WOK July Newsletter

President's Message

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

I guess we are about to find out if this adage is true. This old dog has taken on a new role, and the “trick” will be to see if she can do it.

I have been involved with Writers of Kern for more years than I can remember – well over 20, and I have served in many positions. One thing I said I would never want was the job of president. Too much time, too much responsibility, too much pressure. But what I have learned is that when the time is right, it will feel right.

So, today is a new day, and I am thankful for it. I am thankful that the membership of WOK trusts me to steer the ship for the next year. I covet your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement as we head out on this endeavor together. We are a team – a team of writers, friends, and dare I say family.

Blessings on our journey.
Sandy Moffett – President

WOK Critique Group News

Why should I join a Critique Group? What’s in it for me?

Here’s my story:

When I was preparing my chapbook of poetry to publish during the pandemic in 2020, every month, I presented poems for my critique group to discuss. They helped me hone my work – making suggestions to improve confusing passages, any grammar mistakes, making my writing clearer and more engaging.

Thanks to their help, I was able to complete my manuscript and put it up on KDP on Amazon and now have my book published and available for purchase! It is called A Kaleidoscope of Love by Carla Joy Martin.

I encourage you to take the plunge and join a Critique Group! I have become close friends with all my Critique Group’s members. I couldn't have published my book without them. Whether we meet on Zoom or in person, our gatherings are always upbeat and full of happy laughter.

What kind of writing do you like to do? Mysteries? Young Adult? Children’s? Poetry? Screenwriting? SciFi? Non-fiction? Romance? Memoir? Let me know and we will connect you with a group and/or create a new Critique Group to suit your needs!

Blessings,

Carla Joy Martin, Critique Group Chair
critiquegroups@writersofkern.com

Participating as a Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering for the Writers of Kern, please read the post below. Send an email to president@writersofkern.com if you would like to nominate/participate in this year's board election, or if you are interested in the one of the appointed positions.

Originally written by Natalia Corres and reposted by Cyn Bermudez

How does the Writers of Kern Chapter of the California Writers Club operate?

Everyone from the President to the Member-at-large to the Audio Engineer/Zoom Wrangler - is a volunteer! Whether they are elected or appointed, each position is filled because someone raised their hand and said they'd help.

What are the various positions?

The board consists of: President; Vice President; Secretary; Membership; and Treasurer. These positions are nominated and voted on each year - and the positions require commitment for the full fiscal year (July 1- June 30).

Chairs are appointed for: Sunshine; Newsletter Editor; Webmaster; Public Relations: Critique Group Coordinator; and Member at Large. These positions are appointed and can sometimes be shared.

Readers, Editors, other special project volunteers. These are short-term positions, such as participating as a Judge for the Scholastic Scholarship Entries (which happens at the end of the year); or acting as a "reader" of the entries for the Fall Writing Contest or the WOK Anthology Entries.

WIFM (What's in it for me?)

Aside from "giving back" to the club, many of these opportunities can help you by providing an opportunity to write (for example, articles to the Newsletter often have a "by line" which means you've been published); and experience that can go on your writing resume; and for those of you who have trouble writing your "bio" when required for submissions, it gives you something more to add there, too!

We hope you will be inspired to raise your hand for one or more of these Volunteer Opportunities as they arise! To help you along that path, the newsletter will be showcasing the positions and their responsibilities in coming editions.

Nuts and Bolts

New members are always welcome, both Active [previously published] and Associate [not yet published].Writers of Kern energetically assists Associate Members who aspire to become Active.

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The Write Way
The Writers of Kern
PO Box 22335
Bakersfield CA 93390-2335
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President's Message

WOK Critique Group News

Participating as a Volunteer

Mark Your Calendar

From Your Sunshine Chair

Nuts and Bolts