July 2025

I want you to close your eyes right now—unless you're driving, and if you are I want you to stop reading this right now! 

Now, with your eyes closed, picture the creative community you always wanted. One that challenged you, supported you, cheered you on, and helped you grow into the writer or illustrator you were always meant to be.

If you already have that community—amazing. Now think back: what would’ve helped you get there faster?

Open your eyes. Honestly, I don't know how you read all those instructions with them closed anyway. But that's what makes you so amazing.

Now that you've pictured your ideal community, here's the invitation: help us build that kind of community right here in Houston.

And it doesn’t take much. Just a couple hours a month can make a real difference.

Got experience? Mentor someone who needs just one hour or two of encouragement each month.

Unpublished but have extra time? Volunteer for an SCBWI role—we’ll match your skills to your Houston chapter's needs.

Just getting started? Show up. Attend events. Ask questions. Say hello. Your presence alone helps this chapter thrive.

Happily in service WITH you,

Annie Harmon

Co-RA, SCBWI Houston

We encourage you to view all of our events via our website.

Upcoming Meetings

Anyone interested in joining in on a figure drawing session on a Sunday afternoon?

Email me for more information: houston-ic@scbwi.org (low cost and limit of 10 people)

The Austin chapter is having a 1-day in-person conference Sept 27th.

Some in person faculty you will see there:

• Mallory Grigg (art director, Macmillan)
• Tracy Shaw (art director, Little Brown)
• Claire Tattersfield (editor, Viking)
• Monica Rodriguez (Agent)
• and plenty of talented local folks.

*Many online faculty are listed on the website to provide pitches, critiques, and portfolio reviews: *

Registration is currently OPEN for early bird pricing thru July 15th!

A stronger community- Together on Discord

This only works if we come together as a community—checking in, sharing ideas, lifting each other up and being lifted up.

Space City Scribes Blog

Have News? Share It With Us For Our Members Corner Newsletter! (published the 10th of each month)

Submit author & illustrator news for the next newsletter by the 5th of each month via this form. Event submissions for member book launches and signings can be added to our regional calendar! Please be sure to include the date, time, and location.

Go to "Member Home" then click "My Awards" to find monthly opportunities!

SCBWI Regional Events

Remember to check out webinars hosted by SCBWI regions! See the Regional Virtual Events page to see what's coming up for novelists, picture book writers, illustrators, and more.

From left to right: Jacob Reynolds, Margaret Lea, Tiffany Obeng, Jennie Smith (above), Sabina Grey was webmaster, now retired (below), Annie Harmon (above) Lynne Kelly (below) Kaye Marc-Charles, and Jim Smolski. Missing: Cheryl McCosh, Sydney Dunlap, Sanyu Ntanda, and Sam Kelty.

Stay on top of the latest SCBWI News!

Join the conversation in Discord! Sign up here! 

Newsletter Tip: Be aware of message clipping! To make sure you're getting the full newsletter, by looking for this message at the bottom of the email:

"[Message clipped]  View entire message"

If you're not already, please follow us on social media!

Suggestion Box

Have an idea on how to improve Houston SCBWI?

Leave a suggestion in our Suggestion Box!

Chapter Logo and Header Design by Marissa Valdez

Houston Liftoff Design by Jill Wegner