Tag Archives: middle grade

SCBWI-L.A.’s Mentorship Contest Is Open! 

15 Wednesday Apr 2026

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

**Note: The SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship is a six-month program that alternates between various categories of writing and illustrating. In this post, our 2025 winner, author Julia Edwards, shares her experience with the program. The 2026 mentor will be announced at the end of the post.** 

by Julia Edwards

Last year, I was the lucky winner of the SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship Contest and got to work with middle-grade author Sherry Shahan for six months on my manuscript I Speak for the Trees.

Sherry Shahan and Julia Edwards in conversation over Zoom
Mentee Julia Edwards and mentor Sherry Shahan in conversation

I am so glad I met this human! She is enthusiastic, she asks essential questions, she elucidates truths. She dove into her own research to understand the heart of my story, and we had deep conversations about eco-anxiety, the Wood Wide Web of mushroom fibers that allows trees to communicate, women’s climbing camps, and more. 

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: April 2026

01 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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-LA Writers and Illustrators Day: The Pen and the Palette is now open for registration! “Join us for Writers and Illustrators Day as we celebrate the art of storytelling to children through both word and image. We’re offering a day of marvelous industry speakers, networking with friends (old and new), and playful opportunities to build community. We hope you’ll leave inspired and empowered to craft stories that reflect the beauty, complexity, and wonder of childhood.” Speakers will include Andrea Brown Literary Agency senior agent Jamie Weiss Chilton, Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House executive editor Kelsey Horton, Donald Maass Literary Agency literary agent Kiana (Kiki) Nguyen, and painter, designer, writer, and illustrator Eugene Yelchin. For more information on registration, dates, times, and location, click the link here.

Artwork by Eori Tokunaga

OPEN NOW
Submit your manuscript for the SCBWI-LA 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day Contest today! The Writing Contest will be accepting manuscript submissions until April 12, 2026. “The first-place winner in each category will receive a certificate, recognition at Writers & Illustrators Day and in Kite Tales, and a free written critique from one of our faculty members.” Click the link here for more information about submission guidelines.

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: March 2026

04 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Art by Trish Heully

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: February 2026

04 Wednesday Feb 2026

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: January 2026

07 Wednesday Jan 2026

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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!

Continue reading →

Toot Your Horn!

17 Wednesday Dec 2025

Posted by in Toot Your Horn!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

SCBWI members’ publishing news is something to celebrate here at  Kite Tales!  Check out whose book is coming to a platform near you or around the world. Horn-tooting and digital high fives welcome in the comments!

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: December 2025

03 Wednesday Dec 2025

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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!

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: November 2025

29 Wednesday Oct 2025

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading →

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

22 Wednesday Oct 2025

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Continue reading →

Treasure Chest: October 2025

01 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, PAL, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days, Writers Retreat, Writers' Retreat

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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!

Continue reading →