Ode to a Super Agent

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

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

And Off We Go

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

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

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

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).

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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

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.