Treasure Chest: April 2026

01 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

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Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

OPEN NOW
The SCBWI-LA Writers and Illustrators Day: The Pen and the Palette is now open for registration! “Join us for Writers and Illustrators Day as we celebrate the art of storytelling to children through both word and image. We’re offering a day of marvelous industry speakers, networking with friends (old and new), and playful opportunities to build community. We hope you’ll leave inspired and empowered to craft stories that reflect the beauty, complexity, and wonder of childhood.” Speakers will include Andrea Brown Literary Agency senior agent Jamie Weiss Chilton, Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House executive editor Kelsey Horton, Donald Maass Literary Agency literary agent Kiana (Kiki) Nguyen, and painter, designer, writer, and illustrator Eugene Yelchin. For more information on registration, dates, times, and location, click the link here.

Artwork by Eori Tokunaga

OPEN NOW
Submit your manuscript for the SCBWI-LA 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day Contest today! The Writing Contest will be accepting manuscript submissions until April 12, 2026. “The first-place winner in each category will receive a certificate, recognition at Writers & Illustrators Day and in Kite Tales, and a free written critique from one of our faculty members.” Click the link here for more information about submission guidelines.

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Announcing the Winner of the 2026 SCBWI-L.A. Writers & Illustrators Day Art Contest

25 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Writers Days, Los Angeles, Contests & Grants, Tri-Regional News, Illustrators Day

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 by Brenda Scott Royce

While the parchment in Eori Tokunaga’s illustration is blank, the scene is bursting with possibility. From the mouse hefting pen to paper to the caterpillar munching an impressionistic pattern to the ants marching in to make their own mark, each critter seems poised to create in its own way. So, it’s no surprise that this illustration was selected as the winning entry in the contest to create the theme art for SCBWI-L.A.’s upcoming Writers & Illustrators Day.

The winning image represents an experience “bursting with possibility.”

Read on to learn more about Eori, her process, and what inspired her winning entry… 

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New! SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawls

18 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Los Angeles, Sketch Crawl, Tri-Regional News

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by Judy Faulkner

Sketch Crawls kicked off with a meet-up at the downtown Los Angeles Public Library

Los Angeles area kid lit creatives have a new, fun way to gather. Hosted by illustrator Laura Burris, the SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawls are free events open to all, SCBWI members and the general L.A. community alike.

The library atrium captured the artists’ imaginations

Jessica Cooper, illustrator coordinator for the region, shares her impression of last month’s inaugural event.

“We had such a fun time at the first SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawl, hosted by illustrator Laura Burris.

“We went to the Central Los Angeles Library where we sketched and explored the exhibits and beautiful architecture. The library was built in 1925, so they have a 100-year anniversary exhibition inside the library, complete with an opened 100-year-old time capsule.”

Upcoming Sketch Crawls are planned for later this spring and in the summer. They’re great opportunities to sketch, socialize, and soak up inspiration at some iconic spots around the city. 

Jessica, Laura, and the entire L.A. regional team extend a warm invitation to all. “If you’re in the LA area and you’re a children’s book illustrator, writer or creator, come join us for our next Sketch Crawl event. Check out the SCBWI-L.A. homepage for more details.”

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

Photos and graphics by Laura Burris; Artwork courtesy of Sketch Crawl participants.

Double the Fun! SCBWI-L.A. Launches Contests for Writers and Illustrators

11 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

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 by Brenda Scott Royce

“There’s nothing quite like sitting on the edge of your seat at the SCBWI-L.A. Writer’s Day, holding your breath as the winners of the contest are announced,” says author-artist Rilla Jaggia. “I’d done this before, never expecting to hear my name. But in March 2024, as the judge’s description was read, I knew the winning YA manuscript was mine. And there it was, the title of my work and my name on the giant screen. Surreal!”

Rilla Jaggia, right, accepts Writers Day award from Brenda Scott Royce
Rilla Jaggia accepts Writers Day 2024 award from SCBWI-L.A. Contest Coordinator Brenda Scott Royce

As a previous winner myself (and our region’s Contest Coordinator), I can echo Rilla’s sentiments. The thrill is real, and to me, the morale boost that comes with winning (or placing) in any contest is more precious than the tangible prizes. Just entering can be a reward in itself, providing the motivation you need to polish your manuscript and send it out into the world.

So, I’m happy to announce that the contest is back! After a year’s hiatus, SCBWI-L.A. is hosting Writers & Illustrators Day in May 2026. And this year we are offering TWO contests: 1) The writers contest we’ve come to know and love, and 2) a brand new competition for illustrators.

