The Bakersfield Californian

Learn how to bring science to your fiction and more at Writers of Kern meeting

- BY CYNTHIA BERMUDEZ Cynthia Bermudez is a member of the Writers of Kern.

Have a science question? Is an earthquake shaking up the landscape in your fiction? Solar wind knocking out the satellites? Learn how to improve the science in your current work of fiction at the next Writers of Kern meeting on Saturday.

An understand­ing of science is applicable to all forms of fiction, genres, and nonfiction, from the murder mystery to the paranormal romance. Depicting more accurate science can elevate your story to the next level.

Saturday’s workshop will include the topics scientist for fiction, writing science and utilizing your resources.

Guest speaker Mika McKinnon, a field geophysici­st, disaster researcher and science writer, has been a consultant for a number of television programs including “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Stargate: Universe,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Madam Secretary,” “Doomsday: 10 Ways the World Will End” and “No Tomorrow.”

McKinnon was a contributi­ng editor for Gawker Media, providing coverage on popular science topics for io9 and later became a science writer for Gizmodo. Her bylines cover topics including space exploratio­n, dinosaur discovery, the convergenc­e of science and art, and disaster preparedne­ss.

Her writing has also appeared in Wired UK, Smithsonia­n magazine, Ars Technica and Astronomy.

She volunteers for the National Academy of Sciences Science & Entertainm­ent Exchange, providing subject matter expertise to the entertainm­ent industry for more accurate depictions of science in the media.

The talk starts at

9:15 a.m. Saturday. Visit writersofk­ern.com/events to register.

 ?? COURTESY OF NERISSA STEVENSON ?? Science expert Mika McKinnon will be the guest speaker for the next Writers of Kern meeting on Saturday.
COURTESY OF NERISSA STEVENSON Science expert Mika McKinnon will be the guest speaker for the next Writers of Kern meeting on Saturday.

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