Writing and Teaching

Both writing and teaching have some great moments. Most people, even those who aren’t teachers, can fathom great moments in teaching: getting through to a student after much difficulty, turning a student on to reading, and getting a visit from a successful former student all spring to mind.

Writing is a lonelier task. Whereas teaching is often an activity undertaken with 35 people in the room, writing is best done in solitutude, or as close as I can come to solitude with 2 children and 2 dogs. Still, there are great moments in writing, as well. Finding the perfect phrase, getting a contract (or a check!) in the mail, and one that non-writers might not think of: having your book appear on Amazon.com.

I remember when my first book, The Middle School Writing Toolkit, first apppeared on Amazon. Right next to the title, plain as day, it said Author: Tim Clifford. I was no longer a writer wanna-be–I was an honest-to-God writer. I think I’ll always remember that moment of revelation.

I was reminded of that moment today as I checked on my sales on Amazon (an activity that can become addictive quite quickly). I clicked on my name, and several titles came up that I hadn’t seen before. They were for the graphic novels I have written for Rourke Publishing, due to make their appearance in August 2009. I haven’t even seen the covers yet, or even anything approaching the final illustrations, but the books are there, under my name.  The series is called Jobs that Rock Grapic Illustrated, and I wrote the books on Mountaineer, Forensic Scientist, and Safari Guide. They are available for pre-order, if you can’t stand the thought of waiting on the inevitable long lines that will snake around your local bookstore (in my dreams, at least).

Another great moment was when I first heard from Julie Graddy, publisher of Maupin House after sending in my first book proposal, and my subsquent phone call from her that turned a maybe into a yes.

This is my first post–I only recently set up this blog. I don’t know what direction it will take, but feel free to leave comments and suggestions if you wish.