Authors to Share Tips on Writing Kids’ Books : The one-day annual conference at Cal Lutheran will cover such topics as illustrations and researching nonfiction.

Don’t be in the dark about the business of writing books for children and young adults. The Ventura/Santa Barbara Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators will hold its annual conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Cal Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.

Among the speakers will be Judith Ross Enderle and Stephanie Gordon Tessler, authors of 74 published books, who are also editors at Boyds Mills Press. In addition, author-illustrator Deborah Nourse Lattimore will talk about life as a book artist, and Carolyn Yoder, editor-in-chief of Cobblestone Publishing, will speak on shaping nonfiction from research to final draft.

The $40 fee includes lunch. To register, call CLU at 493-3130. For information about joining the children’s book writing society, contact Lin Oliver, 22736 Vanowen St., 106, West Hills, CA 91307 or call regional adviser Alexis O’Neill at 581-1906.

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Three authors will visit the Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St. this week. Canadian spitfire pilot I. F. Kennedy will sign his World War II memoir, “Black Crosses Off My Wingtip,” at 7 tonight.

Knopf has published television writer and producer April Smith’s debut novel “North of Montana” to rave reviews. The book features the adventures of Los Angeles-based FBI agent Ana Grey, and according to critics, “is a spirited and witty cruise through present-day L.A.” Smith’s credits include “Cagney and Lacey,” “Lou Grant” and Emmy-nominated television movies. She will sign her novel at 7 p.m Friday.

“News at Ten: Fifty Years With Stan Chambers,” published last month by Capra Press of Santa Barbara, is the story of the life and career of the legendary KTLA-TV, Channel 5 reporter. Chamber’s career spans the history of television news itself. He’s still out there, mike in hand, reporting on tragedies and triumphs in Southern California. Meet him at noon Saturday at Ventura Bookstore.

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Earl Emerson, author of “The Portland Laugher” will sign at 2 p.m. Friday, and Jeanne McCafferty, whose first novel “Star Gazer” is based on her knowledge of the music business, will sign at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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A seven-week creative writing class for youngsters 10 to 14 will begin at 4:30 p.m. Monday at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3190 Cochran St. The cost is $45. Call 522-5501 for details.

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Actress Carmen Robertson will tell stories at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the children’s book room at Ojai Table of Contents, 208 E. Ojai Ave.

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Journalist Yvette Fernandez will sign “Dead Ringer,” written with U.S. Customs Agent Bill Gately about the fall of the Medellin drug cartel, at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura.