What we’re about
Montana writers: Have you written a screenplay or two (or ten) -- or are thinking about one? Maybe you write novels or short stories or have a life story people say would make a great movie. Or do you just want to improve your storytelling skills -- on the page &/or out loud?
***If you say 'yes' to any or all of the above, we hope you'll join us. ***We're open to Montana screenwriters of all genres and experience levels -- plus novelists, short story writers as well as writers of non-fiction or memoirs or personal essays.
Many of the writing craft topics we discuss are valuable for all types of writers. Using screenwriting techniques helps make novels, memoirs, personal essays and short stories even more visual and emotionally compelling.
(If you write novels and memoirs or non-fiction, also check out Authors of the Flathead, one of our sponsoring groups: http://authorsoftheflathead.org)
Since 2020 we've focused primarily on discussing screenwriting and screenplays. We've read award winning scripts and watched videos about screenwriting craft topics including how now-iconic films actually got made. (Check out Netflix's terrific series "The Movies That Made Us" -- it tells and shows how films like "Pretty Woman," "Home Alone," "Back to the Future" and also well-known low budget horror films actually got written, filmed and became box office success.)
We will meet monthly in 2024 via Zoom -- and may possibly also meet in person in Kalispell MT during summer months. Check each month's event posting for details.
In 2024 we'll alternate between guest speaker interviews and online WRITERS BOOK CLUB discussions. If we don't have a guest scheduled, we'll discuss one book about the craft or business of screenwriting (announced in advance on that month's event page so you can hopefully read it before we meet). But we'll also include books of value for all types of writers, such as books on crafting short personal essays for Live Storytelling; using the Chakras or Enneagram as character creation tools; etc.
Feel free to send a Meetup Message to organizer Barbara Schiffman if you have books to suggest - and let her know if you've read them already or not.
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RE STORYCRAFTING: In 2024, we are also hosting several LIVE STORY SHARING EVENTS in Flathead Valley again -- spring and fall -- due to popular request. So we are seeking STORY SUBMISSIONS from locals who have engaging and inspiring stories to tell to neighbors, friends and story fans. Get submission details at our Flathead Story Concert website: https://FlatheadStoryConcerts.wootick.com -- you can message Barbara Schiffman with questions or email her at montanascreenwriting@gmail.com.
If you need guidance for creating a story to tell live but want to give it a try, we are offering several online-only Craft a Tellable Story workshops this year (free, but space limited) -- check event pages here or FSC site for details or email Barbara for details.
Keep writing!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- 5/21: Flathead Story Concert @ Sacred Waters Brewing (Kalispell MT) - LIVE EVENTSacred Waters Brewing Company, Kalispell, MT
Flathead Story Concerts - back in 2024 by popular request
-- at Sacred Waters Brewing in Kalispell!Stories connect, entertain and inspire us...
This year we'll host live 2 Story Concerts -- on Tuesdays 5/21 & 9/17 -- at Sacred Waters Brewing in Kalispell.
Hear inspiring true and fictional stories plus poems shared live by the Flathead locals who experienced or crafted them.
Tales will be told, laughs will be shared, some tears may even be shed...
If you like The Moth Radio Hour, you'll love our Flathead Story Concerts!
These are themed and curated events; not open mics.
Our 2024 Story Themes:
- a) All in the Family (biological, extended family & friendships, work family, animal-human family, and more)
- b) Firsts & Lasts (think "the first time..." or "the last time...")
- c) "Wild Card" (stories that don't fit A or B themes but are so great we're inviting them anyway!)
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Flathead Story Concerts are curated by Barbara & Glenn Schiffman
and co-hosted with Sacred Waters Brewing.Sponsors and supporters include Authors of the Flathead, The Bookshelf in Kalispell and Sacred Waters Brewing
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We're delighted that some of our 2023 Tellers are returning in 2024 with new stories!5/12 Tellers include:
Rebecca Ashcraft
Katie Carey
Craig Naylor (poet)
Dixon Rice
Glenn Schiffman
Alan Solum+++++
WE'RE STILL SEEKING STORIES for 9/17 FSC:
Get FSC Submission Guidelines and deadline at:
https://flatheadstoryconcerts.wootick.com+++++
When: Tuesday 5/21 (6-7:15pm) ***- doors open at 5:30pm in The Wild Side Room (limited seating)
- This is a Community Event - Free Admission
- Family friendly (but best for ages 16+)
Where: Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 US 2 East, Kalispell (south of the airport)
++++++Questions? Call Barbara Schiffman at 747-238-0038
>> get more info at https://flatheadstoryconcerts.wootick.com
or email Barbara at story23fvcc@gmail.com