All Member Comments

“ The group covered a very good fundamental concept of writing at this meeting for new writers. I can see that Julius knows what he's doing. If you are new to the writing arena, I think you stand to gain much from this group. ”

— Michael D'Ambrosio on Jul 16, 2009.

“ If you want a supportive group for inspiration and an honest critique of your work this is it. ”

— Steve on Nov 9, 2009.

“ Friendly but well organized process to learn about improving your writing. The people have a diversity of views and experience, but in general share a sincere interest in helping others improve. ”

— Maryann Helferty on Nov 8, 2009.

“ If you're interested in writing, this is a great support group. ”

— Gregg Feistman on Nov 8, 2009.

“ To meet other writers, share ideas, have your work reviewed. ”

— shirley kessel on Nov 7, 2009.

“ Totally stoked about this meetup. Writing can be such a lonely business ”

— Mharlyn Merritt on Oct 29, 2009.

“ To get them talking about the craft. ”

— Kaiyilla on Oct 3, 2009.

“ Because it is a focused, generous group of people. It is a great way to get honest feedback and suggestions of a piece of writing. ”

— David McNicholas on Sep 8, 2009.

“ Anyone who has a passion for writing will find this group helpful in terms of feedback on their work, as well as motivating to press forward in their progress! ”

— Jeff G. on Sep 5, 2009.

“ I am really looking forward to the meeting in september. I don't live too close to Philly, but I am excited to meet people in the same situation as me. I finished my first novel in June and I would love some ideas on how to make my second one (much) better. I am writing a transgressive, bizzaro style, so to some its probably obvious who my influences are... ”

— Mike on Aug 13, 2009.

“ To learn nuts and bolts of the craft using their own work as study material ”

— George Dolgy on Aug 2, 2009.

“ This is a nicely organized, friendly group of people who are really interested in supporting other writers. ”

— Renee on Aug 2, 2009.

“ Do you actually want to sharpen your tool? Great group for you! ”

— Janet Velicky on Aug 1, 2009.

“ This is the perfect place to network, learn and grow as a writer. ”

— Brian Feaster on Jul 12, 2009.

“ I believe a writer must develop a network and open himself/herself up to criticism. ”

— Marc Joel Adelman on Jul 12, 2009.

“ If you are seriously interested in writing you should join. Members openly share information about agents, submissions, books and other information for writers at all levels. It is also a good way to get pointers on improving the quality of your writing by having your work critiqued by other members. ”

— Marcie on Jul 12, 2009.

“ Obviously, to expand their writing horizons, by listening to and talking with others who also write (either for a living, for profit or their own pleasure). ”

— Keith Young on Jul 11, 2009.

“ There are some interesting characters in the group who have a lot to say about your submissions. So you will learn a lot about what other people think about your work; ”

— Charlotte on Jun 7, 2009.

“ For encouragement, and inspiration. ”

— Ivy on Jun 7, 2009.

“ Very helpful, VERY diverse group ”

— Matt on Jun 6, 2009.

“ If anyone really wants to learn to take a chance on the how of a script, this is a great opportunity. We learned the importance of a scene-- yes, one scene-- and we reviewed a selected scene from a real film (Juno) and examined the craft of that scene in detail. Although I had to leave early, the rest of the meeting was given to reviewing the work of a classmember. ”

— gigi on May 31, 2009.

“ If you are a writer, you are keenly aware of how honest your work is or isn't. You may be in denial, so the meetup is a friendly way to push through this perfectly natural blind spot. How's that? ”

— richard drayton on May 5, 2009.

“ It's a great way to meet and network with other authors, and to get their opinions about your writing. ”

— Vikram on May 2, 2009.

“ Because it'll be beneficial to your writing, as well as your self-esteem. It's great to meet other writers, regardless of their focus, and share the struggles. ”

— Brian Lynch on Apr 6, 2009.

“ Very diverse, friendly and knowledgeable group. The balance of the short exercises, break, and discussion of the members; work was well balanced. The critiques were good and seemed helpful without totally smashing someone's confidence. ”

— Teresa A. Emerson on Apr 4, 2009.

