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 I was a young, unpublished writer who met other dreamers at a National Convention in Southern California.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.
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.
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.”
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 Register today for the annual SCBWI 2026 Winter Conference in New York City! This weekend-long event runs from Friday, January 16, 2026, to Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. Folks who register for the in-person conference will also get a $20 discount on the Virtual Winter Conference! The cost to attend does not include accommodations. For more information on booking your room, click the link here. “Special rates of $269 per night (plus tax) are available for attendees on single and double rooms. A limited number of rooms are available at this rate up until December 26, 2025.”
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.” Early bird rates are available through December 21, 2025, so don’t miss out on this special deal!
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 Registration for the annual SCBWI 2026 Winter Conference in New York City is officially open! This weekend-long event runs from Friday, January 16, 2026, to Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. Join us for a weekend full of industry panels, consultations, breakout sessions, and publishing house tours! Sign up now to get early bird discounts! The cost to attend does not include accommodations. For more information on booking your room, click the link here.
Fall Harvest Faculty (l-r): Sally Kim, Rebecca Sherman, Brian LaRossa, and Brett Duquette
Our Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day at Cal State Fullerton and online was a huge success. Attendees got to hear a day full of inspiring speakers, enter writing contests and a portfolio contest, sign up for pitches and written critiques, get live feedback during First Pages, display published books, buy books from author and illustrator presenters, and participate in our daylong icebreaker bingo game.
The SCBWI Central-Coastal Region held its in-person Writers and Illustrators Day on Saturday, September 20, at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Auditorium in Camarillo. A few honors were presented during an inspiring day of speakers and camaraderie, and a fabulous lunch.
Congratulations to all our participants in the writing and illustration contests, including our winners! Each winner receives free entry to next year’s Writers and Illustrators Day.
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 Register now for the annual SCBWI Los Angeles Working Writers Retreat 2025! This space-limited event will take place from Friday, October 31, 2025, to Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, CA. Throughout the weekend, there will be opportunities to learn from our faculty members: Editor Adam Blackman, Assistant Literary Agent Analía Cabello, Editor Matt Phipps, and Agent Moe Ferrara. Registration closes on October 12, 2025, at noon!
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 Register for the annual SCBWI Los Angeles Working Writers Retreat 2025 today! This space-limited event will take place from Friday, October 31, 2025, to Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, CA. Throughout the weekend, there will be opportunities to learn from our on-site and remote faculty members: Editor Adam Blackman, Assistant Literary Agent Analía Cabello, Editor Matt Phipps, and Agent Moe Ferrara. Registration spots to stay on-site or commute are very limited so sign up now to avoid disappointment. We hope to see you there!
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 Virtual Summer Conference 2025 starts tomorrow! From July 31, 2025, to August 3, 2025, “dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing.” Attendees will have access to all 50+ sessions up until September 14, 2025. Click here to see the conference schedule and invest in your passion today!
OPEN NOW Registration for SCBWI CenCal’s 2025 Writers & Illustrators Day – CATCHING THE CREATIVE WAVE is now open! On Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Auditorium, 1605 E. Burnley St. in Camarillo, attendees will have a wonderful opportunity to connect with writers, illustrators, and agents. The day will be filled with prizes, photo opportunities, a writing contest, and a catered lunch. To learn more about what’s in store, click the link here.
OPEN NOW Save your seat for the SCBWI SoCal 2025 Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day! “Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, written critiques, pitches and mingling with fellow creatives!” This hybrid event will be held on October 4, 2025, at California State University Fullerton, Titan Student Union, AND via Zoom. Attendees will have access to the videos for 30 days following the event and receive submission guidelines from all our faculty.
Kite Tales 