Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Pruneyard Shopping Center kicked off the first of its Teen Writers Workshops on Jan. 19, inviting youth to discover the joys of writing.

"It was really cool," said 13-year-old Melissa Lindley, a student at Ida Price Middle School who went to the workshop.

Like the other participants, Lindley went to learn more about the art and craft of writing, as well as to get a glimpse of what to look forward to if she pursues a career as a writer.

She said she wasn't disappointed.

"I learned a lot about dealing with things like writer's block and rejection," she said.

The workshop was facilitated by writer and Campbell resident Tasra Dawson, 31, who earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Washington and a master's degree in education at Antioch University.

Dawson, a former teacher at Ida Price Middle School in the Cambrian School District, left her job half a year ago to develop her writing career.

In her free time—when she's not writing or editing articles or putting the finishing touches on the new book she's writing—she's decided to help aspiring writers develop their talents.

She said she chose to do the teen writers workshop not only to offer her own insights into the profession, but because she hopes to build a place where young writers can meet other young writers.

Teenagers interested in writing generally are more introspective, creative and imaginative than their peers, Dawson said.

"I just hope the workshop can be a place where teenage writers can connect to each other and not feel lonely," she said, "and give them at an early age an experience that can help them live out their dreams to be writers."

During the workshop Dawson facilitated a discussion about people's experiences and aspirations in writing and to inform them about the rewards of a writing career—like the satisfaction of seeing one's name in print—and its pitfalls—small paychecks.

"If the joy of writing isn't there, consider doing something else," she said, explaining that when writers get started, money doesn't necessarily come flowing in. "It's a harsh reality, but a lot of authors write eight or nine books before any of their books really sell."

The workshops are not designed to specifically focus on how to get a story published, she said. They are an outlet for anyone wishing to improve school essay writing, personal poems or writing of any other genre. And all age groups are invited.

Though the workshop is primarily focused on helping teenagers and young adults, said Barnes & Noble Community Relations Manager Mike Welch, no one will be turned away.

"Even if someone 50 years old comes in here, we won't say no," he said.

Santa Clara resident Osei Brooks, 16, who just happened to find out about the workshop when he visited the store one day, said he's looking forward to the next meeting.

"I came tonight to get an idea of what goes on here," he said, "and I'll be here next time."

The workshop will meet every third Monday of the month at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Pruneyard Shopping Center from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Tasra Dawson at tasra@tmdawson.com.