Through collaborative discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing, we will explore the varied impacts of writing in community — from improving mental health to building researchers’ resilience. Together, we will strengthen the future of Shut Up & Write! as a global movement, rooted in the ethos that we thrive best when we write together.
This year, the Community in Writing Symposium travels to Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, bringing together Shut Up & Write! organizers, researchers, and academic leaders from around the world.
Under the theme Writing Together, Thriving Together, we explore how communal writing spaces not only foster greater productivity but also support personal wellbeing, reduce isolation, create a sense of belonging, and promote a more sustainable academic life.
Professor Pat Thomson PSM PhD FAcSS is a leading education researcher specializing in arts-rich and socially just learning environments. She is widely recognized for her contributions to academic writing and doctoral education, particularly through her influential blog, patter (patthomson.net). Pat has supervised more than 60 PhD candidates and has authored numerous books.
Professor Inger Mewburn is the Director of Researcher Development at The Australian National University, but she is better known as @Thesiswhisperer on the internet. Aside from running workshops for ANU researchers, she creates new posts on the thesiswhisperer.com, writes scholarly papers, and authors books about writing.
Tyler Shores is the Head of the ThinkLab Program at the University of Cambridge, housed within the Strategic Partnership Office. His research explores reading habits, digital distractions, social media, and digital wellbeing. In addition to his academic work, Tyler plays an active role in supporting Shut Up & Write!’s academic initiatives, serving as a key collaborator and advocate for building sustainable writing communities within higher education.
Vice-Chancellor Professorial Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University, Narelle is a researcher, writer, positive psychology coach, and creative with a passion for helping people flourish. She’s known for her work in self-care and positive ripple effects. Narelle is a key collaborator with Shut Up & Write!, where she champions the role of intentional community and self-care in academic writing.
Dr Jonathan O'Donnell is a Lecturer in the Researcher Development Academy at Deakin University, where he supports early and mid-career researchers in advancing their academic careers. As co-founder of The Research Whisperer blog, he offers practical advice on research funding, academic writing, and research culture. Jonathan recently completed his PhD focused on crowdfunding as a research funding mechanism in Australian universities. His work emphasizes building supportive academic communities and exploring innovative funding strategies
Dr Tseen Khoo is an Associate Professor, Researcher Development (EMCR), with the Researcher Development Academy, Deakin University. She researches in the field of critical university studies and has published on early career researcher experiences, digital academic identities, and racial diversity issues. Tseen created and runs the internationally recognised researcher development and research culture blog, The Research Whisperer with her colleague Jonathan O’Donnell.
Aaron Bolzle is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Writing Partners, the non-profit organization behind Shut Up & Write!. Under his leadership, Shut Up & Write! has grown into a vast global network, supporting writers of all genres through meaningful community-building worldwide. Previously, he was the founding Executive Director of Tulsa Remote, where he led one of the most ambitious talent-attraction programs in history, focused on economic development through community and belonging.
Dr Rosey Chang is a Lecturer in Graduate Researcher Development with the Researcher Development Academy, Deakin University. Rosey is a researcher, educator, developer, writer, and community builder. She has published in researcher and academic development, innovative curriculum, and mindfulness science. Rosey’s recent PhD research explores experiences of writing, including everyday anxieties, through the lens of mindfulness.
Shut Up & Write!® began as a simple idea: to help writers find focus and motivation through community. What started in cafes and libraries has grown into a global nonprofit supporting hundreds of thousands of writers across disciplines and backgrounds. With that growth, Shut Up & Write! has taken root in academic institutions around the world, offering students, researchers, graduate students, and PhD candidates a structured, supportive space to build sustainable writing habits. Our model is a powerful tool for improving both productivity and wellbeing, helping scholars make progress in their work while feeling less isolated in the process.
The Community in Writing Symposium brings together people who are passionate about Shut Up & Write!, communal writing, and the transformational effects of showing up to write together. It’s a chance to build intentional, lasting connections among the global champions of SUAW, including university staff, writing facilitators, researchers, and thought leaders. More than an event, the symposium is a braintrust where we can share experiences, surface new ideas, and shape the future of Shut Up & Write! in ways that reflect the needs of those we serve.
Set on Collins Street in Melbourne’s lively Docklands, Deakin Downtown surrounds our two-day symposium with everything delegates need in easy reach—Southern Cross Station and multiple tram lines for effortless arrivals, plenty of cafés and riverside dining for informal networking breaks, and a wide choice of nearby hotels for staying overnight.
Day-of registration opens at 8:30 am in the foyer outside our main event suite, with sessions beginning at 9 am each morning.
We've worked with Le Méridian to provide a special rate for our attendees. Rooms start at $245 AUD (~$160 USD) and include breakfast and wifi. Please use the link below to book. The discounted rate is available October 4-8. The last day to book is September 4, but book early to ensure availability. Bookings can be canceled up to 30 days before without penalty.
Deakin University
As a top-200 global institution (QS #197, 2025; U.S. News #177, 2024-25), Deakin blends world-class research strength with an ethos of industry engagement and social impact. Its Melbourne Docklands campus gives our gathering both academic gravitas and unrivaled city access, underscoring Deakin’s reputation for innovation, student support and graduate employability.
The Whisper Collective
A grassroots network of academic “Whisperers” who demystify research life for scholars worldwide. Led by Professor Inger Mewburn (Thesis Whisperer), Associate Professor Tseen Khoo and Dr Jonathan O’Donnell (Research Whisperer), and Professor Narelle Lemon (Wellbeing Whisperer), the collective curates blogs, podcasts and events such as Whisperfest, offering practical advice on writing, funding, wellbeing and career development to tens of thousands of researchers. Their collaborative spirit, and long-standing ties to Shut Up & Write!, make them an ideal knowledge partner for our community-driven symposium.
Writing Partners is the San Francisco-based nonprofit organization supporting the Shut Up & Write! initiative. We are committed to facilitating and cultivating creative communities worldwide that foster intentional connections. We strive to provide opportunities to engage in regular creative endeavors that nurture personal growth and a sense of belonging.