“ Other writers should join the PW writers group if they want to learn how to enhance their particular writing genre. These writer will learn how to hone their craft to a razor's edge and will be able to talk with other writers who are caring and willing to goive helpful pointers to novice writers like me. ”

— Jack Tratenberg on Mar 7, 2009.

“ Because no matter how vulnerable, or experienced a writer you are, there is a place for you here. ”

— susan timko on Mar 7, 2009.

“ Excellent Meet-up. Whether new or experienced in screenwriting, there's something for everyone. ”

— Sala on Feb 16, 2009.

“ Networking, reinforcement, encouragement, support, friendship ”

— Susan on Feb 8, 2009.

“ If you want to start finish or understand script writing this is the group for you. E.A. Cross is a wonderful teacher and a cool guy. ”

— Denise Matthews on Feb 2, 2009.

“ It really is a positive way to meet other writers in the area. ”

— John Vitale on Jan 4, 2009.

“ Can not answer that, perhaps after a few visits I can better answer that... ”

— Richard Jenkins on Jan 4, 2009.

“ Wonderful - glad to have found them. ”

— Julius DeAngelus on Dec 10, 2008.

“ Very well organized group and attended by a very diverse cross section of the writing world. ”

— D B on Dec 6, 2008.

“ This was my first meetup group and I look forward to attending it again. ”

— Constantine frangos on Dec 6, 2008.

“ I always enjoy thoughtful, intelligent conversation, especially about the movies. ”

— A former member on Nov 9, 2008.

“ Whether you're an experienced, published writer or novice this is the Meetup group for you. You'll have a great time on the first Saturday of the month, sharing with others your passion about writing. ”

— karen on Oct 5, 2008.

“ This is a great group for writers and those who want to write. Safe, open and helpful. ”

— Don Lafferty on Aug 3, 2008.

“ If you are looking for advice from other writers, or just like to hear about the process writers go through. This meetup is for you! ”

— Michael Thompson on Aug 3, 2008.

“ I joined because I was looking for a critique group. ”

— Elvedine Wilkerson on Aug 2, 2008.

“ If you are in the middle of writing a novel, poem, short story, etc., or if you are thinking about starting a literary project this is a great place to stretch your creative muscles. ”

— Tina on Aug 2, 2008.

“ I said it before-I think it is a wonderful mix of people and types of writing interest. ”

— Martha Mott-Gale on Jul 6, 2008.

“ It's great to be around other creatively minded, respectively/constructively critical and supportive people. ”

— A former member on Jul 6, 2008.

“ This is a diplomatically run group that shares ideas and gives honest feedback. People from diverse backgrounds come together to support each other in the writing process. ”

— Angela on Jul 5, 2008.

“ Excellent way to network and get inspired! ”

— Michael Kennedy on Jun 23, 2008.

“ Great minds working together and sharring ideas, can't top that! ”

— John Oliver Mason on Jun 7, 2008.

“ Valuable experience with knowledgeable people who know what they're talking about. ”

— Samantha on May 27, 2008.

“ Others should joing because it is truly a professional experience. ”

— Jonathan Stewart on May 13, 2008.

“ See above statements. But i'll give you one word why you should join this group if you're screenwriter or aspiring to be: PEER-SHIP ( I think I just made me a word... maybe I'll put it in one of my scripts ) ”

— Eric R. on Apr 28, 2008.

“ I'm a new member and a brand new screenwriter.......I find E. A. to be very knowledgeable in the art of film development and he also happens to be a very effective group facilitator. He is very generous with his time and help.... ”

— A former member on Mar 16, 2008.

“ Glad to have found a group that understands why writing is important, regardless of the writer's intentions of what to do with it. It's hard being a writer when the rest of the world is always asking "But what do you do for a REAL job?" or "Do you make a living at that?" Write on! Mariannne ”

— Marianne on Mar 2, 2008.

“ I love the format of the meeting and the interesting and fun interaction with fellow literati. So glad I found this group. Thanks for including me! ”

— Courtney on Mar 1, 2008.

“ Michael, You and your fellow organizers obviously have a huge passion for writing and writers, resulting in a terrific service for writers. Thank you. ”

— Jerry on Mar 1, 2008.

“ Really nice, interesting bunch of folks. Michael did a great job hosting the meeting. ”

— Dennis Tafoya on Feb 2, 2008.

