Writer Jeff Selin had a dream. He dreamt of a space where Portland writers could share their knowledge and struggles and find community. A place where serious writers meet for writing critique, classes, resources and most importantly, a space they can call their own. Selin's dreams are big—he wants to reach out to all members of the writing community novelists, short story authors, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, journalists and even bloggers.
And it looks like he's found such a place in a building in St. Johns that sits adjacent to a Ta Kwan Do studio where Selin's brother teaches the martial art. A former yoga studio, the space is airy with hard wood floors and thick wood beams separating the room into two halves—it is here that Selin has opened the aptly named Writers' Dojo. "It's the ideal space for writers' groups, readings, workshops and smaller events," says an enthusiastic Selin, "Over time we hope to develop a community of serious writers, with a reputation as a center of excellence where literary professionals work and hang out."
Selin, a former copy writer and freelance journalist decided he wanted to focus on writing on his terms, so he gave his notice to the corporate world and began making plans for the Dojo. He set up a blog at writersdojo.org and started asking Portland area writers what they wanted in a writing annex. "Based on the response so far, many serious writers are looking for a productive place to write. The home office has its distractions and the coffeehouse scene can be a hassle waiting for silence or the lone electrical outlet," says Selin.
Selin says he was inspired by places such as The Loft in Minneapolis, The New York Writers Room in Manhattan, and The Grotto in San Francisco—all famous for nurturing the talents of those dedicated seriously to the craft of writing and for encouraging a fellowship that seems to influence and motivate one another's work. "We have this creative space where a writer can find a daily or weekly dose of professional development, inspiration, and community connection among writing peers," says Selin.
For over a year now, Selin has been utilizing the space for his work on short stories and a novel in progress and has met with some of the area's literati (his site names M.K. Hobson, James Bernard Frost, and Kristina McMorris as visitors to the Dojo) and has enticed a handful of writers to rent space there. "We want to advance the conversation of literary artistry and professionalism. The Writers Dojo is just the first among several projects planned."
Selin's plans include beta testing a peer-to-peer journal website and online magazine, expanding the Dojo to include a space in the downtown and promotion of his own writing career. "My goal is to see these works in print, in literary journals and in the bookstore," says Selin.
Now Selin's Dojo seems to be beta testing its Mojo, as his web site recently expanded to include blogging and podcasts, with soon to be added resource guides, events and submission trackers.
