Screenwriting : Looking to join a group of readers by Cheri Dodd

Hey Cheri. Many screenwriters on Stage 32 have formed online reading groups to trade ideas, pages, and full scripts. Would this be something you're interested in? I think you'd find many takers here.

Yes, yes, yes. Are you aware of any existing groups seeking members, or how can I best connect with them on Stage32? I'm still feeling my way around here. BTW--I enjoyed your video interview at HeadshotCafe. Watched it yesterday. I'm also game for forming a group. I've got a website and blog where I can create password protected pages where the group could upload scripts for members to access, read, and critique. I've joined some of the online writing groups around, but have found that many people on those are more interested in getting their own work read without fully being committed to taking the time to read and comment on other people's work. Not to mention that very few people on those sites post scripts.

I am also very interested in joining a group. Would you know who I need to contact? Or Cheri, I'd be interested in joining yours. I'm in Denver.

HI Cheri. Thanks for watching the Headshot Cafe video! Ajay was very gracious and I enjoyed the interview. As a writer myself, I completely understand that sometimes you get writers who are one way streets. Unfortunately, it happens more often than it should. But, I'm proud to say that this is a pretty generous community. I think you'll be able to find plenty of writers who would love to engage in mutual sharing of ideas, concepts, and pages. Let's see if we can drum up some interest right in this thread. And in this Friday's Weekend Reading Blog, I'll also list this link. Thanks again!

Eve, meet Cheri...Cheri, meet Eve. :) And then there were two...

Hi Cheri and Eve, reading and xchanging scripts is a great learning device. I'm in.

I'm interested. Please keep me posted if you make any plans for a screenwriting group. I'm in southern Colorado and would appreciate the contact.

And then there were 4...

add me.

Woohoo! I'll see what I can put together!

I'm totally in!

I'd love to be a part of this! Please keep me updated!

I'm in

And then there were 7.

~Raising hand~ I'm down for whatever!!

in memphis you might try these two groups: http://www.meetup.com/Memphis-Film-Writer-and-Screenwriters-Group/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/ScriptWrite-fka-Scripts-from-the-Crypt/28...

All right, guys. Let's do this. I created a form on my website and posted some info about what I have in mind. Those that said "I'm in" go sign up. Thanks RB for founding Stage32 so we can connect like this. All are welcome to join and I will be happy to create and coordinate the individual groups of between 5, but no more than 10, per group. Here we go.......... http://thesagacity.com/the-saga-city-cafe/

I'm good to go!

I just signed up. Love the FAQs. :-P

You are very welcome, Sheri. This is what it's all about - support, collaboration, positive vibes. I've also included this thread in the Weekend Reading blog which will post late tonight into tomorrow.

Thank you, Eve! They were fun!

just signed up. thx Cheri and RB and Stage32. you're the bomb.

I think I might like this one too, Cheri.

I think I'd be interested if you formed a group like that. I'm not in Memphis, though.

I just discovered www.Meetup.com a while back. Go to the website put in your city and see what's available. It may be a generic writing group or a book lover group or a movie watching group. I'm not sure how the site works but you might consider starting your own group if there isn't on already.

Keep in mind, there is a STAGE 32 MEETUP section in the LOUNGE. 32'ers from all around the world have arranged meetups in their area. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/stage_32_meetups

@RB this is great to know, thanks. I heard there was a fee to start a group on Meetup.com and then you have to track down some like minded folks or hope the find you. Good to know that all that leg work is done for you here on Stage 32. When my day (& night) job gets back to normal I may check this out ... if Cheri doesn't beat me to it. Being a naturally lazy person I hope she does. :C)

RB a question or two: Is this just a posting/bulletin board? Is there an option to have the meetup invite emailed to say every 32 screenwriter within 50 miles of the meetup? Or would one have to do a member search and contact them individually? I understand if Stage 32 were to do that it could make it a spamming target so it might have to go through some process to eliminate that ... like a joint request from at least two or three members. Not that spammers couldn't get by that but I've always assumed spammers are a bit on the lazy side. Just wondering, for when I do get around to it.

Like to join but UK based - glad to be part of anything online based but those interested would have to ensure their work was protected.

This sounds great. As I too have a script I would like some critiques on and love reading other's visions.

I'm so excited about the positive feedback I've received here. We've got one reading/writing group of Stage 32 members formed all ready. I've heard from just about everyone on this post and I've sent messages to the others that indicated interest. I'm more than willing to coordinate, form, and facilitate more groups so come on and sign up. Hey, I spent all day yesterday trying to figure out how to make a database in Access, so sign up so I can play with my pretty new forms! :-) http://thesagacity.com/the-saga-city-cafe/

Awesome news, Cheri! Inspiring to see so much talent from around the world connecting. This is what's it's all about.

Hi Cheri: I live in Crossville, Tenn., and I'm a writer. I would love to sign up for it. Let me know what I need to do.

Easy peasy. Go to this link and complete the form at the bottom. It's also the FAQ's that I made up. :-) I'll be sending group assignments and info out this week so we can get started. http://thesagacity.com/the-saga-city-cafe/

@ Tim "if Cheri doesn't beat me to it. Being a naturally lazy person I hope she does. :C)" Haha. I just might after I get this reading/critique group going.

Two groups formed. I'm willing to take on a couple more groups if there is further interest. This has been awesome and looking forward to working with some awesome fellow screenwriters.

This is just fantastic. Awesome news, Cheri.

Cheri is ON IT! Thanks for being so ready to go, Cheri.

Cheri, I offer another possibility. Why not pick a particular script and do a table read of it. This is a far better tool than critique groups, especially when the group is made of people who have not written extensively. When I hear actors read my script or struggle with it, I KNOW what doesn't work.

Wonderful idea Michael! This particular group is aimed at having a small online group of 8-10 individuals who consistently read and provide feedback during the writing process. I live in an area where it's been a struggle to find one screenwriter to meet face-to-face with, let alone 8 or 9 more. I think this type of group will help ready our work for the next stage...gasp...hearing actors read it in front of you. Makes me shiver...both with excitement and fear, lol. This is all new to me, but this has been one of the most amazing and helpful communities that I've ever encountered.

That's one great idea, Michael.

Cheri, go to Meetup and look for screenwriters rorups. There will definitely be some options in your area. If not, you can start one that way and reach a lot of people.

The best help is your subconscious mind .pl say positive suggestions.

You might check out this Facebook group: Scriptwrite Memphis. We're not dead just slightly dormant. An infusion of new blood might be all it needs.