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Kite Tales

Category Archives: Tri-Regional News

Be an SCBWI Mentor in 2026! But first … a word from our 2025 mentor

11 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by Judy Y Faulkner in Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, Mentorship Contest, Tri-Regional News

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illustrating, Julia Edwards, mentor, mentoring, mentors, mentorship, Mentorship Award, MG, nonfiction, PAL, PAL events, picture book, Sherry Shahan, writing, YA

by Sherry Shahan

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 I was a young, unpublished writer who met other dreamers at a National Convention in Southern California.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.

Two cover images from Sherry Shahan's books Ice Island and Spicy Hot Color / Colored Picantes

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Treasure Chest: February 2026

04 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by Eori Tokunaga in Contests & Grants, Industry Conferences, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

author-illustrator, authors, awards, board book, Boyds Mills, Callawind Book Publishing, CenCal Writers and Illustrators Retreat, Charlotte Huck, Darcy Pattison, Golden Kite Awards, illustrators, LATFoB, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, middle grade, Nicole Tugeau, PAL, PB Rising Stars, published, SCBWI Art Day, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference, scholarship, SoCal MG/YA Writers Retreat, Tahquitz, volunteer, workshop, Writers & Illustrators Day, young adult

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.

Art by Trish Heully

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!

Illustration by Susi Schaefer

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Register Now for SCBWI-Los Angeles Critique Day, January 31, 2026

21 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by scbwilosangeles in Critique Day, Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News

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Critique Day, critiques, illustrators, virtual critique, writers

by the SCBWI-Los Angeles Regional Team

Don’t miss this great opportunity to share your words or illustrations with a supportive small group who will give you feedback on your efforts.  

Come for insights, fun, and maybe even new critique partners

Bring 5 pages of your work-in-progress to our Zoom Critique Day, and meet friends and fellow creatives as we read and react to each other’s manuscripts. You might find new critique partners!

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SCBWI CenCal’s Writers and Illustrators Retreat by the Sea

14 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by Judy Y Faulkner in Central Coast, Tri-Regional News

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Alexis O'Neill, Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, CenCal Writers and Illustrators Retreat, illustrators, Kayla Cichello, Rebecca Langston George, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, Trish Heully, writers

Art by Trish Heully, winner of the 2026 retreat logo contest

by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison

Join us for a weekend of adventure, pursuing creativity at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon along the beach – March 6-8, 2026. You decide how much you want to participate. Choose to do as much or as little as you wish.

The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon

The early-bird price of $350 includes all meals, a short introductory talk by literary agent Kayla Cichello of Upstart Crow, inspirational critique groups, plenty of time to write and create, and evening campfire fun – perfect for those who just want to get away and concentrate on writing or illustrating.

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Treasure Chest: January 2026

07 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by Eori Tokunaga in Contests & Grants, Industry Conferences, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

12x12, author-illustrator, authors, awards, CenCal Writers and Illustrators Retreat, Charlotte Huck, Critique Day, Great News, Hachette Book Group, Highlights Foundation, illustrators, middle grade, PAL, PB Rising Stars, Picture Book Creators Conference, published, SCBWI Annual Winter Conference, SCBWI Art Day, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference, scholarship, Storystorm, Toot Your Horn!, volunteer, workshop, young adult

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.

Illustration by Merrill Rainey

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!

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Best of the Holidays from Your Regional Teams

24 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by Judy Y Faulkner in Central Coast, Los Angeles, SoCal, Tri-Regional News

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

SCBWI community, SCBWI members

by Kim Wildman, Regional Advisor, SCBWI Los Angeles

As the year wraps up, we hope you remember that your words and pictures to the children of the world matter. They play a vital role by planting seeds of hope, building courage, and lighting up young minds to the endless possibilities in front of them. 

Please join us in our 2026 programming as we continue to grow, learn, and challenge ourselves to reach new heights, finish more projects, and touch more hearts with wonder.  

Happy Holidays!
From the CenCal Team

May the spirit of the season spark your creativity in new ways. 
Los Angeles Regional Team 

Wishing you joy, time with loved ones,
and inspiration this holiday season. 
Warmly, The SCBWI SoCal Regional Team


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 created by: Zuri Timmons (CenCal), Jessica Cooper (Los Angeles), and Lisa Johnston Hancock (SoCal)

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Treasure Chest: December 2025

03 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by Eori Tokunaga in Contests & Grants, Industry Conferences, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

author-illustrator, authors, awards, Comic Arts LA, Hachette Book Group, illustrators, middle grade, PAL, Picture Book Creators Conference, published, SCBWI Annual Winter Conference, SCBWI Art Day, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference, scholarship, volunteer, workshop, young adult

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.”

Illustration by Merrill Rainey

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!

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No Tricks, All Treat: A Spirited SCBWI-L.A. 2025 Working Writers Retreat

12 Wednesday Nov 2025

Posted by Judy Y Faulkner in Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News, Writers Retreat

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Adam Blackman, Analía Cabello, craft, Events, Jennifer Rofé, SCBWI community, SCBWI members, working writers retreat, writing

by Judy Y Faulkner

It was Halloween. Many of us came in costume. We all bared our souls. We tendered—and tended—our words. Ate, played, and laughed together. This year’s SCBWI-Los Angeles Working Writers Retreat took place from October 31–November 2, and it was a sweet treat.

Faculty, attendees, and the SCBWI-L.A. team at the spirited SCBWI-Los Angeles 2025 Working Writers Retreat
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Treasure Chest: November 2025

29 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by Eori Tokunaga in Contests & Grants, Industry Conferences, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News, Writers Retreat, Writers' Retreat

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

author-illustrator, authors, awards, Charlotte and Wilbur Award for Compassion for Animals, Children's Literature Council of Southern California, CLCSC, Comic Arts LA, grants, Great News!, Highlights Foundation, ILF Encouragement Fund, illustrators, middle grade, OC Book Fair, PAL, published, SCBWI Amber Brown Grant, SCBWI Annual Winter Conference, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI Independently Published Pre-publication Grant, SCBWI members, SCBWI Russell Freedman Award, SCBWI Spark Award, The Author's Guild, Toot Your Horn!, volunteer, Walter Awards, We Need Diverse Books, Working Writer's Retreat, workshop, young adult

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.

Illustration by Merrill Rainey

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Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day 2025 Brings Warmth to the Season

22 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by Judy Y Faulkner in Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, SoCal, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

authors, Brett Duquette, Brian LaRossa, contest winners, illustrators, Marie Chan, middle grade, picture book, publishing, Rebecca Sherman, Robert Mellette, Robin Preiss Glasser, Sally Kim, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, Tina Athaide, YA

by Beverly Plass, SCBWI SoCal Regional Advisor

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.

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Blog Contents

What is SCBWI?

Founded in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based children's writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a non-profit, 501 (c)3 organization. There are currently more than 22,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regional chapters writing and illustrating in all genres for young readers, making it the largest children's writing organization in the world.

Member Benefits

Members of SCBWI receive exclusive access to tools, information, and industry professionals as well conferences, workshops, and critiques. Click HERE to find out more. Join us and take your writing to the next level!

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