Viva Editions are books that inform, enlighten, and entertain. The very name, "Viva!", is celebratory. And while Viva Editions is a line of books that are as fun as they are informational, the intention behind Viva is very serious—these are books that are truly helpful and intended to enhance people's lives.


Monday, February 8, 2010

Viva author Nick Belardes teaches "what he knows best"

Random Writers Workshop aids writers

Alma N. Martinez

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Features
Local author Nick Belardes talks to attendees on the Random Writers Workshop at Russo's Books on Jan. 27.
Media Credit: Gregory D. Cook
Local author Nick Belardes talks to attendees on the Random Writers Workshop at Russo's Books on Jan. 27.

Eight weeks ago, at Russo's Books at the Marketplace, the Random Writers Workshop had their first meeting. The workshops are hosted by author Nick Belardes on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to roughly 9 p.m.

Belardes was born in San Jose but later moved to Bakersfield. He has worked as a creative writer for the animation industry, TV and various magazines.

He has published two books so far. The idea for this workshop came to him from attending one himself.

He saw what a difference it made in his life and therefore decided to reach writers in Bakersfield who might need help.

"It was a dream of mine for more than a year. Thanks to Russo's Books and with promotional help from Bakotopia.com, I feel confident that serious writers and lovers of book-related discussions will keep coming out to contribute to the discussions," said Belardes.

He felt it was time to give back to the community since he had more credibility after publishing his second book, "Random Obsessions." Belardes added, "as a writer I learn as much as the attendees. These are smart people, and smart people learn from each other."

The background of those attending the workshops varies greatly, and that is not a problem according to Miles Johnson because "no matter what type of writing you are working on or what the reason why you attend is, Nick is very inclusive," said Johnson, 41, an attendee of the workshops and freelance columnist and artist.

Rod Reed, who said he is over 30, is an attendee and self-employed, recommends these workshops to anyone who wants to put what they have in their head into writing.

At these workshops one can expect to find tips on how to structure stories and novels, how to get published, ideas from other authors and even like-minded people.

The workshops average around 15 attendees, according to Belardes.

Belardes believes that all of the writers who attend the workshops seem to be randomly scattered throughout the city, hence the name of the workshop.

He describes the workshops as "kind of a support group." He also believes that in order to grow as a writer you really need to connect with other writers.
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