“ Very nice group of people ”

— Bert on Jan 27, 2008.

“ A warm and wonderful group of enthusiastic, motivated writers. This group just gets better and better. ”

— Vash on Jan 27, 2008.

“ Enjoyed it! Would gladly return to future meetups. ”

— A former member on Dec 30, 2007.

“ Remarkable what stories people have to share, and even more remarkable their courage and determination to make positive change possible through their efforts. Thank you, E. A. Cross for giving me this opportunity to step in! ”

— Terry Genji on Dec 9, 2007.

“ This was my first meetup and everyone was very welcoming. I appreciate the seriousness and intensity with which everyone critiqued the day's work. ”

— KJ on Dec 1, 2007.

“ I like how the event is split into two: the craft itself, then critiques. I really like the questions and discussion about craft; that's valuable to me as a growing writer. ”

— Carol on Nov 4, 2007.

“ I am really thankful to be a part of Philly Meetup, and can't wait for next month to see everyone again and talk more about our craft! ”

— Cynthia on Oct 7, 2007.

“ Looks like we'll never run out of craft topics! ”

— A former member on Oct 6, 2007.

“ Incredibly valuable, but it would be nice if more people read the monthly submissions. I know we are all swamped, but those who want feedback really do want to hear from everyone! :-) ”

— Dr. Niama L. Williams on Oct 6, 2007.

“ Amazing people wihom I can't wait to see again. ”

— A former member on Sep 9, 2007.

“ Great people. Great feedback. ”

— Fred Ollinger on Sep 9, 2007.

“ Im looking forward to the next meeting! ”

— A former member on Sep 1, 2007.

“ Can't wait for the discussion next month! ”

— A former member on Sep 1, 2007.

“ It was a very good meetup! The group itself is really fantastic, and I got great feedback on my project! ”

— A former member on Aug 5, 2007.

“ there's a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but the organizer and the speaker did their best to fulfill everyone's interest on the subject. Thanks! ”

— Shan on Jul 29, 2007.

“ It's very helpful to meet writers who are at different stages of the process, with respect to genres and experience with writing. I'd like, also, to be able to work within genre and/or production focused sub-groups, with writers from the larger Meetup group, so as to aid (and speed up!) my own process. Again, thanks to all--it was good to meet other writers! ”

— Jodi on Jul 8, 2007.

“ An outstanding collection of people overall, with many different expertises and other strengths, all willing to share and support each other. Only problem is that 25 is almost too big. But not quite! Let's keep this great group together. If we all agree to buy at least one thing from whatever our venue is, perhaps we can negotiate a better venue. ”

— Sam Frederick on Jul 8, 2007.

“ I look forward to participating more. I liked the manuscript criticism section. ”

— A former member on Jul 7, 2007.

“ The group is clearly enthusiastic about writing and interested in improving the quality of its work. ”

— Walter on Jun 3, 2007.

“ Friendly, welcoming group :) ”

— A former member on Jun 2, 2007.

“ Everyone was open about their writing, both the good and bad things and shared lots of tips and advice. I can't wait for the next meeting! ”

— Yolanda on Apr 29, 2007.

“ i love to hear what issues other writers are dealing with; lots of great ideas for developing my own writing habits. ”

— A former member on Feb 19, 2007.

“ still...LOVE IT!!!! ”

— Chase on Feb 19, 2007.

“ This was my first meetup, and I was very pleased. It is a lively group willing to share ideas, and seems the ideal situation for a writer looking for a peer community. ”

— A former member on Jan 6, 2007.

“ It was great to meet all of you! See you next month. ”

— Kathy on Jan 6, 2007.

“ It looks good. ”

— Basil Bakhshi on Jan 4, 2007.

“ Thanks to Michael for organizing the event. ”

— Patrick White on Nov 4, 2006.

“ I am glad we all are given an opportunity to share and to ask questions. I need a group that is well informative. ”

— Lynda on Sep 5, 2006.

“ Great critiques. I'm interested in hearing people's thoughts about my own work. ”

— A former member on Jul 3, 2006.

“ i feel en light ened by the in tense group dis cussion about fellow righters inscriptions which breeds new desire to follow and learn about dif ferent styles of riting righting and writing ”

— Nate on Jul 1, 2006.