KENT, Conn.— “The writer is an explorer. Every step is in advance into a new land.”
So wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A group of a half dozen women do just that—explore creative new land through the art of writing—once a week when they meet to “Shut Up & Write!”
With their instruments of choice—laptop, notebook, and pen or pencil—in hand or at their fingertips, the women gather every Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to delve into their artistic passion.
The group, Shut Up & Write! Litchfield County, is organized through MeetUp.com.
It began meeting two years at a local café, where members had a space to relax, get to know one another and, most importantly, write.
In more recent times, the group calls 45 On Main – Coffee, Chocolate & Creamery home, where they can purchase coffee, breakfast fare and settle into the cozy tables with chairs and banquette seating and direct their attention to what they love, writing.
“It holds me accountable,” coach Constance Matson, of Kent, said of her participation in the weekly group.
“It’s an easy way to meet people” while simultaneously focusing her attention on her craft, said Matson, who is working on both a book and a workbook.
Participants come from all creative backgrounds and work on variety of writing projects, including dissertations, short stories, flash fiction, journaling and more.
Bridgewater resident Amie Walston discovered the group online while looking to connect with fellow writers and has remained involved since its beginning.
She said one of the benefits of being part of the group is being “social, rather than being an isolated writer.”
Her latest project is transcribing her journals and finding online platforms that seek what she produces – works about self-development and relationships.
“I’ve built myself up, and I might submit (my works) somewhere,” she said. “Maybe I’ll get my voice out there, although there’s no pressure.”
Doreen Shea, who is working on a young adult book, drives north 20 minutes or so from her hometown of New Milford to connect with fellow creators.
“I could do this at home, but I don’t,” she admitted.
“There’s accountability here, and we generate ideas and talk about different contests,” Shea said of some of the group’s benefits.
Others in the group agreed with Shea.
“We also talk about the craft of writing,” said Kent’s Alicia Winter thoughtfully, glancing up from her notebook.
Winter is a founding member of the group. She said she values “writing together separately.”
The connections the women have made creatively have developed beyond the “Shut Up & Write!” environment.
Litchfield resident Maria Oskwarek expressed fondness for the women’s conversations that have expanded beyond writing and into other creative contexts.
“We’ve found other common ground,” Oskwarek said.
Walston and Oskwarek recently bumped into each other at Momix performance at the Warner Theater in Torrington.
“Everyone here is creative in different ways, and we’re open to connecting on different levels,” Oskwarek said.
Tayler Wolfe, morning manager at 45 on Main, said she is glad the business has become a “welcoming spot where (the women are) comfortable to work in.”
Business is “growing and that’s what (owner) Gary Kidd wants to convey, make this a spot for the community,” Wolfe said.
