Tiffany Taylor is a self-published author born and raised in Opelika, Alabama. Tiffany’s love of writing began at an early age, and always known for her creative wit and vivid imagination, she won her first award in Elementary school and has been putting pen to paper ever since. Tiffany is an avid writer who enjoys writing poetry, children’s books, novels as well as music lyrics, publishing her first book Truly in Poetry in 2010 followed by Thoughts from My pen in 2012, Wet Dreams in 2013, Computer Heaven in 2014, Ashton the Duck gets Bullied in 2015 and Princess Caley in 2015. The latter was inspired by a true story of a 5yr old that was murdered by her stepfather.

Always looking for ways to master her craft, Tiffany has performed throughout the state of Alabama and Georgia. In addition to her love of writing, some may call Tiffany a “Geek”. She is a former manager of Geek Squad at Best Buy. Tiffany loves to work on and build computers in her spare time. Tiffany attended and graduated from Auburn University where she pledged and became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She also has a Master’s Degree in Management Information System from the University of Phoenix.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

I don’t recall the age, but I was young. I always enjoyed going to the library and picking out a new book. I always wondered if I could write my own book. The more I wrote the more I enjoyed it. I loved having the ability to create anything that I wanted with the use of my imagination. I didn’t realize how many stories I had in my head. My imagination takes me to places I would have never imagined going. That I so much in my head that I want to write down, I don’t know where to start. The good thing is that I can keep it all there until I am ready to write it down.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

Truly into Poetry, Thoughts from my Pen, The Gathering of thoughts a Curious Mind, Wet Dreams: Spreading My Pages for the world to see, Wet Dreams 2: Wetter than the First. Is a collection of poems I have written over the years. The last 2 books are erotica. 

Computer Heaven is children about a boy whose computers die. Ashton the Bully is a children’s book about a boy who gets bullied in school and how he handled it. Princess Caley is a children’s book based on a true story I wrote about a little girl that was killed by her stepfather 6 years ago. The book is about what she liked to do and how much she enjoyed school. Retail Delight is my first novel about a woman named Terry who is in a very complex relationship until she thinks she meets the lover of her dream.  She is completely swept off her feet and falls in love. Everything seems to be going perfect until, her lover starts showing strange behaviors.  She tries to cope with it, but it begins to be too much, and Terry decides to move on. Her lover doesn’t feel the same. She refuses to let Terry go and create conflict and turmoil in Terry’s next relationship. While it’s causing too much stress in Terry’s life, she has to find a way to make her past lover disappear.  

You can find my books on Amazon and iTunes. 

You can find me on Instagram: @trulyintopoerty. Facebook: Author Tiffany Taylor, E-mail: wheatieb@yahoo.com, Twitter: @trulyintopoetry, Snapchat: Truly into Poetry, TikTok: Author Tiffany Taylor

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

I can usually sit and think about something, it’s like the story comes to me. I some of my inspiration from dreams, some of the things people say and the environment around me. When I write poetry my mom or sister can give me poetry titles and I can write to them. I sometimes have friends around that will give my ideas for a story, song or poem.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?  What projects are you currently working on?

No, I usually write when I get off from work, after I relax a bit but if the writing bug hit me. I’ll pull out my phone and jot my thoughts down until I get home to my computer. I don’t usually do an outline, but I don’t write down different scenes that pop in my head. My first novel took 2 yrs. to finish because it wasn’t supposed to be written. It was only supposed to be a short story. Currently two poetry books called The Gathering of thoughts from a Curious Mind and Wet Dreams 2: Wetter than the first. 

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?  Who is your favorite author to read?  What book are you currently reading?

It was Stephen King’ Cujo. I was in the 8th grade when I read it and it scared me death. I don’t think I even finished the book. My parents had a roommate for a couple of weeks. Stephen King. Not reading a book currently because when I’m working on my own work, I put my focus on my books.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

So far, it has been completing 9 books. If someone told me I would become a writer 11 years ago, I would not have believed them. To go from self-publishing to traditional publishing, writing a script for a movie and a song on the radio. 

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

In the beginning it bothered me a little. I realize that a rejection is just someone opinion. I usually discuss it with my family and move on to the project, contest or any other writing endeavors. I think they should use whatever publishing process they are comfortable with. But keep in mind that both are hard work 

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

At this point I don’t find it hard. I have several friends that help me out when I need it. So that allows me to put more focus on my creative side. It’s been kind of hard because it was a huge focus for me, but with my sister’s help it’s becoming easier.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

I really enjoy reading my own work. I am usually shocked by some of the things that I write. I do hate when my family and friends read my work out loud. 

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No, because everyone journey is different. It’s never too late to be successful. No, the only thing that will hinder them is if they never start. 

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I feel what makes me authentic is that I try to create new ideas. I don’t like writing just for one genre. I like to inspire people to my writing by writing through different genres. As a writer I feel that creativity should be your asset. The ability to make up characters, places and events show that you are authentic.