The production company of a friend of mine was participating, and I was asked to help as one of the two writers. However, the other writer pretty much took over and my job as writer was negligible. I was around to help format the script into the typical screenplay layout, do some dialog rewrites, but that was about it as far as writing went. I offered a lot of suggestions, but few were taken. But that's the way it goes.

But it reminded me of another similar situation I experienced a few years ago in a film class. A group of writers, myself included, were sent into the hall to come up with a five-minute idea so the class could try shooting a film. We were all brainstorming, well mostly two particular people were brainstorming, and I and another person were kinda being neglected. I suggested an idea to add to the story that was on the table, and I kid you not, there was silence, and no one acted like they even heard me. No one looked at me, turned to me, even acknowledged that I had spoke. I felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone. It was like I didn't exist! What I suggested wasn't that insane, so why had I been ignored like that???

I've decided, however, that I don't write well with others. Brainstorming story ideas isn't really my thing, either. Story ideas come to me, sometimes in dreams, sometimes in the shower, sometimes in a brief moment of imagination where my mind juxtaposes several images together. Groups that sit around trying to write ideas just aren't where it's at for me. I don't think there's anything wrong with them; it's just not me.

And I am sure those other writers heard me when I suggested my idea. We were sitting about a foot from each other.