Scriptwriting

BACKGROUND: I have only been to three in-person meetups with the AFI Cinema group before but somehow I have nevertheless managed to become a group co-organizer. (Go figure...) Want to see upcoming films in person? Me too. ABOUT THE FILM: This is AFI's page on Song Sung Blue if you want to see the preview, director, actors, etc.: [https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100005378](https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100005378). The film has a 77% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but 98% on their "popcornmeter" audience rating. To quote from the Washington Post: "You’d be forgiven for thinking 'Song Sung Blue' is a Neil Diamond biopic.... But the new film is a far more interesting addition to the genre. Rather than centering on Diamond himself, it follows Milwaukee couple Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire Sardina (Kate Hudson) as they pay tribute to the singer with their 1990s cover band Lightning & Thunder. The musical biopic features Jackman's impression of a man known for doing a different impression, an oddly meta premise that sets the effort apart." If you care about nominations: Nominee, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Kate Hudson), 2026 Golden Globes. MEETING UP: The showtime is next Thursday the 8th at AFI at 6:00. I'm looking to arrive by 5:40 and wait in the lobby immediately outside the theater. (I don't plan on having a Meetup sign or other identifying accoutrements; hopefully I look enough like my Meetup picture to be recognizable.) My thought is to go in and get seats around five minutes before the scheduled start time, so if you arrive later than that, go in the theater and look for me (and any other attendees) there. AFTER THE FILM: Following the three past in-person AFI group Meetup films that I have been to some of the attendees went to a place to eat nearby to chat about the film and films in general. If there is interest on Thursday we can also go get something to eat or drink nearby afterwards and do the same. We can figure that out in the lobby right outside the film after the credits end. It seems that the film should be ending around 8:20 (hopefully that isn't too late given that it's a work night).

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

**A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways** **Location: Prefect at Foggy Bottom DC + Online** Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The AI world keeps innovating and we’ve moved past the "How do I write a prompt?" phase and entered the era of **AI Agents**—systems that don't just talk, but actually *act*. I recently attended the **[A2A (Agent-to-Agent) Summit](https://a2asummit.ai/)** and **[AI Dev 25 with Andrew Ng](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)**. We are hosting this event to distill the high-level strategy for our product leaders and the technical "how-to" for our engineers. **The 2 big themes we will explore:** **1\. The Agentic Shift \(A2A Summit\)** We are moving from humans talking to AI, to **AI Agents talking to other AI Agents** to solve complex business problems. * **For Product & Business:** How this changes your roadmap from "features" to "automated workflows." * **For Tech:** The infrastructure and protocols required to let agents collaborate securely. **2\. Building the Future with Andrew Ng \(AI Dev 25\)** Andrew Ng shared a powerful message: the next big leap in AI isn't just bigger models, but **better workflows.** * **For Product & Business:** Why "Agentic Reasoning" will make your products more reliable and user-friendly. * **For Tech:** A deep dive into iterative loops, design patterns, and why your coding workflow is about to change forever. 📍 **In person and Online Event!** You can join us in person at Prefect in Foggy Bottom DC for some great company and maybe even some new friends! Or, if you prefer to chill at home, you can easily join us online! 💻 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/grx-yzgd-meu Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-349-1786‬ PIN: ‪206 985 943‬# **Agenda** * 6:00pm - 6:30pm EST Networking and Refreshments * 6:30pm \- 7:30pm EST A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways * 7:30pm - 8:00pm Networking **Resources** * [A2A Summit](https://a2asummit.ai) * [A2a Summit - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/a2a-summit-internet-agents-here-george-zoto-vbtce) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-prototypes-production-my-key-takeaways-andrew-ngs-george-zoto-ld6se) The recording of this cool series 😎 is available at: [https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai](https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai) Join us on Slack: Ask the hosts for an invite. 👉 **RSVP now and secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!** 💖 David, Robert and George Deep Learning Adventures is a member of Data Community DC, a nonprofit dedicated to data education in the nation's capital and around the world. Learn more at [www.dc2.org](http://www.dc2.org/)

Please bring a WHITE and a dark/colored shirt so that we can divide up teams. Cleats are also REQUIRED!! If less than 14 people RSVP, I will cancel.

