Being a Teacher and a YA Author

Becca_H · Apr 17, 2011

Okay, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this, or if this question has far too many variables to be answered effectively. But this is driving me up the wall and I'd be grateful for anyone who can put me out my misery.

Is it advisable to be a teacher if you are a published YA author?

For a long time I've assumed that yes, this is a good thing. The kids would like the concept (or at worst, wouldn't care) and it'd look really good at interview.

But, I write edgy YA, and it's not edgy like issue books are. My books contain edgy topics (like incest and rape) that don't form the main focus of the book. Somehow, I feel this could be considered worse than a book that focuses on this.

Then, I got into a conversation with someone who said I'm possibly looking at a conflict of interest. He threw up questions like this:

- Have you considered the people who actually employ teachers may object to the content? Same with parents, even some students.
- Will it lead to a loss of control? Are you prepared to handle kids behaving badly, like swearing in front of you, then turning around and saying, "but your characters swear!"
- Any marketing and promotion I do will be public, especially my Twitter account

So basically, I'm confused. I really have no idea if being an author is positive, negative, or a non-issue.

I'm at the stage of my writing career, marketing wise, where I need to decide what name I'm going to publish under. I really dislike the idea of a pseudonym, so it'd be a last resort. And then if it turns out I need to out myself as a writer, I have a lot backtracking to do.

I remember seeing one author's website who said she was a high school teacher in the US, but I've forgotten who she is and what type of YA she writes. I think it was sweet romances. I know there are teachers on AW, but I think you all write adult fiction?

So, could anybody suggest anything? Is it good, bad, am I worrying over nothing?

Sage · Apr 17, 2011

It's really going to depend on your school. I've heard stories (a few years ago) about teachers who lost their jobs because of their YA novels.

Bethany here on AW is a teacher and I believe she's "out" as a YA author too. Her first book includes, gasp, sex.

bethany · Apr 17, 2011

Okay, well there are a ton of factors and variables for any experience. We wouldn't be having this conversation if there wasn't 1. An idea that teachers must be role models in every aspect of their lives 2. Teenagers should be protected from certain subjects...or more specifically edgy YA. You're going to have to look at your content and your community and decide what the ramifications might be.

In my case...I teach in the bible belt, and in a small community. I'm also from that community so there's a certain pride in what I've accomplished, which is nice.

I have had nothing but support from my school, from the parents, and the students. I did have my character viciously attacked online, and that experience taught me what could happen, but it hasn't happened, and the threat isn't enough to stop me from writing and publishing. And at this point I could support myself from writing if I needed to. I've talked about that experience before, but if you want to know more about it, let me know and I'll go googling and share it.

My principal is proud of me, and loves loaning me to other schools to talk about writing. She bought (and made me sign) 9 copies of my book. Parents send in books to be signed, and email me about it...I've had nothing but a positive experience.

I teach lots of electives including creative writing, YA Lit, and Speculative Lit, so I get lots of chances to talk about writing and about the things I love. I also love teaching regular English classes, though I don't discuss myself as a writer much in that venue. I may do a booktalk with my Sophomore English class after state testing, give them an easy day and do a reading. I get a little uncomfortable making things too much about me. But the kids seem to enjoy hearing about my experiences.

As Sage said, my first YA included lots of edgy stuff, including sex. My new series is VERY dark, with drug use, suicidal thoughts, violence, and lots of sexual tension.

Juneluv12 · Apr 17, 2011

I'm a HS teacher, and an agented writer, not published yet(Hopefully soon!). And there's a ton of former teachers in the YA community like Beth Revis of Across the Universe and Rachel Hawkins of Hex Hall. They all mention their former students in their acknowledgements.

I think some of your concerns have merit. However, regardless of the content you write, there's nothing on a yearly observation form that administration could fault you with. As long as you're doing your job, getting good observations, then everything should be all right. And unless you get a very vocal parent group after you, it shouldn't be an issue.

I mean, most of the novels I've taught in MS and HS have had questionable content....I taught Speak to Freshman, To Kill a Mockingbird has insinuated incest with Mayella Ewell, and then Shakespeare has lots of bawdiness in it!

