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
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.

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!

FEBRUARY 6
Get ready for the 2026 SCBWI Golden Kite Awards! “Founded in 1973, the Golden Kite Awards stand as the premier children’s literary award judged exclusively by peers, making them truly unique in the world of children’s literature.” For more information on how to watch the Golden Kite Awards ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM Pacific Time, click the link here!

FEBRUARY 9
Applications for the 2026 Boyds Mills Scholarship close on February 9, 2026! The general scholarship fund and special scholarships are supported by Boyds Mills 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. Scholarship award recipients will be announced in March 2026 and the award is valid for the 2026 program year.

FEBRUARY 14
Join us at Orange County Classical Academy (OCCA) or on Zoom for the SCBWI SoCal Illustrator Meetup on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will be having a special portfolio critique with Agent Nicole Tugeau! “Nicole Tugeau is the agent-owner behind the Tugeau 2 Art & Literary Agency since 2003. She is ecstatic about her ever-growing Agency and committed to working hard and ethically for the network of bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators that surround her.” For those who would like to submit their portfolio for critique, the deadline is February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM PST. For more information on how to submit your work, please email Heather Soodak at socal-ic2@scbwi.org or click the link here.

FEBRUARY 17
“Bring Books to Market Yourself! Learn to Self-Publish with Darcy Pattison, author of Publish a Kid’s Book: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing” by registering today! This special online workshop for folks who are interested in self-publishing will take place online via Zoom on February 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM. “Storyteller, writing teacher, Queen of Revisions, and founder of Mims House (www.mimshousebooks.com) as publisher, Darcy Pattison has been published in ten languages. Her books, published with Harcourt, Philomel/Penguin, Harpercollins, Arbordale, Dayspring, and Mims House have received recognition for excellence with starred reviews in Kirkus, BCCB and PW.” Click here to register!

FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 13
Getting ready for the final year of PB Rising Stars? Applications for the 4-month long mentorship 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! PB Rising Stars has also included a 2026 Sample Application and Preparation Resource Packet that you can download at the link here.

MARCH 6–7
Save the date for the 29th Annual Children’s Literature Festival: Charlotte Huck Festival! “Join over 200 educators & librarians for an unforgettable professional development opportunity” at the University of Redlands! Award-winning festival speakers include Loren Long, Lisa Yee, Jason Chin, and Nikki Grimes! Click the link here to buy your ticket today.

APRIL 18–19
Get ready for the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! From April 18–19, 2026 on the USC Campus, there will be speakers, workshops, and booths full of books for attendees to see, including our very own SCBWI-LA and SCBWI SoCal Chapters! While registration to sell and sign your books at the SCBWI booths are already filled, we are still looking for volunteers to help set up, take down, and run the booth! We hope to see you there!

MAY 28–31
Registration for the annual SCBWI SoCal chapter’s Tahquitz MG-YA Writers Retreat will open on March 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM! “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.” Mark your calendars ahead of time!

MAY 31
Save the date for the SCBWI-LA Writers and Illustrators Day on May 31, 2026! Information about this fun-filled event will shared on the SCBWI-LA homepage, but make sure you subscribe to the Kite Tales blog for more updates!

CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!

Take a look at this free article by Callawind Book Publishing that goes into Board Book Printing Basics!

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.