Write Now

Back in 2023, I didn’t realize how important writing would be to me, but it has since become a staple in my writing and creative life. I got introduced to a writing group/community called “Shut Up & Write,” & how I joined the group may have been one of the most creative & unique ways of meeting and connecting with fellow writers. I was in the right place at the right time. I met with a friend for breakfast and had an opportunity to catch up and talk about life. As we sat down to talk, people began to arrive, and the coffee shop quickly filled up within minutes. It led to each of us being asked if we wanted to join & do a fair share of writing. I didn’t know or think that I would start my WordPress blog (https://brytaynews.wordpress.com/), & express a large amount of written content there. I don’t make much of it, but that was a starting point to me creating my Substack space and connecting writing in a way I don’t think many people understand or get is key in my creative journey.

The title ties this together, because when joining the “Shut up & Write” group, I found another writing group called “Write Now” that a creative made to start providing a space for others to write. It was not your larger coffee shop, which I don’t mind, because I like writing in coffee shops that aren’t the traditional or mainstream coffee shops where you see everyone with their tablets, laptops, and notebooks set up to do writing to start their day. This was another writing space for me, & I grew closer and closer to writing.

Within a few months (if that long), the Write Now group stopped, & “Shut Up & Write” has kept going. They’ve moved to a few places over the years, but their locations at the VMFA & the Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe are well-lit places and open seating when it comes to writing (and even charging or using your laptops). These writing spaces have caused me to evolve in my writing when I’m able to attend. I haven’t gone as much as I would like to, because a lot of personal life has been taking over the gist of things, & I’m not a fan of that being the case.

Within the next few weeks, my writing excitement is looking to evolve even more with working on an accessory I talk about every other week called the “BYOK” (Bring Your Own Keyboard). I have watched too many videos and kept up to date on many Reddit posts related to this device, & I have my Bluetooth keyboards ready to use. And yes, that is plural in the amount of keyboards I plan to use with it. I have 2 or 3 that are guaranteed to be a part of the writing mix. I have switched my writing environment thanks to this accessory coming, & writing in the BYOK studio space is becoming an enjoyable challenge, with another tool to help with editing and proofreading outside my personal proofreading. Utilize tools and resources where applicable. I think between writing and podcasting, I have my creative spaces well placed at this stage and point in my life.

I did this newsletter to share with everyone to DO IT!!!! Write the thoughts down on a piece of paper while the opportunity presents itself. Holding thoughts in your head & writing them nowhere will never work to your advantage. If you believe it does, then that’s not a bad thing either. I personally feel as though writing and creating those feelings and thoughts will get you further than you think. I hope everyone keeps writing their ideas digitally or via pen and paper, & I pray that your writing skills expand in this wheelhouse. Until next time, this is BT signing out.