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.

Solstice Breath

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