I will say that I had a negative experience a year ago because of my writing, and it was the reason why I left to go to another school. Instead of being supportive, my administration used my writing against me, claiming I had another focus besides my teaching. I also think the fact I stopped coaching to devote more time to writing had something to do with it also. They never questioned the content of my writing, just the fact that since I was writing, I must not be doing my job teaching....this was directly after the year I was on the local news for winning a teaching award. Go figure....

I did have an experience after showing my students the book trailer for one of my novels, they wanted to say "douchebag" b/c it was in the trailer. However, teaching highschoolers means they get lax with their language the further the year goes on. As long as you have established good classroom management, you'll be fine.

And overall, my former and current students are some of my best cheerleaders. Before I was agented, they wanted to start a fan club and do t-shirts and all, lol.

bethany · Apr 17, 2011

Answers to your specific questions below. ETA I screwed up the font, let me try again!

Becca_H said:
Okay, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this, or if this question has far too many variables to be answered effectively. But this is driving me up the wall and I'd be grateful for anyone who can put me out my misery.

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]I'll go ahead and quote to better answer all of your questions[/COLOR]
Is it advisable to be a teacher if you are a published YA author?This one I DID answer above

For a long time I've assumed that yes, this is a good thing. The kids would like the concept (or at worst, wouldn't care) and it'd look really good at interview. I never mentioned being an author in my interview. I stressed my professional credentials and classroom experience etc. I thought it was more relevant to the job I was going to do.

But, I write edgy YA, and it's not edgy like issue books are. My books contain edgy topics (like incest and rape) that don't form the main focus of the book. Somehow, I feel this could be considered worse than a book that focuses on this.I'm very clear on my philosophies on this. And I have a clear answer for anyone who asks. Basically, how can we help kids who are dealing with "issues" if we're too good to talk about or read about those issues.

Then, I got into a conversation with someone who said I'm possibly looking at a conflict of interest. He threw up questions like this:

- Have you considered the people who actually employ teachers may object to the content? Same with parents, even some students.
- Will it lead to a loss of control? Are you prepared to handle kids behaving badly, like swearing in front of you, then turning around and saying, "but your characters swear!" My characters swear. So do I. But not in the classroom. My kids know my stance on language. I don't believe there are "bad" words, just inappropriate ones, and part of learning about audience is figuring out what words can be used where. My classroom is not a place for foul language. I do let them use whatever language they want in creative assignments.
- Any marketing and promotion I do will be public, especially my Twitter account [COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]But, what would you do that is inappropriate? I don't run around cursing in interviews? I do sometimes do a reading of my dirtiest passages. It's pretty fun. [/COLOR]

So basically, I'm confused. I really have no idea if being an author is positive, negative, or a non-issue.

I'm at the stage of my writing career, marketing wise, where I need to decide what name I'm going to publish under. I really dislike the idea of a pseudonym, so it'd be a last resort. And then if it turns out I need to out myself as a writer, I have a lot backtracking to do. I use my maiden name, but that's mainly because my married name is impossible with googling, all it gets you combined with bethany is two million churches. I want people to find me when they google.

I remember seeing one author's website who said she was a high school teacher in the US, but I've forgotten who she is and what type of YA she writes. I think it was sweet romances. I know there are teachers on AW, but I think you all write adult fiction?

So, could anybody suggest anything? Is it good, bad, am I worrying over nothing?

elissa · Apr 17, 2011

I'm a middle school teacher, and my book is coming out next spring, so...I guess I can't tell you how it all turns out, haha, but so far I think it's been kind of wonderful to have my students--especially those who enjoy writing--see the whole process. I've brought in printed manuscripts to show them how revisions might work, how meaningful revision is more than going through and checking for capitalization and spelling. I've done the NaNo Young Writers' Program with them and had a "first pages critique session" where we role played as agents, editors, booksellers, and librarians.

