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
Last chance to register for the annual SCBWI 2026 Winter Conference in New York City! Join us from Friday, January 16, 2026, to Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. Upon registering for the in-person conference, you will also get a $20 discount on the Virtual Winter Conference! The cost to attend does not include accommodations. For more information on how to book your room, click the link here.

OPEN NOW
If you can’t make it to New York City for the in-person conference, click here 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.”

OPEN NOW
Registration for the 2026 SCBWI SoCal Art Day Story Bloom: A Creative Workshop for Illustrators, Picture Book Writers and Graphic Novelists is now open! “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. Early bird prices are offered until January 31, 2026 so grab your seat today!

JANUARY 7
Registration for Storystorm 2026 will be open until January 7, 2026! Storystorm is a month-long writing event, hosted by Tara Lazar, that challenges participants to create thirty story ideas by the end of January. “On January 31, participants who have completed the challenge are asked to take the Storystorm Winner’s Pledge stating they ended the month with 30 or more ideas.” Participants who complete the challenge will be eligible for prizes, so don’t miss out on this free opportunity!

JANUARY 9
Scholarship applications to attend the SCBWI 2026 Virtual Winter Conference will be closing soon on January 9, 2026 at midnight PST. All applicants must be current SCBWI members. Click the link here to learn more about how to submit your application.

JANUARY 9
Registration for the 2026 12 x 12 Challenge opens on January 9, 2026! “As a member of 12 x 12, you’ll get the motivation and accountability you need to write and revise more picture books each year. No matter what your experience level – brand new writer to multi-published author and everything in between – you will learn, grow, and advance your career.” Be sure to register when it opens because once it closes, you won’t be able to join for another year!

JANUARY 22
Applications for the 2026 Highlights Foundation Scholarship opens on January 22, 2026! “The general scholarship fund and special scholarships are supported by Highlights Foundation supporters who believe in the organization’s mission: to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Select named funds also support our general scholarships, honoring those who have had a significant impact on children’s literature.” Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity!

JANUARY 25
Kite Tales: A Blog Published for the SCBWI Tri-Regions of Southern California is open for news! If you have something professionally noteworthy to share for our “Great News” column or would like to talk about a recent book that has been published on “Toot Your Horn,” let us know at the link here by January 25, 2026. You must be a member of SCBWI CenCal, Los Angeles, or SoCal to submit.

JANUARY 30
Save the date for SCBWI-LA’s Critique Day on January 30, 2026! Registration for this free event will open soon so don’t miss out on this special opportunity!

JANUARY 30
Sign up today for the virtual Picture Book Creators Conference! On Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST, attendees will have the opportunity to “dive into six jam-packed sessions designed specifically for aspiring picture book authors.” There will also be opportunities to pitch your projects and get critiques on your manuscript. Click the link here to see the full schedule and list of speakers!

FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 13
Mentee applications for the final year of PB Rising Stars will be open from February 27, 2026 to March 13, 2026! PB Rising Stars pairs “agented picture book creators who are knowledgeable about querying, author-agent relationships, being on submission, book deals, and contract language with the next generation of children’s book creators for an immersive, four-month mentorship experience that is more than just a critique.” Click here for more information and to stay updated with important deadlines!

MARCH 6–7
Mark your calendars for the 29th Annual Children’s Literature Festival: Charlotte Huck Festival! This two-day ticketed event will take place at the University of Redlands and features a wonderful lineup of award-winning speakers! The annual event “brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions.”

MARCH 6–8
Save the date for SCBWI CenCal’s Writers and Illustrators Retreat by the Sea! Registration for this lovely weekend by the beach in San Simeon from March 6, 2026 to March 8, 2026 will be opening soon, so make sure to subscribe to SCBWI-LA Kite Tales for more information!

CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!

Take a look at these free author resources compiled by experts at Hachette Book Group! “This site offers background information, tips, and resources to help you through the publishing process.”

SCBWI-LA wants YOU to join our fabulous team of volunteers! Please email losangeles@scbwi.org to ask about applying for any opportunities. Click the link here to learn more about the SCBWI-LA team and scroll to the bottom of the page to see what positions are currently open. You must be an SCBWI member residing within the Los Angeles Region to be an SCBWI-LA volunteer.

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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.