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Natalia Corres

Mark Bagby Writings of Mark Twain

February 15, 2016 By Natalia Corres

Mark Bagby Writings of Mark Twain

Mark BagbyMark Bagby is an expert on Samuel Clemens, best known under his pen name, Mark Twain.  Mark Twain wrote an astonishing array of work, practically inventing travel writing and redefining children’s literature. He was a journalist and sought-after speaker. The most popular and widely read author of his day, Clemens wrote what many consider the most notable American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He was America’s first celebrity author and a brand name.

Mark Bagby’s newest Twain lecture, “Finding Out is Better: Mark Twain on Writing”, is designed especially for the Writers of Kern February 20th monthly meeting at the Clarion Hotel.

Mr. Bagby compiled stories, anecdotes, and writing tips from his extensive research on the gamut of Mark Twain’s works to create this lecture. “I’ve gathered up material of interest to writers, along with a laugh or two,” he said. “I hope to engage listeners with some not-so-well known Mark Twain quotes about writing, editing, style, publishing, criticism and life.”

An accomplished Mark Twain performer, in his day-to-day life, Mark Bagby is a communications director for an agricultural marketing company. For this special presentation, he will provide a behind-the-scenes peek at the life of Mark Twain and discuss the work necessary to perform in character.

To hear a brief interview with Mark Bagby LISTEN HERE

Monthly General Meetings

Writers of Kern Monthly General Meetings are a time when local writers get together to socialize, network, and improve their writing skill.  Each month the group presents an expert to help local writers hone their craft.

The meetings are open to the public.  Coffee and light refreshments are served at 9:30 with the general meeting beginning promptly at 10 am.  All Active Members of Writers of Kern are encouraged to wear their Writers of Kern Active Pin.

Writers of Kern meetings are held at the Clarion Hotel from 9:30-noon. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for guests, payable at the door or online https://writersofkern.com/meeting-fee/

Expressions Blog by Marie Elrich

February 11, 2016 By Natalia Corres

Expressions Blog by Marie Elrich

“The Expressions Blog is dedicated to encouraging writers and readers wherever they are in their lives. I write about my own experiences in order to inspire you in one way or another.” – From Expressions Blog

Marie Elrich has been writing since she was two years old.  She picked up her mother’s magazines and copied them even though she had no idea what she was writing.  Marie Created stories for a second grade assignment and she has been hooked on writing ever since.  Marie graduated from Cal State Bakersfield and currently works at a magazine learning the marketing and publishing business.  She has been published in her college literary magazine, Orpheus.

Marie’s Expressions Blog is a mix of reading reviews, writing tip, and life reflections.  Her favorite genre is fantasy. Marie enjoys reading Jane Austen, Diana Wynne Jones, Eoin Colfer and Rick Riordan.

Topping the list of Marie’s favorite books are Sense and Sensibility, Howl’s Moving Castle, Artemis Fowl #1, and The Lightning Thief.

Marie’s Expressions Blog is part of the Writers of Kern A-Z Blog Challenge.  Follow the Expression Blog at  www.marieelrich.com  You can also find Marie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marieelrichexpressions/ and her Twitter name is @MarieElrich.

expressions blogPersonally, I can’t wait until she gets to the letter “H” post on the Expressions blog because not a lot of people know that Marie owns a horse and loves to go riding.

 

Khoti Sarque Blog

February 7, 2016 By Natalia Corres

Featured Bloggers in the A-z Challenge

Over a dozen Writers of Kern writers have picked up the gauntlet, knocked the battery off the shoulder, taken the slap by the proverbial glove and committed their writing to the A-Z Blog Challenge 2016.  Twenty Six posts in 13 weeks is their goal.

This is a diverse set of writers and we think YOU would enjoy following along.  To that end, we will profile these very special bloggers right here. We know you will enjoy the diversity of their individual style. Please stop by their blog sites and drop them a word of encouragement.  After all, as a fellow writer, you are keenly aware of their task.

Khoti Sarque Blog

Khoti Sarque BlogFirst up, (in no particular order, he just got his information to me first), Ian Cant.  Ian writes under the name Khoti Sarque.  Ian is not on social media so you won’t find his post on our Writers of Kern Facebook Group page, but don’t let that stop you.  While Ian has been writing all his life, he has worked at it seriously for about 5 years now.  The focus of his blog is “just writing” which fits well with the Writers of Kern mantra.

