My dear storybuff,

Did I say finding a general creative writing group was tough? Well, scratch that... or tickle it, if that's your thing. Because getting into a legit screenwriter's group that’s accessible takes the cake... or pie... or salad. Um—you know what I mean.

By "legit," I'm referring to a group that's active, organized, strategic, and constructive. When I say "accessible," I mean the group doesn't meet in the middle of nowhere after a vague right at Albuquerque, or online at a quarter-'til-getting-sucked-into-a-wormhole. Combine these attributes with a cost of zilch, kapput, or zowski (aka nada), and the search’s that much harder. Seriously. I've lived to tell the tale.

So, you might understand why I was a little wary when I stumbled upon the Casual Actors and Screenwriters Meetup (CAASM) on, well, Meetup. I RSVP'd for one of its member-generated screenplay critique sessions called, “The Writers Circle.” I held my breath that it wasn't an optical illusion. And the relief I breathed after participating was the result of it being far from that.

A GIF of a Southeast Asian man wearing sun glasses breathing a long sigh of relief.

Its sessions suit the interests of different seasoned or up-and-coming screenwriters and actors at least every other week, if not more often. Active? Check ✓ CAASM's sessions are advertised in advance, informed, and moderated by knowledgeable facilitators. Organized? Check ✓ Its meetings and material are structured to sharpen screenwriters or actors’ skills and networks. Strategic? Check ✓

And CAASM fosters a community of creatives that supports each other’s realistic goals—not crush one another’s hopes and dreams. Did somebody say constructive? Checkaroo ✓ Well, what about accessibility? Since CAASM's gatherings happen at metro-accessible public venues or via Zoom during the early evening it satisfies accessibility in my book. But here's the kicker—the group's free-99.

I've been participating for a few months now. And it's safe to say I'm still hugging myself. (Why pinch when I can hug?) What wariness have you pushed through in hopes that you strike gold?

That's my story morning glory. Keep living out yours. And remember… stories tell us.

Peace ~ D.V. Gwyth