About Cliff Hilton
Cliff Merritt Hilton is an accomplished children's story writer and a member of both The New England SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He grew up in Pulaski, New York, and later lived in Farmington, New Mexico. Currently, he resides in southern New Hampshire with his wife of over thirty years, and their three grown children and seven grandchildren. Cliff is passionate about traveling and exploring the world with family and friends, creating memories along the way.
My Journey
The beginning
I started writing poetry in high school. I entered a poetry contest in my late teens. The poem won a creative award and was published in a hardcover book of poems. After my first child was born I started writing children’s stories as life got busy my writing was put on hold. Having grandchildren reignited that desire to write children’s stories
Grandchildren
Reading to my grandchildren I found most children’s books were lengthy. After working all day it can be difficult to stay engaged while reading a bedtime story. I decided to write stories that are intentionally short to be a quick read, capture a child’s imagination and not lose their attention. I started writing a series of stories called adventures in Gigi’s Garden. The illustrating part was taking more time than I had anticipated so I decided to create something that I could write, illustrate and self-publish.
Why Childrens book?
I have a personal understanding about inclusiveness. When I was about ten years old, I was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease in my right hip. I spent three years in a wheelchair and on crutches. During those three years I learned about the difficulties of not being included in activities other children were involved in, I often felt isolated and left out.