Do you want to become a confident Spanish speaker? Unlike that Spanish class you took in high school, classes at Spanish with Ariel focus on *speaking!* Each course (yes, even Beginner 101) is taught via immersion using the comprehensible input technique, which evidence shows is key in building fluency. Class sizes are small, giving you plenty of individualized feedback and opportunities to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment. **[View the Winter Class Schedule + Enroll Now! ](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes)**(Spaces limited!) #### **Winter 2026 Session FAQ** **When do classes take place?** Our winter classes meet once a week on Monday OR Thursday evenings and run from early January to early March 2026. **Where are classes offered?** Our classes meet on zoom. **What are your class sizes?** Each class is capped at 8 students, so that you receive ample opportunities to practice speaking and the individual feedback necessary to improve your conversational skills. **Will your classes help me become fluent?** Yes! At Spanish with Ariel, we focus on building conversational skills. Each live class maximizes speaking practice through discussions, role plays and games. **Are your classes leveled?** Yes. Beginner Spanish 101 is best for individuals who have had prior exposure to Spanish (ie. you studied it years ago, or you have been practicing on Duolingo), but are not yet comfortable having conversations in Spanish. Beginner Spanish Essentials is best for students who can have a short and simple conversation in Spanish in the present tense. Talking About The Past 2 is best for students who can list a few things they did last weekend in Spanish using preterite tense verbs (ie. yo fui, yo comí, yo visité, etc.), but cannot yet describe it in detail. Speaking Through Stories is best for students who feel comfortable having conversations in Spanish about familiar topics in the present and past (imperfect and preterite) tenses and want to expand their vocabularies and improve their fluency. **Do I have to purchase a textbook?** Nope! Your enrollment includes all course materials, pre-class self-guided lessons, post-class exercises, 150+ digital vocabulary flashcards, and long-term access to all class recordings, materials and slides. In Speaking Through Stories, students will need to purchase a graphic novel. **What happens if I miss a class?** All live sessions are recorded, so if you miss a class, you can watch the recording and catch up on what you missed! **When do the bonus conversation hours take place?** Our winter 2026 virtual conversation hours take place on Thursday 1/29 7:00pm and Monday 2/16 at 7:00pm. These are bonus interactive, fluency-building sessions open only to current Spanish with Ariel students. **How are the bonus conversation hours structured?** These interactive sessions are meant to be light and fun ways to practice your speaking skills through icebreakers, games and role plays. No homework: just show up and chat with us! **How do conversation partners work?** At the beginning of each session, each student will be assigned a conversation partner from their class. For select weeks of class, students will be expected to set aside about 15 minutes in that given week to chat with their conversation partner outside of class. Students will be connected with their conversation partner by email, and they have the option to choose a method of communication (phone, zoom, or other messenger app) and mode of communication (audio call, video call or voice notes) that works for them. **Can I read some reviews?** Sure! Students share reviews on [Google](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9tYXBzL3BsYWNlL1NwYW5pc2grd2l0aCtBcmllbC9AMzguODkzODU5MiwtNzcuMDk2OTc2NiwxMnovZGF0YT0hNG04ITNtNyExczB4ZjU3OTFlYTdmN2ZiN2Y5OjB4Y2NhODYwYTA5ODFiNTc5YiE4bTIhM2QzOC44OTM3NTQ1ITRkLTc3LjAxNDU3NiE5bTEhMWIxITE2cyUyRmclMkYxMXc4ZnF2XzM4P2VudHJ5PXR0dSZnX2VwPUVnb3lNREkxTURJeU5pNHhJS1hNRFNvQVNBRlFBdyUzRCUzRA==) and our [website](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3BhbmlzaHdpdGhhcmllbC5jb20vdGVzdGltb25hbHM=). **I’ve got more questions. Can I contact you?** Sure! Email me at ariel@spanishwithariel.com.

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

This is an In-Person Writing Event at Three Whistle's Cafe in Clarendon! Please join us. \*\*Three Whistles Cafe has kindly requested that we do not bring outside food and drink into their restaurant.\*\* This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

We will meet for dinner at Guardado's and discuss three short stories from "Assorted Fire Events" by David Means: "Widow Predicament" "Railroad Incident. August 1995" "The Gesture Hunter"

Our second Meetup event for *Fiddler on the Roof* at Signature Theatre will be Saturday, January 10 at 8PM. The show is quickly selling out, so get your tickets ASAP at [https://tickets.sigtheatre.org/syos/performance/14064](https://tickets.sigtheatre.org/syos/performance/14064). The iconic musical gorgeously staged like never before in Signature’s intimate setting and directed by Joe Calarco (*Jesus Christ Superstar*, *Gypsy*). Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tightknit community honor tradition but must contend with a changing world and a rise in anti-Semitism at their home in Czarist Russia. The glorious score with songs “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker” unite with exquisite dance in this classic of the musical theater canon filled with humor, heart – and life. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf ******** Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

You want to learn more about Inner Engineering. Please join us. https://innerengineering.sadhguru.org/in-person?utm_medium=sm&utm_source=ig&utm_campaign=ie-maryland-ongoing

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix) To find more fun events: Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283) Join: [https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/](https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/) Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us for a top-reviewed comedy-drama and the latest from director Bradley Cooper, IS THIS THING ON! The film is based on a true story follows a middle-aged man in a struggling marriage who seeks in purpose as a stand-up comedian. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: As their marriage quietly unravels, a faces middle age and an impending divorce. He seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while trying to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether or not love can take a new form. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) and stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Sean Hayes and Bradley Cooper. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc) BUZZ: The film is earning an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it “another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.” Following its world premiere at the NYFF, critics called it “a warm and hilarious comedy-drama” and “one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year!” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 6:45 and 7:00pm! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater. When you arrive, let them know you’re with the Movie Group admission and concession discounts! And don’t miss the best part of the night, food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Parking Tip: Park in the lot near Brassica, and you’ll be conveniently located between the theater and restaurant. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan