AZ Events
May 19, 2023
SCBWI AZ Regional Conference 2026 - Beyond the Page
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
https://www.scbwi.org/events/scbwi-az-regional-conference-2026
JOIN US IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY
Do not miss this fabulous event! Space is limited!
Our theme is "Beyond the Page," where we'll focus on collaborating and connecting with other writers, elevating our craft, and educating creators about the next steps into publication and beyond. Writing and illustrating are so much more than just the words and images on the page.
That is why we have developed a full day of keynotes and breakout sessions with professional faculty, as well as our wonderful PALs. Take advantage of the professional critique and submission opportunities, enter your artwork into the illustrator’s showcase, purchase members' books, and bring your own books to sell through our bookseller.
But most of all, meet fellow creators and build community during this day-long celebration of children’s literature.
Whether you join the event in person or virtually, you will receive access to recordings of all the sessions and can view them for 30 days after the event. That means you won’t need to worry about missing any content!
The day includes:
- 15 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating, and publishing
- industry panel discussion
- author panel discussion
- manuscript and portfolio critiques
- illustrator showcase (in-person for members only)
- book sales opportunities (in-person for members only)
- book signings (in-person only)
- complimentary boxed lunch (in-person only)
- prize giveaways and more!
Check our our Fabulous Beyond the Page In-Person Faculty:
- Ariel Richardson - Editor, Chronicle Books
- Gianna Lakenauth - Editor, Knopf/Penguin Random House
- Natascha Morris - Agent, Tobias Literary Agency
- Charlotte Wenger - Agent, Prospect Literary Agency
- Andrea Cascardi - Agent, Transatlantic Agency
- Adam Rex - Author/illustrator (PB, MG, YA)
- G.F. Miller - Author (MG, YA)
- Cynthia Harmony - Author/translator (PB)
- Michael Hale - Author/illustrator (PB)
- Karen S. Chow - Author (MG)
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
https://www.scbwi.org/events/scbwi-az-regional-conference-2026
SCBWI AZ - Theorem of Storytelling
The Theorem of Storytelling workshop explores storytelling as a pathway to reimagine writing through an Indigenous-centered lens, examining how story shapes identity, creative expression, and personal transformation.
Grounded in a strength-based approach, the workshop moves away from deficit-based perspectives and instead invites participants into meaningful introspection. Through guided reflection and transformative writing practices, participants uncover the strengths, experiences, and cultural knowledge they already carry, using story as a catalyst for growth, healing, and creative discovery.
Attendees will engage in story mapping, narrative reframing, reflective storytelling, and guided creative writing exercises that encourage them to examine inherited narratives, explore lived experiences, and develop their authentic voice. This process supports participants in cultivating a writing practice rooted in balance, well-being, cultural identity, and relationality, empowering them to create stories that inspire personal transformation while contributing to stronger, more connected communities.
In-Person & Online Workshops
See above for our next webinars!
EI Meeting
This is a regularly occurring meet-up activity and is FREE for Members
WHERE: Zoom platform
DATE: October 25, 2026
TIME: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
WHAT: Interview with author Ginger Reno.
RSVP to: Susan at [email protected]
Hosted by: Susan Foss
PAL Events
Next meeting details are below
WHAT: PAL ANNUAL BOOK BIRTHDAY BASH
WHERE: Literally A Bookshop
DATE: October 24, 2026
TIME: 10:00am - 12:00 pm
Spark Events
This meeting occurs every two months and is a member networking and meet-up activity that is FREE for Members
WHERE: Zoom Meeting platform
DATE: November 2, 2026
TIME: 7:00-8:30 pm
RSVP to: Kathie at [email protected]
Hosted by: Kathie McMahon and Cynthia Bordelon
Illustrator Events
This is a regularly occurring member networking and meet-up activity and is FREE for Members
Fourth Thursday: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
DATE: October 22, 2026
TIME: 6:30-8:00 pm
WHERE: Zoom
RSVP to: Michael at [email protected]
Hosted by: Michael Hale – SCBWI-AZ Illustrator Coordinator
KidLit Mingle Events
These are regularly occurring member networking and meet-up activities and are FREE for Members
Ask Us Anything
First Saturdays every month: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Date: November 7, 2026
Where: ZOOM Meeting platform
RSVP to: Anne Hanovich at [email protected]
Hosted by: Anne Hanovich
Book Look
Join fellow writers and illustrators for a dive into Craft and mentor texts. What makes a PB, MG, or YA novel sell? Let's analyze the factors and explore applying them to our own writing.
Second Thursdays: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Date: November 12, 2026
Where: ZOOM Meeting platform
RSVP to: Patricia Franz at [email protected]
Hosted by: Patricia Franz
Craft Club
Third Saturdays: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Date: October 17, 2026
Where: ZOOM Meeting platform
RSVP to: Kathie McMahon at [email protected]
Hosted by: Kathie McMahon
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MINGLES BY LOCATION:
East Valley In-Person KidLit Mingle
DATE: October 24, 2026 (at Literally A Bookshop)
TIME: 10:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION: Panera Bread, 3426 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204
RSVP to: Jim at [email protected]
Hosted by: Jim Wuerfel
Northern Arizona In-Person KidLit Mingle
First Tuesdays: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Date: November 3, 2026
Where: High Country Motor Lodge, 1000 Route 66, Flagstaff 86001
RSVP to: Stephanie at [email protected]
Hosted by: Stephanie Kohen
Scottsdale/PV In-Person KidLit Mingle
Quarterly
Date: December 13, 2026
Where: Flower Child, 12640 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, 85032
RSVP to: Claudia at https://forms.gle/Nfu3o39dGnWhav1E8
Hosted by: Claudia Sloan
Tucson In-Person KidLit Mingle
First Saturdays: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Date: November 7, 2026
Where: Sonoran House, 2513 E. 6th St., Tucson
Please RSVP to: Lucy at [email protected]
Hosted by: Lucy Munguia and Jennifer J. Stewart
West Valley In-Person KidLit Mingle/Show and Tell
Second Saturdays: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
DATE: December 12, 2026
TIME: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION: Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr., Surprise, AZ 85387
RSVP to: Angela at [email protected]
Hosted by: Angela Morrison