Who's Who: Writer Joe Clifford

Name: Joe Clifford

Age: 41

Occupation: Writer, copy editor

How long have you lived in our fair city?

My wife and I moved to El Cerrito in March of last year, shortly after our son, Holden, was born.

What path led you to El Cerrito?

The Bay Area is such a popular place to live.  It seems like prices on homes go down everywhere but here.  You simply can't get a good deal in the city or even Berkeley anymore.  When we started looking in El Cerrito we were amazed at how beautiful—and affordable—so many of the homes were.  It's like this little enclave.  I predict El Cerrito is going to be the Bay Area hotspot.

What do you think about it so far? Any favorite places to go in town yet?

We love it!  It's so centrally located, making it easier to get across the bridge to the city, and it has all the amenities of a city, yet with the feel and charm of a small town.   is one of kind.  I mean, how many places can you get a beer and watch a movie?  And is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I've ever been to. 

What do you do for a living?

I am a writer and copy editor.

Describe a day in the life.

I had a near-fatal motorcycle accident a few years back, so exercise is essential. Since we live so high in the hills, getting to a gym was proving a huge hassle, so I just installed a complete gym in my garage.  My day is work out, write, repeat.  
And you also do a reading series? 

My wife and I run a reading series: Lip Service West. It's an offshoot of something I was a part of in grad school down in Miami.  True stories, 1,500 words or less.  A lot of our readers are recovering addicts or otherwise rehabilitated individuals.  I think it's important to give a voice to that faction. When you're coming back from the outskirts, having an avenue to share your story is often important to staying on the right path.

Where can we find your writing?

www.joeclifford.com

What do you do for fun?

Fun?  I'm sorry, I don't understand the question.  Being a dad and writer, and someone who needs to maintain such a high level of physical activity (I have traumatic arthritis in my right hip; I need it replaced) doesn't leave a lot of time for "fun."  Plus, I'm not really a "fun" guy.  I am happiest around my family and working.  Although it's always nice to sneak in a movie at the Rialto!

For other installments in our Who's Who series, click here and here.