What are people saying about Random Writers Workshop?

Under the steady leadership of Nick Belardes—a visionary if ever there was one—Random Writers Workshop has become a literary institution and the pride of Bakersfield. These guys are the real deal. 

- Greg Olear, Author of Fathermucker, Totally Killer and founder of The Weeklings.

I had the sublime opportunity to headline a reading for Random Writer's Workshop and it was one of the most interesting and engaging readings I've ever done.

- Gloria Harrison, Nonfiction Writer

Random Writers Workshop held an event for me and one of my writers, Zoe Zolbrod, when we were out on a joint book tour . . . was a drive out from LA on a hot day and at first we were skeptical--what commenced was easily the most engaged, invested reading of our entire tour . . . These are people who truly love literature and have a zeal for meeting writers.

- Gina Frangello, Author of Slut Lullabies and My Sister’s Continent

One of the stops on my 2010 book tour was a Random Writers Workshop reading, and I was blown away by the talent and support of the members. It was one of the most energizing readings I attended that year. 

- Zoe Zolbrod, Author of Currency

It was a pleasure sharing my stories about writing and lecturing about "The Poetry in Fiction" with Nick Belardes's Random Writers Students. The community is absolutely necessary for Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley as a whole.

- Michael Medrano, Author of Born In The Cavity Of Sunsets

After the tour [for Drunken Angel], when asked which of the stops held the most meaning for me, without hesitation I answered: "Not N.Y. or L.A.--but Bakersfield. Nick Belardes and his Random Writers Group are what literature and its making are all about." 

It's in the hands of folks like The Random Writers that the future of literature resides. I can't praise or recommend them enough. These are people worthy of all assistance. Belardes is a first-rate literary man, teacher and organizer. He loves literature. He loves Bakersefield. Most of all, he loves his student writers."

- Alan Kaufman, author of Jew Boy, Drunken Angel, Matches; Editor of The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, The Outlaw Bible of American Literature, The Outlaw Bible of American Essays, The New Generation: Fiction For Our Time From America's Writing Programs

Not only has the Random Writers Workshop helped my writing grow, but a strong bond has formed between regular attendees and myself. We each strive to help each other's writing with kind and honest advice. Nick Belardes truly puts work in every week, making sure that we always leave inspired!

- Lizz Tinoco, Student

Random Writers Workshop has been an invaluable source to me. I started coming because I wanted some tips on writing and found a wealth of useful information, wonderfully, kind and sometimes brutally honest peers . . .

- Nicole Biggs, Student

The welcome environment here makes it easy to present your work. You will obtain an honest, helpful critique without any drama or personal animosity.

- Gregory Claudy, Student

I have been pleased with the quality group discussion and meaningful feedback provided at the workshop. There is great talent within the group.

- Ed Ruth, Student

Want to be a writer? Ever been in a writing workshop?

Many Random Writers Workshop students were recently published in this book!