BUT. All along, I have made it very clear to them that my book is written for older teens, that my protagonists are 17-18, and that I do not recommend it to them until they are older. I've been honest about the fact that there are LGBTQ themes and themes questioning religions and language that isn't appropriate. I don't read them excerpts from the book. I know many of them will read it anyway, and probably their parents, too. I guess I'll have to deal with the possible negative responses as best as I can.

In terms of my twitter/blog/online publicity, I try to remember that my students can see what I post. Some of them follow me on twitter, and while I'm not always perfect, I do my best to be respectful, I guess. So far, my boss is very supportive of my writing and excited/proud of me.

Atlantis · Apr 17, 2011

Becca_H said:
Okay, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this, or if this question has far too many variables to be answered effectively. But this is driving me up the wall and I'd be grateful for anyone who can put me out my misery.

Is it advisable to be a teacher if you are a published YA author?

For a long time I've assumed that yes, this is a good thing. The kids would like the concept (or at worst, wouldn't care) and it'd look really good at interview.

But, I write edgy YA, and it's not edgy like issue books are. My books contain edgy topics (like incest and rape) that don't form the main focus of the book. Somehow, I feel this could be considered worse than a book that focuses on this.

Then, I got into a conversation with someone who said I'm possibly looking at a conflict of interest. He threw up questions like this:

- Have you considered the people who actually employ teachers may object to the content? Same with parents, even some students.
- Will it lead to a loss of control? Are you prepared to handle kids behaving badly, like swearing in front of you, then turning around and saying, "but your characters swear!"
- Any marketing and promotion I do will be public, especially my Twitter account

So basically, I'm confused. I really have no idea if being an author is positive, negative, or a non-issue.

I'm at the stage of my writing career, marketing wise, where I need to decide what name I'm going to publish under. I really dislike the idea of a pseudonym, so it'd be a last resort. And then if it turns out I need to out myself as a writer, I have a lot backtracking to do.

I remember seeing one author's website who said she was a high school teacher in the US, but I've forgotten who she is and what type of YA she writes. I think it was sweet romances. I know there are teachers on AW, but I think you all write adult fiction?

So, could anybody suggest anything? Is it good, bad, am I worrying over nothing?

You are an author not a porn star. What have you got to be so ashamed about? What you do in your private life is your own business. No employer has ANY right to question you about what you chose to write about or how you manage your writing career. It is NONE of their business. Unless you write a book that includes the names of your students, your school, or anyone you work with in a bad light, you have nothing to worry about.

Tell your students you are an author if it comes up. Talk to them about the subjects you write about. If your students do chose to make fun of your stories or characters turn around and tell them 'That is fiction. This is real life. While you are in my classroom you will not swear, talk loudly, etc. If you want to talk to me about my books you can speak to me after the lesson."

Do not ever be afraid of what people will think of your writing.

Juneluv12 · Apr 18, 2011

Atlantis,

Unfortunately educators get held to a higher moral standard than other professions. Teachers have lost their jobs over Facebook pictures where they holding a glass of wine.

Depending on what area you are in, the content of your book can be a huge factor. Like Bethany mentioned, she was in the Bible Belt, as am I, and that can make a difference on how parents view you as an educator. In small towns where it is very political, you could lose your job.

bethany · Apr 18, 2011

Right, and the author not a porn star argument loses steam when you see that YA authors like John Green have been accused of being pornographers. Laurie Halse Anderson's acclaimed novel Speak, was accused of being pornography earlier this year.

I am all for doing what you love and keeping writing real. But you have to understand that not everyone will like it, and be prepared for that.

And, not everyone will read the work. People who "heard there was sex in it," will sometimes attack without any idea of the context or how the sex was handled. In Anderson's case, for example, the "sexuality" was a disturbing rape scene. Quite the opposite from the actual definition of pornography=designed to arouse...but designed to get a reaction.

ETA the John Green Vlog response link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHMPtYvZ8tM

Looks like the Speak article has been taken down, though you can see responses to it all over the web.

