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.

MARCH 6–7
The 29th Annual Children’s Literature Festival: Charlotte Huck Festival takes place on March 6–7, 2026! “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.

MARCH 8
Hop into Zoom for SCBWI CenCal’s Illustrators’ Show and Tell! “Show up to this casual meeting with one illustration you have recently created that defines where you would like to go with your work, and be ready to talk a bit about those goals. If you’d like a critique of your selected piece, we can help with that too! It will be fun to catch up and see what everyone is up to and share our goals for the year. Feel free to attend and listen if you don’t want to share! Email Jaime at cencal-ic@scbwi.org to get the link and be added to the group list!”

MARCH 13
The deadline to apply for PB Rising Stars is March 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST! 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 14
It’s time 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 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Laguna College of Art and Design, Big Bend Campus. Our workshops will be led by Joey Spiotto and Raissa Figueroa! Even if you do not consider yourself to be an artist or illustrator, it is still a great way to meet your local children’s book creators and learn some new information on how to make your writing stronger!

MARCH 21
Purchase your ticket today for this special online SCBWI-LA event with author Sam Cameron on March 21, 2026 at Noon PST: What Every YA Writer Should Know About Teen Brains! “As a high school teacher who writes for teens, our presenter will share four things about the adolescent mind she thinks every YA writer should know. In addition to explaining teen brain chemistry, she will draw on her experience as a book coach and freelance editor to share exercises you can use to make your own work in progress more appealing to a teen audience, with plenty of examples from published works.” Attendees will receive the Zoom link by email about two days before the event.

MARCH 22
Calling all PAL members! Submit your proposal today to provide a six-month mentorship to a promising Associate or Full member through the SCBWI-LA PAL Mentor Contest! “Proposals include your vision for the mentorship, as well as your requirements for a contest that we will administer and you will judge to select the lucky mentee. This year, we are opening it up to everyone. If you are a PAL member willing to step up and coach an emerging creator in your category/genre, we want to hear from YOU!” The PAL Mentor will receive an honorarium and contest publicity that includes headshot, bio, website links, and book sales. The deadline to submit is March 22, 2026! Click the link here for more information.

APRIL 18–19
We are still looking for volunteers to help set up, take down, and run the booth 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! Registration to sell and sign your books at the SCBWI booths are already filled, but it’s still a great day to come out and join your local chapter friends! We hope to see you there!

MAY 2–3
Stop by and support SCBWI CenCal at the Santa Barbara Literary Festival on May 2–3, 2026! “CenCal members have an opportunity to sign up for a slot to read from their book live on the lawn area and/or sell and sign their book(s) at our pop-up tent. We’re also looking for volunteers to help the Literary Festival as helpers/direction givers/book assistants, etc and to help CenCal with the booth setup and tear down. There is no fee to participate in the festival except if you choose to go to a paid workshop. Events in the children’s area will run from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with set up happening beforehand. If you’d like to participate as a reader (20-30 minute slot), book seller/signer (2 hour slot) or volunteer please fill out this Google form.” Please direct questions to Rebecca Langston-George, Co-RA SCBWI CenCal at cencal-ra@scbwi.org.

MAY 31
Save the date for the SCBWI-LA Writers and Illustrators Day on Sunday, May 31, 2026! This in-person conference will take place at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, LA 90027) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so make sure you subscribe to the Kite Tales blog for more updates and keep an eye out on the SCBWI-LA homepage.

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.