CHAPTER
a write club
CHAPTER is an exclusive “write club” to help professional writers fight to write better. Writing intensives are done in intervals––or chapters. Each Chapter has a specific focus for project development. Each writer completes a script by the end of each Chapter. In weekly sessions, we give and receive notes with mutual respect and camaraderie. This club is a safe, creative environment to reconnect writers with why they love to write. We are humble with our talent and helpful with our knowledge. We share our process. We give each other the courage and confidence to go out into the world and fight for our ideas. We want to see one another succeed.
Of all the writing groups and classes in Los Angeles, why choose Chapter? Other classes are lectures with 10 to 20 students, limited personal attention, and varying degrees of talent, experience, and commitment. Chapter takes an entirely different approach. It’s an interactive workshop, run like a writers’ room, with a small group of like-minded professionals working at a high level of proficiency. We have a laser focus on project development and serve as sounding boards for each writer. We also hone our craft, expand our writer toolkit, and find new ways of working by sharing and receiving writing tips among the group.
There are eight rules to this Write Club:
1st Rule: You do not tell anyone about projects developed in this write club.
2nd Rule: You DO NOT tell anyone about projects developed in this write club.
3rd Rule: If someone’s notes don’t resonate with you, you don’t have to take them. Period.
4th Rule: If you miss more than two sessions, you’re out until the next Chapter.
5th Rule: One completed script per writer per Chapter.
6th Rule: No narcissism, no negativity.
7th Rule: Chapters go in set intervals.
8th Rule: If you want to be in this write club, you MUST hit tight deadlines.
I run the room and moderate the sessions. A syllabus helps to keep everyone on track. In this labor-intensive program, you will write every day, and you will read the work of other Chapter writers every week. Unless otherwise indicated, writers will come into the first session with a one-sheet synopsis of a concept they would like to develop. If the idea requires extensive research (i.e., period piece) or world creation (i.e., space odyssey), do that work in advance to get the most out of the sessions.
To be considered, please be a writer with professional experience. I hope to see you in a future Chapter!
Happy writing,
David
2021 Chapters
Now accepting submissions. All participants sign an agreement that states they retain 100% ownership of their work. To keep the club fee as low as possible, writers agree to a 2.5% commission to David Cornue if the project sells and another 2.5% split among the other group participants (5% total). It's a win-win. If you sell, everyone else benefits a little from helping you. If someone else sells, you benefit in the same way. Click "Inquire" below for the Chapter you would like to join, which meets over consecutive weekends. In your email, please include a writing sample, a paragraph summary of the project you'd like to develop, and a brief statement of why you are passionate about this idea. When applicable, include the name of the Chapter alum who recommended you. Given the limited slots for each Chapter, fees are nonrefundable, so please only apply if you can commit to classes.
Jun 5, 2021
Sat. 10am-1pm
$1000 (5 weeks)
Chapter 24: Idea Generator
Need to refine your television and film concepts? Need to produce a new crop of ideas? This Chapter is focused exclusively on helping you sort through your concepts to pick out the winners as well as generate new ideas and prioritize which concepts you should focus your time and attention on. Time is a precious commodity for writers. If you spend months out of a year working on an idea that can't sell, your business of writing will feel inefficient and ineffective. This class is designed to take the guesswork out of which project to focus on next to maximize the chances of you working on a winning idea. (No commission taken for Idea Generator.)
Jun 7, 2021
Sun. 5pm-9pm
$1000 (5 weeks)
Chapter 25: Breaking 'Bag
This Chapter focuses on breaking down two incredible television series: BREAKING BAD and FLEABAG. We examine the series arc, episode structure, scene work, dialogue, and characters. We also apply the lessons to your next writing project. Learn from studying two of the best shows of the 21st century. (No commission taken for study classes.)
Jul 12, 2021
Sun. 5-9pm
$2000 (10 weeks)
Chapter 26: Pitch or Pen
For six weeks, all writers focus on developing the concept, characters, structure, tone, theme, and story. For the last four weeks, writers are given the option to either prepare and practice a Verbal Pitch or pen a Spec Script.
Jul 10, 2021
Sat. 10am-2pm
$2000 (10 weeks)
Chapter 27: Calling Card Feature
Develop and write an indie feature that avoids common pitfalls and catches the town's attention. If you want to produce your own "calling card" film on a low budget, this is the Chapter for you. Go through the entire writing development process, from a concept to a full first draft.
Sep 13, 2021
Sun. 5pm-9pm
$1500 (6 weeks)
Chapter 28: Revise & Revitalize
It's a script no one in town has seen because it couldn't get past your agents or you couldn't crack it. Let's take a fresh look and revise it.
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