An Interview with Tiffany Washington
Tiffany Washington is a high school English teacher, mother of four, lesbian, poet, and writer. Her works have appeared in a number of print and online publications including Rumble fish Quarterly, Thimble Magazine, Sheila-Na-Gig and most recently CT Literary Anthology.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve always loved to write. My mother and grandmother are both writers, and always said that ink runs through our veins. I also am enamored with reading. I always have a book in my bag or on audio in my car, just in case!
What inspired you to start writing this book?
My son and I were reading some middle grades books together, when I realized I had a story I wanted to write, too. So, I did.
And every week I’d read him a new chapter until the first draft was done.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The Gladiator Chronicles is the title of the series I am working on. The Cursed Tablet was the most obvious title for the first book based on the adventure the main characters take.
Describe your dream book cover.
Something dark and bold. Perhaps lightning in the background. Something that would make kids want to grab the book off the shelves.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’m a teacher, so I spend my days reading students’ writing and trying to convince them to read books. And most days I can’t believe I get paid for it!
What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?
I read a lot of middle-grade books—the Whatever After series, Spiderwick Chronicles, The Magic Tree House. Anything that had kids and adventure to make sure I was hitting the same target audience.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I wrote this book for my son when he was about 11. So it’s easy to envision hyperactive little boys as a perfect reader. But then I shared the story with my daughter when she was 8 and she also loved it. So my perfect reader is any kid who wants to go on an adventure with Max and Hector!
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
