Portland Writers Room

Web Site for Portland Writers

2009-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Portland Writers discover fiction, essays, poetry, resources, podcasts, blogs and more at WritersDojo.org.

New sites abound

2008-07-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

We have some exciting online developments with enormous enhancements coming soon to WritersDojo.org. Stay tuned for our relaunch as an art-house style online magazine for Pacific Northwest writers. More on this topic throughout August, when this blog will migrate over to the Website.

In the meantime, please check out this fabulous blog for all things literary in Oregon, from our friends at Literary Arts: http://paperfort.blogspot.com. There's a great wealth of resources and information brewing with interviews and more. Please take a gander and help us support and applaud their efforts.

CMS Websites for Writers

2008-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

For about 5 months we've been chatting with Web programmers and designers to offer inexpensive CMS websites, custom designed, to come in under or around $1000. If you're familiar with Content Management Systems and high-end Web design, you probably understand our challenge to find a highly qualified team willing to help us in this price range.

We wanted creative time with amazing designers, a creative brief session, and then 7 or 8 pages to start, with the ability to easily add pages at will, and the sites needed to include such options as: easy-to-use point and click CMS, all the basics like home, about, and contact forms, secondary navigation features, gallery for photos or streaming media, blog, events calendar, mailing list sign up... All the stuff writers might need.

We talked to programmers involved with Drupal, Joomla, Windows .NET, XML, PHP... The price tag always ran North, up, up and away to 2K, 3K, 5K. It's the CMS connected to custom design that makes it so expensive. Occasionally we found a programmer willing to help, but only for one site. (We want to help many writers.) But then the reality of no money set in... we have a project manager, designer, and programmer for each site... Then we discovered roadblocks and shortcuts taken. Not good.

Just when all hope was lost... We have discovered a solution! Our friends from an amazing and powerful and successful Web shop, the sort that works exclusively with large corporate clients and budgets to match, have agreed to help support our writing community. They are extraordinarily generous and though we have just started this endeavor together through a beta launch phase, we are grateful for their positive energy, experience, advice and support.

If you need a site and you understand the value of what we're talking about here, please drop a line. Let's chat. Our goal here is to just provide an awesome resource. Once we get fully up and running, we'll also have lots of free content and ideas for writers and Web development.

Covered inPORTLAND

2008-03-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

We're donning the cover of inPORTLAND in today's Oregonian. The press is great. Naturally, we're now card-carrying members of the Anna Griffin and Fred Joe fan clubs. Surely, their members are legion.

The kind, congratulatory notes and inquiries have flowed in steadily throughout the day. Thank you, Anna, for helping support our burgeoning community.

Ah, but we can't help but chuckle at one or two small editorial wonders. For instance, I didn't realize I was so well published.

Here's the online version.

It's edited differently than the print version. It claims I have: "managed to escape a career in advertising copywriting to write full time, publishing a couple of novels along with numerous short stories and nonfiction." Well, that's sort of jumping ahead. For the record, if we replace the word "publishing" with "penning" we'd be spot-on accurate.

By the way, the article doesn't offer any contact info save for this blog. So if you made it here after reading the story...

WritersDojo.org
503-706-0509
info@writersdojo.org

The Mother of Events Calendar

2008-03-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

We've been threatening to develop a master events calendar that culls together all other literary calendars for events, reading, workshops, etc., and puts them into one easy-to-use and read database with simple search functions and daily updates. Whoa, that would be awesome. A one-stop shop. Maybe sometime this year we'll get it together.

In the meantime, there are all the email lists and organizations and book stores and newspapers to check. We always feel like we're late--oh, just missed another favorite writer who was in town for one day. Luckily, we caught this one in time. If your a fan like we are of Then We Came to The End... Joshua Ferris will be at Powell's on Tuesday night. That's on Burnside, March 25th, 7:30pm.

So many blogs, so little

2008-03-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the recent emails re: what happened to our blog? Nothing like a six-week hiatus. So, here's a little disclaimer for inquiring minds: We've been working on the Web site, to offer literary resources beyond another list of links. Of course, we want to incorporate this blog more closely into the site.

We're still waiting.

In the meantime, we return to sharing thoughts here. Today, we're headed over to the Writers Resource Fair at the Central Library. Hope to see you there.

