WORDS AND IMAGES : It’s That Time of Year to Pick Up Pen Again : Writers may find it hard to resume tasks. But many groups offer support, marketing tips and chances to meet others.

Labor Day weekend is upon us, a sure sign that summer has slipped away. For many literary toilers (those who have been frolicking), it also means it’s time to take up the quill, activate the electric typewriter or light up the word processor. But there is no reason to be a lonely scribbler. Opportunities now abound via local writing organizations to meet colleagues, make contacts and encounter best-selling authors, screenwriters, agents and editors.

Publishing is a business, and writers’ groups are like trade guilds. They provide career and emotional support, publish newsletters full of market tips, and also sponsor annual conferences, monthly meetings and genre workshops.

If you know of a gaggle of writers who meet regularly and are seeking more of their kind, let us know so we can add the group to the list. Meanwhile, post the following list on the bulletin board for ongoing reference:

* Christian Writers of Ventura County, South Coast Fellowship, 1711 Wood Place, Ventura. 486-0635.

* Gold Coast Fiction Writers (includes romance writers), P. O. Box 106, Ventura 93002. 683-6340 or 498-0968.

* National League of American Pen Women, Simi Valley Branch, P. O. Box 1485, Simi Valley 93062. 495-2026.

* Screenwriters Assn., Charles Kent, P. O. Drawer 1410, Santa Barbara 93102.

* Simi Valley Poetry Series, Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley 93063. 527-5534.

* Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 22735 Vanowen St., West Hills 91307. (818) 888-8760. Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter 482-9417.

* Ventura County Writers Club, P. O. Box 460, Ventura 93002. 642-6130.

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Travel writing. Magic words for folks who dream of being paid to experience wonderful adventures in exotic locales. The reality, though, is that travel writing is a difficult art not easily accomplished. But if you’re determined to try your hand, enroll in the workshop taught by Jerry Camarillo Dunn of Ojai, whose credits include major national magazines, guidebooks for the Smithsonian and a program on travel for public television. The registration deadline is Tuesday for the one-day seminar, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 in Phelps Hall at UC Santa Barbara. Call 893-4200.