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Treasure Chest: March 2026

04 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

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Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

NEW—OPEN NOW
The SCBWI-LA 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day Contests are now open! “We are holding separate contests for writers and illustrators, with different deadlines and details for each. You may enter both contests, but each entry should be a separate email (and limited to ONE submission for the Writers Contest and ONE for the Illustrators Contest).” The deadline to submit for the Illustrators Contest is March 18, 2026 and the deadline for the Writers Contest is April 12, 2026. For more information, click the link here!

OPEN NOW
Registration for the annual SCBWI SoCal chapter’s Tahquitz MG-YA Writers Retreat is now open! “Want to polish your middle grade or young adult novel? Join our four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild. You’ll be able to hone your craft and polish your manuscript with the guidance of industry professionals. This event includes four critique group sessions led by an agent or editor, a 1:1 coaching session, and optional paid written critiques.” Seats are running out very quickly, so save your spot today!

MARCH 6-8
Join the SCBWI CenCal’s Writers and Illustrators Retreat by the Sea! From March 6, 2026 to March 8, 2026, registered attendees will get to spend a gorgeous weekend by the beach in San Simeon working on projects, engaging in optional critique groups, eating delicious meals, and spending the night by a warm campfire. Commuters are welcome! For more information, click the link here.

Art by Trish Heully

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Toot Your Horn!

25 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Toot Your Horn!

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SCBWI members’ publishing news is something to celebrate here at  Kite Tales!  Check out whose book is coming to a platform near you or around the world. Horn-tooting and digital high fives welcome in the comments!

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Great News

18 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Great News!

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SCBWI loves celebrating our members’ successes and noteworthy news, and there are many! Read on to find out who’s got something to shout about. Digital high-fives welcome in the comments!

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Be an SCBWI Mentor in 2026! But first … a word from our 2025 mentor

11 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, Mentorship Contest, Tri-Regional News

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by Sherry Shahan

I’ve been a proud member of SCBWI since the mid-1980s. I was a young, unpublished writer who met other dreamers at a National Convention in Southern California. Forty or so years later, we remain best of friends, with children’s books that cross age groups and genres. I was thrilled to be selected as the mentor for the 2025 SCBWI-Los Angeles Mentorship Contest for Middle Grade Authors. Giving back is a rewarding way to honor the many mentors who helped shape my career.

Two cover images from Sherry Shahan's books Ice Island and Spicy Hot Color / Colored Picantes

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Treasure Chest: February 2026

04 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Industry Conferences, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

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Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

JUST ADDED—February 28, 11AM–2PM
Sketch Crawl! On Saturday, February 28, the new SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawl program will have its first meet-up at the downtown L.A. Central Public Library. This is a free program, open to all. For more information, click here.

Design by Laura Burris

OPEN NOW
There is still time to register for the SCBWI 2026 Virtual Winter Conference! From Friday, February 6, 2026, to Saturday, February 7, 2026, “join us online for exclusive industry panels, hands-on sessions focused on the craft of writing and illustrating children’s books, plus valuable networking with fellow creators. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, gain insider knowledge, or connect with other talented authors and illustrators, this event is for you! If you can’t make it to the live sessions, video replays will be available to view through March 15th.” Click here to register today!

OPEN NOW
Choose your own adventure at the SCBWI CenCal’s Writers and Illustrators Retreat by the Sea! Early bird registration for this gorgeous weekend by the beach in San Simeon from March 6, 2026 to March 8, 2026 will be available until February 15, 2026. Registration does not include lodging to allow commuters to participate. There will be plenty of time to work on your projects while also engaging in optional critique groups and inspiration check-ins! For more information on how to book your stay in or near San Simeon, click the link here.

Art by Trish Heully

OPEN NOW
Grab your spot now for the 2026 SCBWI SoCal Art Day Story Bloom: A Creative Workshop for Illustrators, Picture Book Writers and Graphic Novelists! “Spend the day exploring guided art exercises, story-building activities, and collaborative play with fellow creators” on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Laguna College of Art and Design, Big Bend Campus. Our workshops will be led by Joey Spiotto and Raissa Figueroa!

Illustration by Susi Schaefer

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Ask an Editor: Literary Citizenship

28 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by in Ask an Editor, Tips and Tools

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“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered quarterly as part of our Kite Tales blog.

Hi Christine – I keep hearing about “literary citizenship.” How does this apply to authors?

– KD, Redondo

Hello KD – For me, literary citizenship means establishing and maintaining relationships. It also means giving throughout our careers without expecting something in return; relationships aren’t a 50-50 thing. But, just wait; those relationships will pay off, guaranteed.

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