Whether you are published or simply enjoy writing, come join other local writers in a relaxed atmosphere where we can share our writing, offer critique and industry tips, and have fun honoring our creativity with the written word (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenplays etc. - all genres welcome!). This group meets in downtown Long Beach and requires attendance in order to access the site where we post our work and other writing-related information.

… Our Process:  -Our writers gather weekly or bi-weekly as professional, cohesive groups to collaborate on the craft. -We encourage wise creative experimentation while drawing on the collective genius of our literary masters.  -We devote a generous amount of time to in-depth exploration of each writer's work. -Viable works-in-progress and a commitment to interact positively/professionally are crucial.  -Our main goal: to support thriving groups that work together wisely, positively and productivel …

… Both meetups are open to writers and filmmakers, but in order to make the screenwriting critique as valuable as possible, I do ask that you only attend if you already understand basic screenplay structure and formatting. We do not currently offer a class on screenwriting fundamentals, but many of our local community colleges do, and there are a lot of great books out there to get you started. Once you've got the basics down, feel free to join us to workshop through your script! If you would like …

The idea of this group is to establish a community of writers that can learn from eachother on many different levels.  Whether this is through critique groups, free writing, reading, talking, etc. I hope that this group has something for everyone.  This group welcomes writers of all levels.  This is based on the philosophy that we never really stop learning.  No matter your walk of life, we all have some knowledge to barter. Or pilfer, as book bandits do (no stealing or plagerism is insinuated w …

This group is for working artists who live in Long Beach and want to build a community and support group with other working artists. We critique one another's work and discuss how we can put Long Beach on the map as a vibrant Artists Community. We also support the Arts in Long Beach by visiting Museums, Galleries and non traditional art openings.

This is an informal gathering every week that is designed to promote feedback on work, and to highlight the strengths of one's work as well as offer ideas to improve weaknesses. Attendees are encouraged to bring pieces to read that they are comfortable sharing. Poems, Essays, and stories are all fair game. Generally, anything over 4-6 pages will be read over several sessions. We recommend bringing extra copies if you can. The general flow is some gab time at first. Then people will read the work …

Looking for a safe haven where you can submit work, get a critique that won't crush your soul? And, of course, have fun? We formed in 2008 as a place where writers could share work without fear. People who want to compete or tear others down for the sake of tearing others down need not apply. Granted, you will get constructive criticism. There's no point in sharing work if we can't grow from it. Rules of Engagment Work should be submitted by 9:00 p.m. three days prior to the meet up. Submissions …

We meet monthly to give each other feedback and encouragement as we try to pursue publication for our writings. Members submit their writing one week prior to the meeting so that others can prepare written feedback that contains both positive comments and suggestions for improvement. The feedback is read aloud at the meeting and then given to the writer. From this format, our members are finding that they are learning how to improve their individual written work. Many of us are already published …

The purpose of this group is to bring together active professional alternative wellness practitioners (reiki, hypnotherapy, EFT, NLP, etc.) who seek and are willing to provide peer support for others on similar paths. (This group does not provide instruction or certification, and is only open to people who are actively practicing or beginning a professional practice right now.) The underlying concept of the group is that each of us can enjoy greater success by working together - by sharing busin …

Have an Etsy shop? Want an Etsy shop? Like to craft or bake or design or create? Need some help taking your hobby or business to the next level?  Me too! So much about marketing, SEO, legalities of owning a business, and other skills for selling on Etsy are much better learned when we can chat over martinis...or brownies....or chips and salsa...right? This is NOT a promotional group to be used to advertise your shop. This group is intended to get some 'groupthink', critique, best practices, and …

A 2-hour long class once a week on Mondays In the first hour, the moderator brings in a topic related to poetry or prose (e.g., Metaphors Galore, Writing from the Deep Voice, Dialetic poems, Structuring your work, Subtext, etc), explains it and shows examples of it. The group will try using that concept in a short writing activity. In the second hour, people will share work they have brought in. Feedback will always be dependent on what the writer feels comfortable with. The whole atmosphere wil …

The advent of such photography critique sites such as You Are Not A Photographer means that many of the "pro" photographers these days don't even know the bare minimum and have probably never set foot in a real darkroom. I formed this group because I believe film photography will never truly die, and instant gratification from Instagram doesn't always satisfy! If you're tired of seeing Photoshopped photos ALL the time and you miss the graininess that comes with film and the gratification of maki …

This is a new screenwriting group that found itself without an organizer.  Pending her blessing, I am tentatively stepping up to create the official Long Beach Chapter of The Screenwriters and Filmmakers Workshop. The Screenwriters and Filmmakers Workshop functions under the banner of OCFilmWorks, an Orange County collaborative writing and filmmaking group.  Ideally, we will offer not only script critique but the chance to make independent films throughout Southern California. Once I have the fi …

Join with other digital & film photographers, beginner, advanced, and professional. Share your photographs & techniques. We meet the 1st and 3rd wed of each month. 1st Wed - We share our photos and have them critiqued by various experts in the field. 3rd Wed - We have a variety of workshops, speakers, photo shoots, and other special events. We also arrange  field trips and photo shoots for our members.

The mission of the Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth. Each week members are asked to take a role in conducting the meeting. Roles include speaker, evaluator, aah counter, grammarian, Table Topics Master, General Evaluator and Toastmaster to name a few. Speakers prepare, practice and give short s …

This is a career networking group dedicated to providing the latest in job search techniques, the use of social media as a part of your job search plan and an opportunity to network with others who are seeking new career opportunities in Orange County CA.