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Writers of Kern

Student Scholarship Applications Opening Soon!

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By Lisa-Behrens Smith

Writers of Kern is opening its application period for student scholarships beginning December 1 and continuing through February 2027.

Scholarships are open to students enrolled in English or writing courses in Kern County public or private high school, community college, or university programs. Awards will be made to students of high school age through re-entry of any age. Adult students are encouraged to apply.

This year’s scholarships will include:

  • One year membership in Writers of Kern and California Writers Club
  • Opportunities to participate in writing competitions and publications
  • Social Media postings and celebrations
  • Paid attendance at Writers of Kern conference in Spring of 2027
  • Paid attendance at three workshops through the membership year
  • Stipends for student needs in various amounts determined by Writers of Kern’s Board (tba)

The scholarship application can be found at https://writersofkern.com/student-member-scholarships/ beginning December 1, 2027.

Questions can be directed to Lisa-Behrens Smith, Events Coordinator and Critique Group Coordinator for Writers of Kern, at wokwritersrow@gmail.com

Kern County Supervisors Parlier and Flores Support Writers of Kern Student Scholarships

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By Lisa-Behrens Smith

Thanks to Kern County Supervisor Chris Parlier (District 2) and Supervisor Jeff Flores (District 3) for their generous gifts in support of the Writers of Kern Student Scholarships. The areas served by these supervisors include a large part of Kern County, and their gifts show their commitment to writing and literacy in all of Kern County.

The supervisors serve constituents in:

  • Tehachapi, California City, Taft, and Maricopa
  • Rosamond, Boron, Mojave, Frazier Park, Lebec, and Randsburg
  • Parts of south and southwest Bakersfield
  • Oildale
  • East Bakersfield
  • East Niles
  • Country Club
  • Benton Park
  • Goodmanville
  • Hillcrest
  • La Cresta
  • Old Stine
  • Olde Stockdale
  • Rivergrove

The addition of their gifts brings our scholarship fund to approximately $2000.

Please take a moment to express your thanks by calling Supervisor Parlier at 661-868-3660 or drop an email to district2@kerncounty.com 

You can contact Supervisor Flores at 661-868-3670 or contact in writing at district3@kerncounty.com

November Featured Speaker – Kathleen M. Kline

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Workshop Title: Presentation Matters!

 

Want to make a good first impression with your manuscript? Professional presentation matters when submitting your work to agents, publishers, or contests.

Join us at the November WOK meeting as Kathleen M. Kline, a professional journalist, author, editor, formatter, and publisher with more than 35 years of experience, shares how to professionally format your manuscript for submission.

Kathleen’s Bio:
Kathleen M. Kline has been putting words to paper and screen since Oct. of 1991. Her craft has taken shape, grown and expanded from the newspaper and magazine industries to the book, booklet, teaching, coaching and publishing arenas. This self-starter began learning with Writer’s Digest magazine’s teachings and then added her university education which led to industry training and experience to her growing craft. She coaches internationally and enjoys encouraging writers and aspiring authors in and around her community as well as her expanded community world-wide.

Website: https://DragonflyEditingAndPublishing.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kathleen.klinelivingston
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DragonflyEditingAndPublishing
TikTok – @KathleenMKline
Instagram – TheKathleenKline
Substack – Kathleen.Dragonfly

Meeting on Saturday, November 21, 2026
Breakfast begins at 8:30 am
The general meeting begins at 9:15 am
Hodel’s at 5917 Knudsen Dr, Bakersfield

 

Writers of Kern Monthly Meeting and Workshop Fee. Breakfast is included.

Fall Writing Contest 2026

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Fall Writing Contest

The topic this year is “Generations.” This can refer to family or societal generations, or the concept of producing or creating something (like with technology or energy, etc.). You may write about one, or more than one.*

One submission to the contest per person.

Word count is up to 1,200. Poetry, essay, or fiction. Please use a Word document with no names or other identifying marks. Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced, and use the attachment function to send your submission. 

Submissions will be blind judged on the setting, originality, style (including grammar and spelling), voice, character development, and storyline. The rubrics used to judge the submissions can be found here: Rubrics

Submissions will be accepted September 15, 2026 through November 15, 2026. Submissions received before or after those dates will not be accepted. During that time period, please send your submission to Sandy Moffett; sm@sandymoffett.com 

Prizes will be awarded at the December meeting.

* Submissions will only be accepted from currently paid Members of Writers of Kern.

October Featured Speaker – Lisa-Behrens Smith

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Workshop Title: Beyond the Book Table – The Author Event Playbook

What does it take to make the most of an author event? Learn how to make your brand—and your books—stand out in the crowd.

At an author event, every conversation matters. Learn how to step out from behind the table and employ the tips and tricks to make your brand, and your product, stand out in any crowd.. This presentation offers practical suggestions for building the buzz before your event, creating eyebrow-raising interest with your display, delivering your elevator pitch, engaging visitors with yourself and your works, networking with absolutely everyone, handling pain-free payments, and deciding what you really need to offer.

Members will also have time to consider their brand, their audience, and their event goals while gathering practical tips for Writers Row and future events. You will learn what a successful event looks like and how you can make it happen.

Lisa’s Bio:

As an award-winning author and educator, Lisa-Behrens has spent more than two decades engaging learners worldwide. Her writings challenge others to think deeply and explore human nature through powerful stories. A true Southern soul forged by grit and determination, she has never lost her sharp sense of humor, her appetite for adventure, or her stinging sense of justice. She currently shares her life with her husband of 48 years, Steve, and their sassy cat, Midget. In days filled with curiosity and the unexpected, she proves that relevance, resilience, and reinvention know no age.

Website: https://lisa-b-smith.com/
Instagram: @lisa.b.writer
Facebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabsmithauthor

Meeting on Saturday, October 17, 2026
Breakfast begins at 8:30 am
The general meeting begins at 9:15 am
Hodel’s at 5917 Knudsen Dr, Bakersfield


Writers of Kern Monthly Meeting and Workshop Fee. Breakfast is included.