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The Writer's Forge
317 members • Free
37 contributions to The Writer's Forge
5d •
What's Great Story - And Why It Matters
I'm thinking about starting an ongoing lecture series with a Q&A at the end of each. Anybody who has been on any of my Zoom calls, knows I'm not at a loss for words or passion or thoughts about what makes great story/character. I'm thinking this would be a weekly or semi weekly, depending on my schedule and workload outside of here. Check out the topics below and vote on what interest you most, or suggest a topic you'd love to see explored. @Spider Ange wanted more than 1 vote, which I think is a great idea. Feel free to list as many of these in whatever order that vibes with you. Suggested ideas welcome also.
Poll
20 members have voted
1 like • 5d
I want to second vote for The First 10 pages one.
17d •
Happy New Year, people! What are your writing goals for the coming 3 months?
Lot's going on here. I'm developing courses, a challenge, ads, even a possible lecture series for this group. So, plenty going on behind the scenes. But let's get specific about what YOU are working on and what specifically you want to accomplish in the next 3 months. Not the whole year. Thinking in terms of a year doesn't give us enough heat underneath us to get things done. We need shorter, more specific goals. Let's build accountability. Starting today. So... drop below what you are working on, hope to work on, are thinking about maybe working on... and see if we can't light that fire and fan that flame so in the next 90 days, you are not just talking about writing, but actually getting meaningful work done and thrilled with your own progress! Accountability starting now... who's in?
0 likes • 12d
Over the next three months, I want to have half a first draft written. I am recognizing that I am being a little slower with this project than I like, but I am happy with the progress that I have made. It's coming along.
18d •
New reads from Criterion Channel!
https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/9019-a-year-s-worth-of-essential-reading
1 like • 18d
Thank you! I am always looking for new reads! 📚📚📚
Dec '25 •
Seminar Folk - Session 2 Homework - No Toast For You!
Take a look at Jack Nicholson in the classic 5 Easy Pieces diner scene. This is a great example of a character who has his own inner life/agenda that absolutely comes to the surface, even when confronted with a trivial event. Your character needs to have an inner life of their own that drives them through every interaction, no matter how insignificant. This doesn't mean that every encounter needs to be some sort of blow up. Just that your character should feel specific, even in every day encounters. Here is the exact dialogue. I've hired the Waitress and given her her lines. Your job is to show up on the day of shooting with your lead actor(s). And order some damn toast. Let's see how that goes for you. You can alter the Waitress' lines slightly. But let's try to stick to the No Substitutes rule, because otherwise this place will be full of trouble makers like you in here ordering toast and tomatoes and then... god help us all. Due... soon... so some discussion in this thread can take place before Tuesday. Don't make me put on my turtleneck and windbreaker.
1 like • 25d
Spider: Sorry? Waitress: Only what's on the menu. You can have a number 2. A plain omelet. It comes with cottage fries and rolls. Spider: Uuuuhhh , no thank you. Waitress: I'll come back when you make up your mind. Spider: Can I just get some toast while I look? Waitress: I'm sorry. But we don't have any side orders of toast. English muffin or a coffee roll. Spider: You can't make toast? Waitress: Would you like to talk to the manager? Friend: Spider. (To Waitress) You've got bread and a toaster of some kind? Waitress: I don't make the rules. Spider: I got it. May I get a plain omelette and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast. No mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee Waitress: A number 2. Chicken salad. Hold the butter, the lettuce, and the mayonnaise. And a cup of coffee. Anything else? Spider: Yes, please. And now all you have to do is hold the chicken. Then you can bring me the toast. I l'll pay for the chicken salad sandwich and no rules are broken. Waitress: You want me to hold the chicken, huh? Spider: Yes, please. Waitress: You see that sign, sir? Yes, you all have to leave. I'm not taken anymore of your smartness and sarcasm. Spider: Oh, I think we might have misunderstood each other.
Dec '25 •
Seminar Folks (and anyone else who's interested) - Here's the Primal Forge GPT we discussed tonight
Great session tonight .Thanks for showing up! Use this to help develop your characters in line with the questions we discussed on the Zoom tonight. Primal Forge GPT is an AI coach designed to help writers uncover the emotional fuel that gives your characters heat and life. https://www.skool.com/the-writers-forge/experiment-time-the-primal-forge-gpt It guides you through: - The Wound — What pain or loss shaped your character? - The Lie — What false belief are they clinging to? - The Worldview — How that belief skews how they see love, power, and identity? - The Truth — What moment will crack that lie open and change them forever? This is intended to help you in your creative process. Not to develop the creative itself. But rather to help you dig deeper in creating great characters, who are driving the story not being pushed around by plot mechanics. DM me if you have questions. Or I'd love to see whether this tool is helpful for you below. Thx!
1 like • Dec '25
@David Stem I did not, no.
1 like • Dec '25
@David Stem I now have of a few minutes ago.
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@spider-ange-4215
I am Spider Ange, a burlesque performer, singer and actress. I am the filmmaker fatale writing scripts to entertain you.
Active 5d ago
Joined Oct 26, 2025
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