Tiffany Youngblood is author of the children’s chapter books The Dirt on Mr. Claxton and A Rational Explanation. She is an Urbana native and now resides with her family in Texas. Her books follow the adventures of brothers, Dean and Thomas. Some of the inspiration for her stories comes from her own childhood, and the relationship she sees between her own children. Tiffany is currently working on her third book featuring a new protagonist.

You can follow Tiffany on Instagram and read more about her thoughts about writing on her website, Tiffany’s Bookshelf.

Tiffany also wants to give special recognition to her illustrator, Caitlin Lucas. Caitlin is a local artist and designed the cover for both books.

Below are Tiffany’s answer’s to FURL’s Author Spotlight Questions.

If you are or know of a published author who would like to be featured who lives, works or otherwise has a connection to the area served by the Urbana Regional Library, please contact us at FURL@friendsurbana.com

How did you get started writing?

I’ve enjoyed reading ever since I can remember, which is really the beginning of writing. Throughout high school and college, I completed numerous creative writing courses that inspired me to write my own stories. During my first career in hospitality, I decided to buckle down with completing the first story; eager to provide kids today with books that spark their interest and love of reading, just as other authors did for me as a child.

Where did you get the idea for your first book?

When I was young, my brother and I - along with our friends - would spend a lot of time exploring outside in our neighborhood. There was a neighbor who seemed particularly odd to us, as kids. In hindsight, I am sure this neighbor was harmless. But the idea for my story took this a few steps further: What if this man actually had something to hide? What if my brother and I were the ones to uncover his dark secret? I built on those ideas to form the story. Although my kids are much younger than the main characters in the stories, I used their current relationship and how I imagine it will grow as inspiration for my protagonists.

How long did it take you to write it?

My books are chapter books for beginners, so they are rather short. However, between working full time and raising two children it took me almost a year to finish and start submitting to publishers.

Was there any part of the publishing/promotion process that surprised you?

Something that was somewhat surprising to me when submitting my first book to publishers was the wide disparity of requirements. Not only changing the pagination of your document to fit each publisher’s submission requirements, but some wanted the entire story, whereas others wanted the first and last chapter only, or only the first three chapters. Even the method of sending varied. I found a few publishers did not accept email submissions and required a hard copy mailed through USPS.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite author is Stephen King (who is much more than a ‘horror author’ if you read his complete works); I’m currently reading my way through everything he has written. Growing up, I loved to read anything by Todd Strasser, Patricia Reilly Giff, and Louis Sachar.

What's the best book you've read in the past year?

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls was such an incredible story of the author’s unconventional upbringing in rural West Virginia. It's really very fascinating and I highly recommend reading this book.

Is there any advice you would give to “budding authors”?

The best advice I can think of is to read and to read often! Also, there’s never a perfect time in life to start anything. So, don't wait and don’t be afraid to start doing what makes you happy.

What do you like most about the Urbana Library?

I can be a rather nostalgic person, so the positive feelings of just being in the Urbana Library are memorable to me as well as being in awe over its capacity. I also remember my excitement when it opened knowing I didn’t have to travel out of Urbana to visit a library anymore!

Anything else you’d want to share

I’d like to express my true appreciation to everyone who reads and enjoys my books! I hope to keep them coming for you.