Ode to a Super Agent

2008-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Poets&Writers will run a series of interviews with literary super agents. Their first in the series with Lynn Nesbit is completely awesome, if not slightly melancholy for the current state of publishing. Still, this is a must-browse situation. Oh, the salad days of the industry, when eccentric, intellectuals and insiders could roam the New York City streets fueled by Scotch, party invitations, and crazy notions of literary purpose. Wow, Nesbit agented how many of our favorite authors? She's been at the center of the New York lit scene for decades. Oh, how I'd love to pour the java and get her chatting over here at the Writers' Dojo. Lynn, if you happen to be reading this blog, please drop a line anytime: 503-706-0509.

Get Your Daily Fix

2008-01-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the folks at the PSU Writing Center for the cool blog and resource: PDX Daily Writer.

And Off We Go

2008-01-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Ode, to the Launch Party... Wow, a blast! It was amazing to see all the writers who came out to play. Everywhere I turned, folks were chatting about their next project, deadlines, book deals, agents, the local literary scene... Almost a week later and I'm still pumped up from the night and still feeling slightly overwhelmed with everyone's generosity. We make for such a friendly, hilarious, lovely bunch of creative intellects, introverts, misfits, goof balls, and performers. This was exactly the kind of energy Writers' Dojo needed for our launch. Thanks, everyone, for helping make our party such a fabulous time.

Super-special-I-can't-say-it-enough thanks to our readers: James Bernard Frost, Kim Stafford, Chelsea Cain, Alison Clement, Tom Spanbauer. Each of you... phenomenal! As were the Dojo members who pitched in to help. Kristin, Caelan, Ellen, Dana, Skye: thank you.

Showing off Writers' Dojo was cool. But I hope we helped showcase St. Johns as a literary venue. Many of our friends who own the small businesses here are ready to open their doors and hearts to writers, to help out and play host. There are all these great spots, just within a few blocks around N. Lombard. Our local bookstore, St. Johns Books, is ready to team up for more readings. The Urban Soul is a tattoo parlor and art gallery with an amazing space for rocking parties. The Red Sea Church where we had our readings can hold up to 350 folks. Proper Eats, who helped cater the event, has a small stage and regular open mic nights. Anna Bananas, who provided coffee, has a cool cafe wine bar. The list goes on. The owners are ready and happy to connect. So stay tuned for more from NoPo.

Many wondrous notes have flowed in post party. Sweet, delicious thoughts from our new friends. So good! We did lose a healthy number of friends to the flu season, but our attendance numbers swelled nonetheless. We guess there were about 130-to-150 guests, most of us writers. The transition was especially surrealistic to see: a stream of party goers with wine glasses meandering across N. Chicago. Love it!

We'll do another party-like event soon. Maybe the summertime, maybe a garden party. Hey, shoot me a note with your ideas. We'll stick to the party formula: heaps of tasty wine, delicious food, friendly writer folk abound.

Okay, I did the little speech of thanks at the show, but here I go again. So many people donated their toys, expertise, and energy to help celebrate our opening.

A standing ovation, then, please, for: Emerald, my sister-in-law, who handmade a gagillion dumplings, egg rolls, and pieces of sushi; Michael, my brother and Aikido teacher, for opening the mat as a kids' playground; Jessica from Cameron Hughes Wine, who donated six delicious cases to our cause; our new friend and photographer, Doug, who should have amazing photos of the party to share soon; Piper and James from Proper Eats who helped with some catering; Shawn and Nathan at the Red Sea Church across the street who offered use of their home for the readings; freelance artist and coolest friend ever, Kim, who created these hilarious posters for us; Aaron, Web Master and music dude, dj Ujeen, who shared his mixing expertise; Albert who played keyboards; Kristina, who offered her party planning expertise; Hanny, who helped pour the wine; Jim, who lent his In Focus machine...

Deep Breath after the Solstice

2008-01-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

Our first official workshop on December 21st was a huge success. With just 10 days notice, we had 20 people join us for 4 hours of movement and writing. And we raised a few hundred-plus bucks for an amazing cause.

Our instructors, Kim Stafford on the writing side (center in picture), and my brother, Michael Selin, for Aikido (in his gi on the left), were AWESOME! Basically, they were a brilliant pair. Thank you, gentlemen!

What better way to launch and connect the space here: a writing seminar with an Aikido class? We'll have to do it again soon.

If you have any ideas for a killer event, with amazing instructors, stellar content, to help showcase the Writers' Dojo as a center of excellence for writers, one that will be talked about and memorable for years to come, of course I'd love to hear from you. Shoot me your ideas. Maybe we can make it happen.