Becca_H · Apr 18, 2011

Ah hah, YA authors who teach! I am so so glad you exist

Yeah, from what you say, it's a gamble. I'm in the UK, and I'd probably teach here (although I've not dismissed the idea of teaching elsewhere).

I'm not sure how liberal the UK is compared to the USA on educational factors, but there's a major difference in that UK secondary education is 11-16. Therefore I'd be handling the US equivalent of middle school and first two years of high school. It is possible to teach 16-18 in the UK, but where I live there's only around four schools for this age range.

Bethany, I'd love to see more about the experience, if you could look for it and share

I'll also check out some of your books and see how they compare to mine.

Creative writing classes, talking about books, using being an author to promote reading and writing. These are all things that I would love about running both careers together. This is really why I don't want to use a pseudonymn. I don't really mind whether my YA is a huge part, or a tiny part of my teaching job, but I'd hate to hide it. Because who would suffer? The kids who want to experience this but can't because I'm having to keep it quiet.

I'm yet to qualify as a teacher, so when I do go for my first job, all I'd have is the student teaching. If there are a lot of candidates, then being an author would either make it or break it, so not disclosing it...I'm really not sure.

Atlantis, unfortunately, as the others have said, being a teacher comes with a requirement to be of good social standing. Whilst I strongly believe writing YA books should make me MORE qualified and relatable to the kids, plenty of people would disagree. If I was writing sweet romances, with absolutely nothing remotely objectionable, it would probably be different. Unfortunately I don't read or write these books.

bethany · Apr 18, 2011

This is from a review site- the person had not read my book, but they spent a good bit of time researching me. They knew my married last name, for instance, and about a WIP I mentioned in an interview that was never published. It shows very clearly how some people respond to a teacher writing edgy fiction. This would never stop me from writing. But it exists.

I just became aware of this book from a piece in the Louisville Courier-Journal, extolling “Handcuffs” and its local author. I will commit the cardinal sin of commenting upon a book I have no intention of reading- just to say that this review has confirmed my worst fears. How wonderful that teenage bondage fiction has been written by a high school English teacher! She must be a real student favorite!
According to the interview, she holds some interesting attitudes :”You learn things by reading because you learn that other people have different experiences than you and other people have similar experiences as you,” Griffin said. “It’s not supposed to be, ‘Don’t do drugs. Don’t have sex.’ While I know ( from personal experience) that misquotes and misinformation abound in such interviews, I am appalled that this is a teacher’s response. Well, Mrs. Faith (her married name), it seems you need to add, “Do try bondage, just don’t get caught!” We can quite clearly see what it is that Mrs. Faith wishes to teach.
Other (quite gushing ) reviews I have read have praised her capture of teen and family life. Can her work capture an audience without the kink factor? Her next novel will be about a bisexual teen in a downtown Louisville neighborhood, a good choice to keep the curiosity level up. There may be a good ear and some real talent there, but I question what I consider this woman’s lack of a sense of responsibility and judgment .

Reply

<LI class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id=comment-198689>

kerrie bloomfield says:
April 19, 2009 at 2:30 am

Wow, if your gonna take the time to write a huge review, you might want to read the book first.
I personally, loved it. As a sixteen year old girl, I didn’t find this book inappropriate. It was deep and absolutely addicting.
Teenagers are growing up faster these days. Its something to get used to.
An artist”s expression should not be limited.

Reply

Babbie Rosenthal says:
April 19, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Well, Kerrie, if you are going to take the time to read a “huge review”, you should work on your reading comprehension skills. These are all just our own opinions, and everyone has one.
We were all young once, dear. There certainly were books that we read surreptitiously (with the “good parts” underlined) and passed around to each other in high school way back in the ancient ’70′s, but they were published for adult consumption. My point was that I felt that it was not appropriate for a Teacher to be providing that sort of “moral guidance”. My belief is that teachers have a higher responsibility when it comes to their influence on our youth, than the average person. In my day, teachers took that sort of book away from you – now they write them for you! See the difference? Yes, “times change”; but all change is not, in and of itself, good.

Becca_H · Apr 18, 2011

Ah, yes, I see what you mean. I guess this kind of thing is unavoidable.

