Slice of Life Story Day 21 A Day of Firsts For Book and Boy

Today I drove to Lorne situated on the southern coast of Victoria to attend a school leader’s conference. My trip involved a two hour drive plus a 45 minute ferry ride across the bay. I stopped off at Anglesea, another coastal town, to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends. It warms the heart to catch up with friends. I then completed my journey along the
Great Ocean Road
 to the surf coast town of Lorne.  As I reached Lorne Vicki rang from home to inform me that copies of my new book, ‘Igniting Writing- When A Teacher Writes’ had arrived. I have not actually sighted a copy yet. Reading a pdf version is never the same. It’s that old issue of download versus hard copy.

Upon arrival I checked into my accommodation then walked across to the convention centre. Large glass doors opened automatically and I stepped forward into the foyer. Various conference sponsors had displays set up around the perimeter. Directly in front of me was a table adorned with books from Hawker Brownlow Education and the first book my eyes fell upon was my own. What an unexpected joy this turned out to be.  It was for me, a special moment. The culmination of eighteen months of solid writing had finally come down to this moment when I reached out and picked up the physical representation of that work. It is now a reality and hopefully its reception will be favourable among readers.

The afternoon key note address was still in session, so I as stood there in comparative solitude, I enjoyed a moment of quiet satisfaction. It was as if I had discovered a secret that no one else knew…

Our lives are full of first times. I spoke on the phone to one of my grandsons late this afternoon. He whistled successfully today for the first time. Aged six, this was his special moment. Bird Boy is born.

Comments

  1. klcoveney21 March 2011 at 23:03

    Congratualtions Alan! What an achievement! As well as having that quiet feeling of satisfaction you must also feel like an enormous weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
    I too have recently published my first book (thanks to Officeworks Photobooks). I published a cookbook full of all of my favourite recipes and my own photography of the food. When I held the book for the first time I also felt that quiet feeling of satisfaction, knowing that this piece of artwork, with glossy, bright pictures was all my doing!
    I experienced that again when my Mum opened up her birthday present (my book) and proudly announced how 'clever' I was!
    One of the greatest feelings though was when I showed it to my students. They were excited to see that Kim Coveney (their teacher) was the author of the book! I started to tell them about the second and third books that I am currently writing (another cookbook and a picture book -currently for my own use).
    They didn't see me as a teacher modelling writing on an anchor chart or in my writer's notebook, but they saw me as a 'writer' and an 'author'! I hope that this inspired them to go and write!
    Congratulations again Alan!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elizabeth G.22 March 2011 at 01:44

    How very exctiing! Congrats! Your book is surrounded by great company. I wish you all the best.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wanda Brown22 March 2011 at 02:35

    Congratulations Alan. I expect that is a moment you will never forget. Will it be available stateside?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Terje 22 March 2011 at 06:35

    Congratulations! Palju õnne!
    I absolutely adore that even though it was a very important day for you, you noticed and wrote about your grandson's first whistling.
    Terje

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda B22 March 2011 at 08:17

    Congratulations! What a big moment in your life, & having a grandson, as I know, is also very special. I am interested in reading your book. I am working hard to support the teachers in my school in writing with their students. I think your book will give me added fuel!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pettit22 March 2011 at 11:56

    What an exciting moment for you & I LOVED that you included your Grandson's big moment as well! Enjoy this moment!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous22 March 2011 at 12:02

    Congrats to both you and your grandson!

    ReplyDelete

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