"Writers Talking" at Central Library

2007-12-14T00:40:00.000-08:00

If you've been on the Portland literary scene for more than, say, 20 minutes, then you know Monica Drake and James Bernard Frost. If you don't, you should. So either way, let's go support them tomorrow and check out their reading session at the downtown library.

Saturday, December 15, 1–2:30 p.m.
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room

If they're in the mood, it should be a total trip. And if you go, come find me. I'll be the guy in the green "Write" tee shirt. Oh, but I handed out a bunch of shirts, so it might be hard to spot me. On second thought, ignore me and focus on these two rocking artists. Here's where you can find more info.

Alright, if you're still not convinced, you have weekend plans, or you're bibliotecaphobic, just go get their work and read: Jim's World Leader Pretend and Monica's Clown Girl.

News from our writing friends

2007-12-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

News from NoPo poet, Ariel Zimmer

North Portland Poetry Jam
When: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 7-9pm
Where: Trippin Billies Coffeehouse

Open mic this Sunday. Sign up begins at 6:30. Beer, wine and treats for purchase. All ages. Free. The coffeehouse is at 3226 N Lombard (across from US Bank).

News from author and teacher, Ariel Gore

Call for Submissions

PORTLAND QUEER
A New Anthology Edited by Ariel Gore

Greetings Portland Queers!

I'm looking for first-person literary narratives by queer-identified Portland writers for a new anthology showcasing the diversity, hilarity, and talent of emerging and established local writers. Stories can be fiction or nonfiction, but should have a clear Portland connection.

I'm looking for:

Experimental and traditional short stories / short memoirs featuring queer characters
Character-driven literary narratives
Stories that mention specific Portland neighborhoods, landmarks, haunts, or nearby destinations
Up to 5,000 words (shorter pieces welcome)

I'm not looking for:

Opinion essays on what it's like to be queer in Portland
Erotica (sex isn't taboo-- I just don't want it to be "the point")
How-to or travel pieces
And I'm not looking for trouble! Please be prepared to change the names of the guilty.

Send submissions to
Ariel Gore / Portland Queer
P.O. Box 12525
Portland, OR 97212

Send your questions to
arielfiona@gmail.com
Subject: Pdx Queer

Deadline is May 1, 2008
Payment to be determined

Ariel Gore is the editor of Hip Mama and the author of seven books
including The Traveling Death and Resurrection Show, Atlas of the
Human Heart, and How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead.
Click to www.arielgore.com

The Season of the Launch

2007-12-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

Dear writers, literary folk and friends :

Please join us to celebrate the development of a Writers' Room in Portland.

Saturday, January 12th
Start: 7pm
Readings: 8pm
Party until: whenever
Where: Writers' Dojo

To RSVP is divine. If you plan to attend, please take a moment to follow the link.

Join us for readings, poetry, music, drinks, some surprises, and together we'll celebrate the launch of Writers' Dojo. Yes, we've already launched. But this party will be the finale in The Season of the Launch, to make it official.

Our reading friends include:

• Chelsea Cain: Weekly columnist for The Oregonian and author of several books, including the new best-seller Heartsick.
• Kim Stafford: Poet, author, professor, musician and director of the William Stafford Studio.
• Tom Spanbauer: Pulitzer nominated author and the founder of Dangerous Writing workshop.
• Alison Clement: This year's winner of the Oregon Book Award for her novel Twenty Questions.
• James Bernard Frost: Journalist for Wired and others. His book The Artichoke Trail won an award for travel journalism. World Leader Pretend is his first novel.

Late night open mic and jam session to follow the mood. If you have any questions, please drop a line.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey and Rachel Selin
503-706-0509
info@writersdojo.org
WritersDojo.org
7518 (and 7506) N. Chicago Ave.
Portland, OR 97203

Directions
We're just over the St. Johns Bridge, one block from N. Lombard. Visit us online for driving directions and a map. (There's plenty of free street parking.)

PS. Please don't forget to RSVP.

Solstice Breath

2007-12-12T03:24:00.000-08:00

Last week I attended a writing workshop on food held at Hotlips Pizza--the inaugural session of Hotlips U.--sponsored by the William Stafford Studio. (The Studio is a new venture under works by Kim Stafford, one that you will certainly hear more about in coming months and throughout 2008 as Kim continues to develop this amazing organization.)

