Children's Book Writers & Illust - June Meet: Things I Wish I Knew from Day One

SCBWI Austin Monthly Meetings are free for anyone to come! Have you always been interested in writing or illustrating a children's book but don't know where to begin? Come take a sneak peek at our organization and meet like-minded and creative individuals striving for the same goal! We meet free every month with a new topic to help you further achieve your kid-lit dreams. To become an official SCBWI member please visit: https://www.scbwi.org/**, to learn more about the Austin Regional Chapter please check out: https://www.scbwi.org/regions/austin

Note: Meetup's free account will only allow 10 attendees. But because this event is free to the public there is no limit. Please come check us out!

About the June Monthly Meeting
Location: BookPeople (Third Floor)
For our June meeting: In Things I Wish I Knew from Day One, picture book author Glenn Hightower shares the lessons, missteps, and hard-earned insights he wishes he’d had at the start of his writing journey. Drawing from his path from railroad engineer to traditionally published author, Glenn offers practical advice, honest reflections, and encouragement for writers at any stage. This presentation demystifies the picture book process while emphasizing perseverance, purpose, and passion. Attendees will leave inspired, informed, and better equipped to navigate their own creative paths.

Glenn Hightower’s writing journey began as a member of the Texas Writers League. He has also been an active member of the SCBWI Austin and College Station chapters since 2017. Before turning to writing, Glenn spent 36 years as a conductor and engineer for the BNSF Railroad. He found peace observing winter, spring, summer, and fall from the vantage point of a train. His deep connection with nature inspires him to share what he has witnessed with young readers, and he is passionate about writing picture books with purpose. Glenn completed Picture Book 1 & 2 at The Writing Barn under Bethany Hegedus and Carmen Oliver, as well as the Picture Book Biography course under Donna J. Bowman. In 2025, his manuscript LOOK TO THE SKY: THE GENIUS OF MAURICE WHITE was acquired by Penguin Random House/Kokila and is scheduled for publication in fall 2027. His mission is to open children’s minds and hearts to a world of endless possibilities.

This event will be led by your SCBWI Austin Regional Team: Anna Alsup, Nataly Allimonos, and Tiffany Shih.