Ian likes to write in many styles, but when pinned to the mat says he leans toward Science Fiction and short stories.  When asked if he has been published, “Yes, a little,” is his response.  You gotta love a humble man.

Ian loves reading Joseph Conrad and has many favorite authors.  His favorite book is the Left Hand of Darkness.  I asked Ian to let us in on something most people don’t know about him.  His answer: ” Certifiably insane…sorry, that’s what they DO know.”

Stop by the Khoti Sarque blog and follow along in Ian’s journey through the A-Z Blog Challenge.  You will enjoy it!

Khoti Sarque Blog
Blog Name:     khotisarque.wordpress.com
URL:                 https://khotisarque.wordpress.com

Blog Challenge Everything from A to Z

January 19, 2016 By Natalia Corres

The Writers of Kern 2016 “A-Z” Blog Challenge

It’s time for the A-to-Z Blog Challenge. Get your fingers warmed up.  The starting line is Monday, January 25 and you reach the checkered flag Saturday, April 23.

Here is your mission should you choose to accept it (hey, it’s not an IMPOSSIBLE Mission). For thirteen weeks you will write 2 posts per week for a total of 26 posts.  Choose any theme or topic you like.  You can even flip-flop around.  Blog writing is your writing.  Follow this one simple rule:  each post must feature one letter of the alphabet (in no specific order).

If you decide to participate in the Blog Challenge, there are two parts:

Part 1 – Publish two blog posts a week, for thirteen weeks. Posting Wednesday and Saturday are suggested, but not required.  You can choose any two days you like.  Remember, when you post consistently you draw more readers.  But the goal is for you to write, the readers will come.  If you are a member of Facebook, post a link to a post in the Writers Of Kern Group.

Part 2 – Your fellow members of Writers of Kern are here for support.  It may sound tough to write 26 posts.  It’s easier if you know you have readers who depend on seeing your posts.  Visit at least five other participants’ blogs each week, leaving thoughtful comments and encouraging words.  Join the Facebook group Writers of Kern to find your fellow bloggers.  We also have a list of bloggers on the Writers of Kern website.

If you don’t have a blog, now is the time to start one. Check WordPress and Blogger for free blogging options. If you have a blog and you’re not a seat-of-the-pants writer, you have some time to jump start your challenge plan.

Winners will be recognized at the WOK Honors Dinner in May.

NOTE: If you choose to participate in the WOK Blog Challenge, please email your blog site to events@writersofkern.com by Friday, January 22, 2016. Blog Challenge participants will receive an email listing blog sites of all who have accepted the Blog Challenge.

 

Crime Writers Guide to REAL Crime

January 6, 2016 By Natalia Corres

What Ever Happened to Nancy Drew?

A Crime Writers Guide to REAL Crime in Kern County

David E. Wolf, Deputy District Attorney

Crime WritersIt seems like most crime writers focus on PC 187 (that’s murder) and yet one of our most famous and long lasting mystery series, Nancy Drew, dealt almost entirely with fraud, scams, and theft crimes.

This presentation will be an overview of fraud in Kern County and discuss predictions for crime in 2016. You may be surprised to learn about some of the many different types of fraud (ID Theft, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, Contractor Fraud, etc.)

Crime writers will learn about other types of crime beside murder. These crimes could be the main plot of a story or the motive for a homicide. Crime writers will also learn some “nuts & bolts” about crimes that will be helpful in any story (mystery, romance, etc.) that involves law enforcement. For example, is that really the language a cop or DA would use?

Finally, everyone will learn some tips on how not to be a victim of crime and what to do if they are a victim.

David Wolf has been prosecuting criminals for over two decades. He is an award-winning prosecutor and has prosecuted crimes ranging from misdemeanors to murders. Mr. Wolf volunteers with the Young Writers’ of Kern writing competition. He also volunteers with Kern County Academic Decathlon, High School Mock Trial and We the People programs. He is also a volunteer member of the Kern County Search and Rescue, Frazier Park Mountain and Snow Rescue Team.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDVOLGeIwVs]

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