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Andrea Brown Literary Agency, CenCal Writers and Illustrators Retreat, David Caplan, East/West Literary Agency, Farah Shaw, Harshini Vankineni, illustrators, Jim Averbeck, Joan Bransfield Graham, Kristie Choi, Lee Wardlaw, Little Brown and Company, Sally Kim, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, Simon & Schuster, writers
by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison
Join us for Writers and Illustrators Day 2025!
CATCH THE CREATIVE WAVE will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Auditorium, 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo (same as last year). Lunch is provided. In addition to our speakers and first pages panel, we’ll be offering written critiques, writing contests, prizes, and a chance to mingle with other writers and illustrators. There will be an optional pitchfest the following day on Sunday, September 21, 2025, online.
Presenters will include two active literary agents and one accomplished editor. Jim Averbeck, agent at East West Literary, will be speaking, doing written critiques, and participating in the pitchfest. Kristie Choi, editor at Simon & Schuster, will be speaking and participating in our pitchfest. Sally Kim, agent at Andrea Brown, will be speaking, doing written critiques, and participating in our pitchfest. David Caplan, Creative Director at Little, Brown, will not be presenting on Saturday, but will be looking at portfolios as part of the pitchfest on Sunday, September 21.
Our Spotlight Speakers, local authors and illustrators, will give short 10-minute talks on their new creative works: Joan Bransfield Graham, Harshini Vankineni, Farah Shaw, and Lee Wardlaw. As well as being a Spotlight Speaker, Lee Wardlaw will be doing written critiques.
The early bird SCBWI price is $118—going up to $138 after the first week. The price for nonmembers is $155. Please follow SCBWI CenCal from your SCBWI home to be added to our mailing list and be the first to know when early bird registration opens.
Join us in catching that creative wave!
For information on SCBWI CenCal events (open to all SCBWI members), go to the CenCal website.
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.
Images provided by the SCBWI Central-Coastal California Region. Catch the Creative Wave illustration by Gela Kalaitzidis.
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