Events

Workshop Title: Spark: Learning the Process

Spark is that aha moment when an idea ignites. Understanding your process and the rhythm for igniting spark may influence what and how you write, how to develop good ideas, and when you are allowing spark killers to stop you. Dodd will present her recent research from interviews with those who have succeeded, as well as historical documentation of successful people in the arts, on the importance of spark. This will be an interactive program and will be her knowledge and experience as an editor and writer.

Nancy Ellen Dodd earned an MPW (master’s in professional writing) and an MFA (in playwriting) from USC. Her book, The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages (Writers Digest), covers the creative storytelling process. She formerly taught advanced screenwriting at Pepperdine’s Seaver College and has published more than 130 articles in local and national publications. Dodd was also formerly the academic editor of the peer-reviewed Graziadio Business Review at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, where she taught electives “Presentations & Stories” and “Business Storytelling.” Currently, she works as an editor and a consultant internationally and is earning her Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change, focusing on spark—the moment that ignites creativity.

Workshop Title: The Poetries of Inner Geographies: Exploring the Self through Weather and Land

Matthew Woodman’s poems, stories, and essays have appeared in publications including Puerto del Sol, Sonora Review, Hawai’i Review, Fourteen Hills, Catamaran, and The Moth. He was named the 2018-2023 Kern County Poet Laureate and was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield, where he currently teaches.

Matthew will speak on The Poetries of Inner Geographies: Exploring the Self through Weather and Land

Through a guided lecture, workshop, and reading, Matthew Woodman will lead writers through an exploration of how poets have combined the internal, reflective process of self-analysis and understanding with the external, seemingly objective world of weather and landscape. Participants will leave the workshop with a draft of a poem that uses a combination of these internal and external elements to capture a sense of their self and their lived experience.

Workshop Title: Creating Memorable Characters

Unleash the power of unforgettable characters! Join author, Joan Raymond for her immersive workshop on Creating Memorable Characters and learn the secrets behind crafting personalities that leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.

Discover techniques for breathing life into your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting cast, ensuring they resonate with your audience long after the last page.

Through dynamic discussions, interactive exercises, and expert guidance, you’ll gain invaluable insights into character development. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your storytelling skills. Register now and embark on a journey to captivate readers with characters they’ll never forget!

A long-time member of Writers of Kern, Joan served on the board for nine years, six of those as the club’s president. She is a published author, professional editor, creative writing instructor, and Certified Professional Writing Coach.

Connect with Joan:

A Heart For Writing FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/737527804229012

Coaching Site: https://aheartforwriting.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07SMSZGLX