Was this person connected to your school in any way, or just someone who lived locally?

You mentioned that the parents were supportive. Did you ever receive anything negative from the minority?

Shakesbear · Apr 18, 2011

Teaching in the UK can be full of pitfalls.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wirecopy/8393944/Teacher-sacked-over-racy-novel-to-publish-work.html

I've been teaching in England since 1979. My sincere advice is to get your qualification and become established as a member of a teaching community. Publish your work under a different name until that happens. The General Teaching Council (GTC) is in its' last throes and until the profession knows what the present government is going to replace it with, and how stringently the profession will be 'policed', I think it would be unwise to publish anything that might potentially harm your career. If you want to discuss anything about my post please send me a private message and I will be happy to answer you.

bethany · Apr 18, 2011

Becca_H said:
Ah, yes, I see what you mean. I guess this kind of thing is unavoidable.

Was this person connected to your school in any way, or just someone who lived locally?

You mentioned that the parents were supportive. Did you ever receive anything negative from the minority?

I assume they lived locally, since they read all the local publications. This is the only contact I had with them, and I only found it through google months later.

I've never heard anything negative to my face, from parents or others.

zander · Apr 19, 2011

Boy that "review" is small-minded and wrong.

I taught both middle and high school in a fairly conservative area - I wrote plays for my students, got them published, and even performed them with my kids. There were times that parents got angry with me, and I had a few kids pulled from productions because of this or that reason.

I had nothing but support from my administration, however, even after one of the parents attacked me in an email and contacted the school board. (Happy to report that the play he assaulted has easily been my most popular and currently pays my mortgage.)

I know you can't help worrying about it, but I think you shouldn't be ashamed or afraid of being a writer. I think most principals see it as a feather in their cap that they have a published author on staff, and it certainly brings attention to the English department.

And think about this: Let's say you get fired over something you wrote in a YA novel, well - there will be a big stink about it on the internet, and guess what? Your sales will skyrocket.

timewaster · Apr 19, 2011

Becca_H said:
Okay, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this, or if this question has far too many variables to be answered effectively. But this is driving me up the wall and I'd be grateful for anyone who can put me out my misery.

Is it advisable to be a teacher if you are a published YA author?

Many of my published friends were teachers before becoming full time writers. If you're worried write under a pseudonym. You don't have to broadcast the fact that you write.

megan_d · Apr 20, 2011

An excellent Australian YA author John Marsden is (or maybe was? He could have retired...) a high school teacher, and his books were pretty damn edgy. (And awesome). Full of guts and underage sex and masturbation and pets being murdered, oh my.

If I had teenagers I would hope they'd have teachers like Marsden, and I would definitely want them to read his books.

jaksen · Apr 20, 2011

Rick Riordan was a teacher.

I am just a short story writer, but my MC is a teen-aged boy. He has helped solve crimes involving serial murders, homosexuality, and child pornography. I never had one issue with parents. (Don't get me started on my teaching colleagues, however.)

And I was a science teacher - not an English teacher.

When students inquired about my stories, where to find them, etc., I always told them I wrote for adults, and to get their parents' permission to read them. (If parents said okay, I directed my students to the library.) I always, always did that. I also did not talk about my writing in class - as a science teacher there was seldom reason to do so, unless, as in some of my stories, the MC used his knowledge of science to help uncover evidence, etc.

Some of my students had no idea I wrote stories until May or June.

Had I been in the English department, things might have been different.

Being a Teacher and a YA Author

Becca_H

Where am I again?

Sage

Supreme Guessinator

bethany

:)

Juneluv12

Steel Magnolia & Snarky Pants

bethany

:)

elissa

holding my breath

Atlantis

Juneluv12

Steel Magnolia & Snarky Pants

bethany

:)

Becca_H

Where am I again?

bethany

:)

Becca_H

Where am I again?

Shakesbear

knows a hawk from a handsaw

bethany

:)

zander

timewaster

present

megan_d

Falling in the milk

jaksen

Caped Codder