MY FIRST WRITERS WORKSHOP

On Sunday I attended my first writers workshop in Tokyo. This was an experience that I really wanted to have, and a commitment that I truly want to undertake. As you know, I am still kind of new in Tokyo - 8 months now - and by November I felt that I had to find, once again, a group of like minded individuals who have the same kind of love for this beautiful art form. The need had been growing inside of me little by little. I don´t know what it is, but when I am sitting around a table with other writers I feel at ease, very comfortable.

So, I started my search on the internet and there were several groups listed. I did a quick review, checked the information posted, their history, how long they had been together, and in the end I decided to attend Tokyo Writers Workshop. ( Check the link here, please) So, I signed up.

Usually, the meet ups take place on the last Sunday of every month in the afternoons. I really wanted to go that Sunday in December, but I already had that day booked with classes. So I couldn´t go. Then I did the best thing I could do; read and send my feedback to the stories that were submitted for that day. That would be my way of introducing myself and demonstrating that now I am part of the group.

The new year came, and I was ready for January's meet. I really wanted to participate so I sent something that I had written. It was a short, horror story that I want to film this year. I knew it would be kind of strange, if not different to send a story in a really unexpected format. What I sent was the background story in a couple of pages - something that I usually create that I know would be very helpful for the actors when creating the character. Then, right after that they could read the script. It was 4 pages long. A quick, fun and simple read. I figured, ´let´s see what kind of comments I´m gonna get´.

Well, the day came. It was a cold, rainy day. I took the train, I was a bit late - I had to eat my lunch. By the time I arrived, everyone else was there already. It was a good size group, about 15 people, and they were already discussing the first story. Quietly I found a chair and started paying attention. I had my notes with me. Quickly I felt at ease. These are my people. All these new faces were writers. All of them felt the same motivation of living through writing, like me. And in Tokyo! And in English! That was an amazing realization.

I continued to listen carefully. I found the feedback being given very focused, sharp and helpful. That was a great sign. I also participated and provided my own positive comments. The group went through each of the 7 stories and poems that were sent. Each story got 20 minutes of discussion. I found that to be pretty generous. I watched as each writer took careful note of the information received.

Then, it was my turn!

The truth is, I wasn´t nervous at all. I was just eager to hear their comments to my short horror story. It was a bit funny when the first remark was made. It had to do with the structure of the story, and most of the writers agreed that it was a bit weird. Nonetheless, they continued. There were comments about the main character - some good ones that I might actually use in the story. There were opinions about the title, some words used, grammatical errors ( something is always going to get through our filters), even the title itself. A couple of observations stood out the most; the story was ´FUN´. That was great to hear. I do believe that in the end, the story is what matters. I kept taking notes, nodding and listening until we all heard the buzzer telling us that time was up.

I was very happy and grateful. I thanked them. I explained that my intention with this story is to film it very soon. That clarified a couple of doubts. It was a perfect reunion.

I will return again next month, and I will send part of a new story that I would love to have them read and provide feedback on. I think I have found a solid group that will help me stay focused with my dream of writing. Thanks to the Tokyo Writers Workshop. I am glad we found each other.

And to you, thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas