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Events

Anne Perry & Victoria Zackheim Events

February 21, 2016 By Natalia Corres

Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim Help You Become a Better Writer

Anne PerryThe Writers of Kern Spring Conference is right around the corner.  On Saturday, March 12th at Hodel’s Liberty Hall you will get to hear Edgar Award winner and novelist Anne Perry.  Anne has sold over 27 million copies of her books and it’s a good bet she knows a little about writing.

Anne PerryVictoria Zackheim teaches writing at UCLA.  She also is a novelist and playwright.  One of her favorite topics to teach is the Acorn Class.  “We’ve all been struck by that acorn-that nut of an idea- but what to do with it?” says Victoria.  She helps the writer explore how one little idea…and acorn of an idea…can be nurtured and developed into many media possibilities:  short story or poem, feature film or documentary, essay, memoir, novel, theater play.

At the Writers of Kern Spring Conference you will not only get to hear these two excellent speakers, but poet and CSUB professor Matthew Woodman and Lois Henry, columnist for the Bakersfield Californian.  There is still time to register visit the Spring Conference Page.  We’ll see you at the conference!

Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim are also presenting a workshop along with Barbara Abercrombie at the Ebell Club in Los Angeles.  The Ebell Club is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women in 1894.  The Ebell Clubhouse is a wonderful venue to see and learn from theses very knowledgeable writers.  To register for this All Day Writing Workshop go to Ebell Events Page.

We were able to catch up with Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim to talk about theirupcoming writers’ workshops in Southern California.  If you want to take your writing to the next level, these are the people from which to learn.  Check out the video with Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPGfhXxXZ9A]

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/

Kid Lit Writers Get Together

January 25, 2016 By Annis Cassells

Kid Lit Writers Get Together

Kid LitCalling all Children’s Writers:

Kid Lit writers take note!  Writers of Kern and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) are teaming up for a Kid-Lit Mingle Saturday, January 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Russo’s Books, 1601 New Stine Rd., #182.

The SCBWI is one of the largest organizations for writers and illustrators.  The organization is dedicated to those writers and illustrators working in the children’s literature (Kid Lit) and young adult fields in all facets including magazines, film, and multi-media.  According to their mission statement the organization, “… to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts and others. We provide education and support for these individuals  and the community through our awards, grants, programs and events. We strive to increase the quality and quantity of children’s books in the marketplace, and act as a consolidated voice for writers and illustrators of children’s books worldwide.”

Whether you write picture books, middle grade or young adult, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow Kid Lit writers, share ideas and discuss writing goals.  Participants may bring the first page of a work-in-progress to share.

The event is not only social, Kid Lit writers will leave with 100 tips to help you on your path to publication.  If you are a writer or illustrator specializing in children’s literature, you need to come to this event.  To RSVP contact Rebecca Langston-George at cencal-ara@scbwi.org

Kid Lit WritersThe author of six non-fiction books for children, Rebecca Langston-George is the Assistant Regional Advisor of the Central Coastal Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). When she’s not writing Rebecca can be found in her fifth grade classroom or procrastinating at her keyboard beside her tribe of sock monkeys.  www.rebeccalangston-george.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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