It turns out that Hotlips will focus its extra circular activities in 2008 toward the literary arts. Last year it was bicycles. This coming year: words. Bravo, Hotlips! So, we read aloud from works of poetry and prose, used these as prompts to write, shared our words, then feasted.

I was totally inspired by how location--the landscape and culture--have such a profound impact on our words. It was simply the perfect locale to inspire thoughts on food and community. Afterwards, Kim and I kept chatting and dreaming about how Writers' Dojo could host an event based on the energy and vibe of the location. Here's the result: the perfect workshop to help launch our space. What could be better than to combine the two disciplines of writing and movement... from two teachers I greatly admire.

Solstice Breath
with Kim Stafford and Michael Selin
A workshop in writing and movement

In breath, where kingdoms hide,
one little turn at the end
is king, again, again, again…

—William Stafford

At Writers' Dojo: Friday, 21 December 2007, 9 a.m. - 1p.m.
Co-sponsored by the William Stafford Studio

Please join us for our inaugural workshop at Writers' Dojo, featuring writing with poet Kim Stafford and movement exercises with aikido teacher Michael Selin. We will work with breath, the body in motion and at rest, and writing invitations designed to listen at the solstice.

Yes, this is a busy time. All the more reason to step aside from all that frenzy for this retreat, this gift to yourself. The movement and writing exercises will be restorative, leaving you ready for the rest.

Cost: Suggested donation of $25 with all proceeds to benefit Write Around Portland. Visit to learn more about this valuable organization, one of Portland’s treasures. (Checks payable to “Write Around Portland”).

Bring comfortable clothing to exercise (we have locker rooms and showers).

8:30 Caffeine and conversation
9:00 First writing
9:30 Breath and Movement
10:30 Break
11:00 Writing continues
12:00 Aikido class
1:00 Farewell

• Kim Stafford is director of the William Stafford Studio.
• Michael Selin is the instructor at Ecole de Budo RAJI, Portland.

Texts developed during the workshop will be shared with participants, and will become part of the digital archive for community service at the William Stafford Studio, and at Writers’ Dojo.

Visit here for directions, or call 503.706.0509.

Writers' Dojo
7518 (and 7506) N. Chicago Ave.
Portland, OR 97203

Literary Events, Portland and this blog

2007-12-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

How many blogs can a writer have and properly maintain? In the future we'll keep this one updated more regularly as it evolves slightly to share reports and thoughts on Portland's literary scene. We'll still keep you updated on our progress and development for community projects and the larger Writers' Room idea, but these efforts have led us to many fascinating literary corners of Portland.

The laundry list of artists, professionals, and total characters whom we've been honored to meet, share and exchange ideas with, to network, to chat with about possibilities for our beautiful city's future as a beacon for writers... it reads like a gigantic Torah scroll that just several months ago I would have thought impossible to manage.

We've been out tromping through giddy, fun-filled literary afternoons: from meeting with the Oregon Literary Coalition, to small readings at places like Powell's and the St. Johns Bookstore, to the monthly meetings of Willamette Writers, to the Ooligan Open House, to Wordstock, to the OR Book Awards, to Dangerous Writers, to the ongoing creation of the William Stafford Studio... so many names come to mind of people I want to hang out with daily for their kind, cool, awesome, literary thoughts, amazing creative energy, and general sweet disposition as movers and shakers in Portland's creative writing arts.

Basically I'm in awe of how many amazing writers surround Portland (and Oregon in general). If ever a place were a candidate for that ever-sought amorphous community a la the next Algonquin Round Table, methinks Portland is its home. No need to wait to be invited to the table with these larger-than-life literary characters. Just step out to any of a hundred events a month happening all around us.

We've launched WritersDojo.org

2007-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Today we launched WritersDojo.org. Please browse and share your thoughts. We're also proud to have a write-up in Portland Monthly Magazine, November issue (page 42).

ready to launch

2007-10-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the Qs on our radio silence. We've been behind-the-scenes, working hard to keep the core training alive by writing daily. Meanwhile, the business side of Writers' Dojo continues to develop, to provide core members with outstanding resources. In just a few days, we'll launch a new WritersDojo.org Web experience. It's a good start, including a free podcast download with bestselling author Chelsea Cain.

