Carla Killough McClafferty

Carla Killough McClafferty grew up in the small farming community of Tomberlin, Arkansas, where her parents farmed rice and soybeans. Many long, lazy days of her childhood were spent under the outstretched arms of a giant pecan tree. Her elementary school didn't have a library, using instead bookshelves under the windows that filled one wall of the classroom. She says, "To this day, libraries fill me with awe and appreciation."

After high school, she graduated from Baptist Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, and worked in local hospitals and clinics. She and her husband Pat have three children, Ryan, Brittney and Corey.

Although Carla always loved to read, she had never written until the death of her youngest son, Corey. After his tragic loss, Carla began to write about the experience. The story of her journey through grief and suffering became the subject of her first book. Next, she began writing non-fiction books and articles for young readers.

Today, Carla is a freelance author and speaker on both secular and Christian topics. She is currently a Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.)