Writing is often solitary work,” Wasserman added. “But it doesn’t have to be lonely.”
The group is open to local writers as well as members of other Shut Up & Write! Who may be traveling through the Upstate.
Event Details
Event: Shut Up & Write! Upstate South Carolina Launch Gathering
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Brand Leader Studios, 920 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609
Frequency: Bi-weekly
Hosts: Rich Hefty & Geoff Wasserman
Writers interested in attending are encouraged to bring a laptop, a notebook, or whatever they typically use to write.
RSVP: To reserve your spot or get more information, email rich@thebrandleader.com.
More information about the global Shut Up & Write! community can be found at shutupwrite.com.
Media Contact Geoff Wasserman
Founder & CEO, The Brand Leader
Geoff@thebrandleader.com
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