Off line, we've been furniture hunting, to outfit the Dojo with beautiful office gear. The redesign continues. Painting, artwork, desks... Here are a few of our finds. Special thanks to our friends at ECOpdx for the salvaged wood masterpieces.

thanks, links and tours

2007-09-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

We don't have furniture quite yet, but we're already filling the writers dojo with creative, literary energy. Thanks to everyone for stopping by and sharing ideas. Local authors like M.K. Hobson, James Bernard Frost, and Kristina McMorris are just a few of the folks who deserve special thanks.

We're hoping these writers and many more will find a base for their artistic endeavors. M.K.'s work on the literary journal Diet Soap and James' group PEW are perfect examples of the types of projects we want to support. Please help us support them by following the links.

If you'd like the tour, please give me a call. 503-784-1449. We're at 7506 N. Chicago Ave. (writersdojo.org coming soon.) Driving directions are here.

peer-to-peer journal for literary artists

2007-09-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Volunteer editors and writers needed for beta peer-to-peer journal Website and online magazine. Please drop me a note if you're interested to learn more and assist. Basically we need a crew of intelligent folk to test, tear down, brainstorm, offer input and guidance... or just send some of your articles and ideas.

One of the projects underway here is a free access, peer-to-peer journal for professional literary artists in Portland, throughout Oregon, and around the Northwest. The underlying theme will be to advance the conversation of literary artistry and professionalism. We would include news, editorial, interviews, reviews, events, how-to articles on marketing, writers group info, MFA thoughts, and of course stories on craft... but the style remains local and peer-to-peer. So it is quick to the point, useful, interesting, and conversational in tone. Content certainly would be moderated and possibly edited (where necessary).

Think Poets & Writers meets Village Voice on the local lit scene with Web 2.0 flare, and that's sort of the idea.

What can interested people do to help?

2007-09-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, the Portland literary community rocks! The emails and support have been keeping us completely inspired. One Q that's been repeated: how to help. Thanks for asking! I'll share more insight on this soon, but here's the shortlist for today:

Spreading the word. Please share this blog with folks word-of-mouth style. Once we have the doors open and an actual Web site up, we'll do our best to connect with groups in town.

Keep sharing your ideas, comments and emails. OK, this is sounding slightly referential. But this is huge for us on this side. What do writers in Portland need?

Finding a few core folks. I'll be penning fiction full time from the St. Johns location as of Sept. 15. I'm looking for a few serious writers interested in monthly or weekly desk rental. By getting in now, these writers can help shape the space. I don't have all the digits figured out yet, but something like $400/mo or so that includes all the office stuff you'd need. By sometime in October, we'll be open for writing groups, events, and workshops... really whatever the literary community seems to need.

Introducing our St. Johns Writers’ Annex

2007-08-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

We’ve landed an amazing space for writing groups, readings, weekend workshops, garden parties, intimate literary events… and writing workstations for weekly or monthly rental.

The space is unbelievable, just over the St. Johns bridge on N. Chicago one block from Lombard. It’s a shiny new yoga studio that we’ll transform, on the same property as my brother’s martial arts school. Hence the name we’re contemplating: The Writers Dojo.

There’s plenty of work ahead to transform the location from gorgeous yoga studio to writing lab and literary workspace. Stay tuned for more details on:

Launch party, reading, and grand opening

Web site experience

And the ongoing work to develop the downtown location for full a Writers’ Room

Here are a few quick pics of the main floor. Better shots of the full location and garden to come.

A NoPo Writing Annex

2007-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

We're in the final stages of making a deal for our first location—the writers house annex in St. Johns. If all goes well, we will have a gorgeous, dedicated place for writing groups to meet just off of N. Lombard. No longer will groups have to do the coffeehouse, vagabond, peripatetic city trek in search of a spacious nook.

I’m reluctant to share more until the lease is signed. But things are looking superb. We’ll have a living room area to comfortably seat up to 12 or so and a beautiful, Zen office environment fully loaded for weekly, monthly, or even yearly rental. It will also be a great spot for readings and garden parties.

More soon. In the meantime, the search for the perfect writers’ room downtown continues.

Thanks to a Literary Rockstar

2007-08-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Portland's literary community is among the most creative and accessible in the galaxy. We're chatting up folks to help launch the writers' room, to advance the conversation, to provide fiercely informative and entertaining resources... and start an A-list party that we can attend in our flip-flops.

