Monthly Meeting: June 2026 – Glenn Hightower

June’s Monthly Meeting, entitled “Things I Wish I Knew from Day One,” featured picture book author Glenn Hightower, LOOK TO THE SKY: THE GENIUS OF MAURICE WHITE, Penguin Random House/Kokila (forthcoming, fall 2027), who shared lessons, missteps, and hard-earned insights he wished he’d had at the start of his writing journey. 

Drawing on his path from railroad engineer to traditionally published author, Glenn offered practical advice, honest reflections, and encouragement for writers at any stage. This presentation demystified the picture book process, and emphasized perseverance, purpose, and passion. Attendees left inspired, informed, and better equipped to navigate their creative paths.

Glenn’s writing journey began as a member of the Writers League of Texas. He is an active member of SCBWI Austin and College Station chapters. Before turning to writing, Glenn spent 36 years as a BNSF Railroad Conductor and Engineer. 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 with young readers what he has witnessed. He is passionate about writing picture books with purpose.

Glenn completed Picture Book 1 and 2 at The Writing Barn under Bethany Hegedus and Carmen Oliver, as well as the Picture Book Biography course under Donna J. Bowman. 

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:

• Share: let others know about your writing—this will gain support for your creative pursuits
• Research: read award-winning books and comp titles to hone your craft and improve your writing—“soon others will appreciate what you’re saying and how you say it”
• Attend Conferences, Meetings, and Critique Groups: make meaningful connections that fuel growth; face-to-face bonding improves possibilities; enjoy community
• Successful Writing Ingredients:

—Onomatopoeia: “Boom! Pop! Smash!”

—Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of “Mama turned the light off. Johnny was afraid,” write “Mama turned the light off. Johnny pulled the covers up with his hands shaking.”

—Rule of Three: “She was young, frustrated, and full of fight.”

—Alliteration: “a tantalizing trumpet, a tranquil trombone”

—Flow and Rhythm: read your story aloud; check out THE RHYME ZONE 

—Short, Powerful Sentences: use two/three words; e.g. “Jesus wept.”

—Crystal Clear Sentences: strip word clutter; read ON WRITING WELL by William Zinsser

• Every Story Needs:

—Brilliant Ideas: unique; marketable

—A Hook: immediately draw in the reader

—Powerful Story Arcs: hold the reader’s attention

—Interesting Main Characters: characters with problems to overcome; add interesting side-kicks to share the journey

• After a First Draft:

—Revision: carefully examine each and every word used; “I’ll root around for days hunting the perfect word.”

—Edit/Cut: keep word count low; be concise

—Create Multiple Manuscripts: “Don’t be a one trick pony” (agents ask for more than one good manuscript)

• Caveats: 

—No Agent? Some publishers can work around this; a good lawyer can evaluate a publishing contract

—Encourage Children: Remember to say encouraging things to children/compliment their writing skills; what you say may stick with someone and really make a difference in their lives