Blog

by Srey Khoy

          Would you like to know the secret behind increased reader engagement? How would you like your story to hold the reader’s attention from beginning to end? If you answered yes, stay tuned for our fabulous speaker.

          Writers of Kern is pleased to welcome back Nancy Ellen Dodd, and her presentation “Story + Character Arcs = Tension” is sure to explore and improve the creative storytelling process. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice these concepts during the workshop.

          What is tension? This is the energy that keeps the audience engaged; without it, you’ll have a flat story that puts your audience to sleep.

          How does tension occur? The story arc and character arc must inspire tension in such a way that the reader cares what happens to the character and whether they achieve their ultimate wish.

          When does tension occur? This occurs whenever the characters disagree, even when they have feelings for each other. Other incidents include obstacles thrown in the characters’ path.

          Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to develop more tension between characters.
  • How to develop a character arc with more tension.
  • How to develop a story arc, adding more tension.

You won’t want to miss out on this free, virtual workshop. Mark your calendars for July 17 at 9:15AM PST, and don’t forget to REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE.

Nancy Ellen Dodd, author of The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages, is also an instructor and editor. She earned an MPW (master’s in professional writing) and an MFA (in playwriting) from USC. She teaches advanced screenwriting at Pepperdine’s Seaver College and has published more than 130 articles in local and national publications. She is currently earning her Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Facebook.

by Susan Baker

“Why on earth do we need more writers?”, asks Brendan Constantine, a Los Angeles based poet. Those attending the Writers of Kern monthly meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2021 will have the chance to find an answer to that question.  Mr. Constantine will be the featured guest speaker, delivering a special edition of his curiously titled workshop, ‘The Art of Getting It Wrong’. 

This event will fuel a “generative discussion” inviting writers of all genres to explore topics including:

• How to reduce distraction and foster creative momentum
• Understanding and getting past ‘writer’s block”
• How to change your focus and reassess your motivation for writing – writing for self-expression vs writing for publication
• How to balance your needs as a writer with the needs of your audience
• Discovering your personal “style” (your greatest strengths)

During the process, participants may well discover why others need THEIR writing!

This presentation will include a lecture, discussion, group participation, a slideshow and handouts (provided digitally).  Participants are promised that they will acquire new tools with which to approach their writing. “I’m turning over all my tricks!” declares Constantine.  Further, he plans to provide participants with enough source material to enable them to conduct their own workshops to inspire even more writers.

A critically acclaimed American poet, Brendan Constantine’s work has been published in numerous publications including several full-length collections with established publishing houses, as well as viral media posts. His work has also appeared in numerous journals, including Poetry, Tin House, Best American Poetry, and Poem-a-Day. His latest work will soon be appearing in Rattle, Radar, and the Washington Square Review.  A gifted performer, Brendan performs his poetry for audiences across the United States and Europe. He has been featured on NPR’s ‘All things Considered’, as well as TED ED, podcasts and YouTube. 

In addition to publishing and performing, Brendan teaches at the Windward School in Los Angeles.  But his passion for helping others to find their own words and means of expression extends beyond the stage or classroom to writers who struggle to construct even the most basic sentence.

For the past four years, Constantine has been collaborating with linguists and speech pathologists to create workshops to help persons with aphasia (communication disorder affecting reading, writing and speech) and traumatic brain injury. He states, “I have seen firsthand the usefulness of the very methods I plan to share in my lecture. By spending a little time with our first motivations to write (our original ‘boldness’), by rising to meet distraction and reluctance, I’ve witnessed astounding results.”

The Art of Getting It Wrong, is an online event, hosted by The Writers of Kern.  It is open to the public and free of charge.  Pre-registration is required and is on a first come, first served basis.  To sign up, go to: EVENTBRITE

To find out more about Brendan Constantine and sample his work, go to: brendanconstantine.com