So it's with great pleasure that we've received a preemptive nod from one of our benevolent, artistic superheroes among local writers. Ah, the momentum builds. Please stay tuned for the unveiling.

it's official

2007-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

today we became bona fide. numerous brainstorm sessions, several legal conversations and the first offical expense with three digits later, the biz side has landed. we are: the writers house llc

happy birthday writers house.

we're eight days into this project, averaging roughly four new hits a day on the surveys and--after the initial friends and family responses--about 10 new, interested people a day via email. that's good news, spreading word-of-mouth style. more to come, including some launch party news for later in the fall.

writershouse.net is coming

2007-08-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

We're in the process of developing a new Web experience with free resources for local writers. We'll do the initial launch for the Wordstock Festival. Stay tuned for more Web info. And please drop me a note if you'd like to be included on the beta test site list.

The Feedback Machine

2007-08-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, the one week mark is approaching since this somewhat obscure blog was posted. We've learned that basically the writers are legion who want a dedicated, quiet, creative space connected to the literary community here in PDX. The emails and comments continue to gain momentum in my inbox. Please keep them coming. And please use those little surveys.

Many of you have noted that the survey function is often not working. Sorry about that. Please refresh, try again. It's a new, free tool on Blogger and I think they're still working out some kinks.

Meanwhile, the marketing research continues. We're compiling a report on the 10 hottest Writers Rooms across the country and trying to interview the minds behind scenes in each location for feedback and support.

Writer Room Tour

2007-08-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

I started communicating with folks in writer rooms around the country. Soon I'll take the national tour to interview the owners and operators. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here's a great article from The NY Times on the popularity and success of rooms in New York.

Feedback so far

2007-08-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in a series of thanks--to everyone for the deluge of emails and awesome input. Here's what we've learned in the last 12 hours.

Several folks asked: "What the hell does 'office' mean?" Wow, that's a good one. Please take a look at our new survey and help us figure it out.

Souk and CubeSpace here in Portland are renting office spaces. I've heard great things about them and I can't wait to meet folks in both places. But I think these are different from a writers' room. Writers need an awesome creative space, that old Victorian house style, with books to the ceiling, people reading on couches, and literary rock stars sipping java over their dog eared manuscripts.
Location was high on the comment list. People might be interested depending on the location. We're investigating places. It will be something close to downtown, in a funky nook of Belmont, Hawthorn, N. Mississippi... with parking and public transportation nearby.

Membership might include

2007-08-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

30 or so cool, partitioned desks, first come basis
T-1 Internet access
Quiet space
Computers, printers, copy machines, fax, Web server
Storage for laptops and materials
Kitchen/lounge
Library with hundreds of hard-to-find books
Living room for reading
Garden
Telephone room
24/7 access
Discounts on literary events
Free access to monthly workshops
Discounts to professional services like legal and accounting
Connections to network of editors, literary agents and authors

The Cost Q

2007-08-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

There would need to be some kind of nominal fee structure. People need to value the space and their time there. We're really just looking to cover basic costs. Of course the price of membership has a lot to do with it. Right? Well, we don't think so. Can we just say, you'll get more than you expected?

The cost will be commensurate with the phenomenal value. Five or six members who are renting one of the five or six office/room suites for the year would pay more, perhaps $400 or $600 or even $1200 a month. These are professional authors who want a killer, creative, quiet writing environment among peers, to get out of the house each day and feel inspired. But members would pay a nominal monthly due that would include access to some equipment, resources, and the community.

Other cities have writers rooms

2007-08-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few links to other writers rooms. A little online searching reveals dozens more. Only, not in Portland.

Minneapolis
www.loft.org/

Santa Monica
www.theofficeonline.com

Chicago
www.uptownwritersspace.com

Boston
www.writersroomofboston.org

New York City
www.writersroom.org

Please pass along to Portland writers

2007-08-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

We need your help. Please answer the poll, shoot me an email, or just share a comment.

A writers' room: Mostly it's a quiet space with great energy for writers. I imagine an old Victorian house with shared office space somewhere close in on the East side, like Hawthorne or Belmont. It's a little funky, Zen-ed out with a garden, books crammed to the ceiling, and a living room with comfy chairs. Here established literary artists rent one of the cool offices, and many other members use the smaller areas and pay monthly dues for shared space.

Membership includes access to all office equipment like online computers and copy machines and printers, endless coffee, publications, a library, networking, discounts to events, support, and editorial assistance.

What would you pay?