Howard Kern was born and raised on the East Coast.  Inspite of a professed childhood aversion for writing, Howard chose to study law.  He practiced as a corporate attorney for a number of decades, migrating to California early in his career.  Through a series of experiences which included witnessing a dear friend pass away, he turned to writing to find solace.  His discovery of his joys of writing led to an avocation that he engages in regularly and one that he has come to rely on to be healing for him.  He is also a two-time cancer survivor.  Howard is co-founder of an initiative entitled Shift Poetry where he and a partner pluck written compositions from those who find the practice of writing supportive to their own well-being.