Uncle Phil is a member of a couple of online screenwriting groups. This has led to me striking up a few friendships with other writers. some of the writers have provided me with proofreading and occasional feedback. One of the group leaders also provided me with a lead that led to a recent script request. However, I'm not a member of a writer's group that meets in-person on a regular basis.
Uncle Phil would love to see you post stories about your experiences with either in-person or online screenwriting groups. Feel free to post the good, the bad and perhaps even the ugly.
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I don't like the on-line concept at all; I'm an up-close, eyeball-to-eyeball type of guy. My experience has been that such screenwriter's groups are filled with beginners and wannabes that look to me as their personal mentor and guide and/or they want to argue over what they don't know. Frankly, they're of no value to me. I like working with beginning screenwriters one-on-one but I'm not interested in being the den mom.
I am not in a writers' group, either type. I'd welcome the opportunity but only if the members are committed to helping each other with projects, and I don't necessarily mean collaboration. Doug's comment seems about right whenever more than three people get in a room, whether it's in business, the arts, or especially government. I would not be interested in that kind of group. Get 'er done, or get out of the way.
Years past - I was a member of a professional, vetted screenwriter's group and there was value to that _ i would do that again. I think that what makes a group run smoothly is having members of similar skill level.
Yes, I'm part of a writers group in Austin. It's a great group! I think the most important thing is the feedback. It's a small group, but their feedback has been spot on and has helped me clean up a lot of my writing.
I belong to a writers group and it's been a big help. I've learned a lot and met some great people. We all learn from each other and we have a wide range of skillsets that complement each other.