Writers of Kern

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Workshops & Classes

Allison Crotzer Kimmel – Craft the Perfect 10

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Writers of Kern
Monthly Meeting

April 23, 2016
Allison Crotzer Kimmel

 

Allison Crotzer Kimmel, author and writing workshop presenter, will teach writers how to “Craft the Perfect 10”.
Allison Crotzer Kimmel’s program is designed to remove the mystery of how to hook an agent or editor. She will help participants understand what the first ten pages of their manuscripts should contain and why these are the most important pages of their manuscript.

Using examples and discussion of successful novels that have wonderful “First 10s” and hands-on activities designed to set up participants’ “First 10s” for perfection, Ms. Kimmel expects attendees will become ready to craft their own “Perfect 10.”

A former teacher and the author of four published books for youth in middle grades, she said, “I’ve learned a lot about what worked in my manuscripts and what didn’t.  From the first drafts of my manuscripts to their published pages, my first tens changed [greatly]… “

Allison Crotzer Kimmel, a Bakersfield resident, serves as the Published and Listed Liaison for the CenCal region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. To learn more about Ms. Kimmel, see her website at www.allisoncrotzerkimmel.com

Writers of Kern monthly meetings, held at the Clarion Hotel from 9:30-12:00, are open to the public. Admission: Members, $5, Guests $10. For more information see www.writersofkern.com or email info@writersofkern.com.

Mark Bagby Writings of Mark Twain

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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

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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

Crime Writers Guide to REAL Crime

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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]

Don’t Tell Me Show Me

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Don’t Tell Me Show Me

With Nancy Ellen Dodd

writer's compassNearly fifty people showed up at the Clarion Hotel to hear Nancy Ellen Dodd’s presentation “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me”.   It was a homecoming of sorts as Ms. Dodd was once a member of Writers of Kern.  Her book, A Writer’s Compass, teaches writers to use their intuition to as an internal compass to create their story map.

The crowd learned a number of techniques to improve their writing.   For example, Ms. Dodd talked about layering to build a scene.  Much like you would in photography, try describing the scene from many different focal lengths.   What does it look like from a distance?  What details are revealed as you get closer?  Of course, she also said it was important to keep in mind what we want the reader to see and what information or details the writer may want to save for the “reveal”.

Ms. Dodd pointed out that it was important to add details as your story can use them.  She talked about the use of description, inference, and metaphor in writing and how their use can bring a story more depth and complexity.

She offered the group a writing exercise as her talk progressed and many writers were up to the challenge.  I have enough trouble writing in a quiet room with no distractions.  As many as ten people got up and read their creations at the end of Nancy’s presentation and they were all quite impressive.  It was a fast-paced hour packed with a lot of information.  Along with other door prizes, Ms. Dodd contributed a  signed copy of The Writer’s Compass to one lucky winner.

Our next meeting is the Annual Winter Dinner Party.  Check out these photos from the November meeting then register.