Tiffany Killoren started writing novels as a personal challenge. After practicing law for 15 years, she started off writing magazine articles and then set herself the personal goal of writing a novel. Her first published novel, "Six Weeks in Petrograd," had a small circulation, and was followed by the more largely distributed “book club” novel "Good Will" in 2020. Tiffany, who is a regular contributor to Northland City Lifestyle, lives in Parkville with her husband, two teenage boys and her dog, Dover, and still works at a local law firm. She has not one but two books coming in 2024 — “Uncharted Therapy” in August 2024 and her debut mystery novel, “Pretty Dead Things” in December. We asked her some questions about her writing process and inspiration.
How did you get started writing?
I have always loved to write, but never considered writing a book. I dipped my toe into the professional writing world by working on stories for a local parenting magazine as a new mom years ago. As my confidence grew, so did my writing style and voice, so I put proverbial pen to paper to see if I could actually write a book. When a traditional publisher picked it up, I knew that I couldn’t ignore that inner voice any longer. My heart was full and my passion was found. I’ve been writing ever since.
What was the inspiration for “Uncharted Therapy”?
Therapy is a big word and means different things to different people. In this novel, I explore one woman’s journey toward self-discovery through traditional — and then not-so-traditional — means. It’s a story that incorporates some of the most important lessons that I’ve learned; specifically, that the people we surround ourselves with are among the most important factors in living a true, authentic and genuine life. Sometimes, therapy is found where you least expect it.
How did you get the idea for “Pretty Dead Things”?
I love this book and its backstory so much! The novel is focused on the discovery of wedding rings that are connected to a small-town mystery that my main character unknowingly reveals. The idea came to me when my mom showed me a very small, old diamond ring and band that she discovered in a jar of trinkets when moving. We had no idea where they came from and, on my long drive back to Kansas City that weekend, the idea for the book came to me.
What do your books have in common?
I’m in the process of editing both upcoming books and realized common aspects of both. I tend to base my books in small towns with beautiful architecture that you don’t see too often these days (which is probably why I love Parkville). Character development and relationships play a large role in my writing, and I love to create authentic dialogue to help connect readers to the story.
Did you have any particular teachers or people that helped you get started writing?
The toughest (and best) teacher that I had in high school was my literature teacher, Ms. Theisen. She introduced me to Shakespeare and pushed her students beyond the limits of what we thought was possible. She was tough, intelligent and accepted nothing but the best from her students. She taught me to embrace my love of the written word.
Susan Cannon, the editor of the parenting magazine all those years ago, was the one who opened a huge door for me into the writing world by giving a passionate writer (without traditional qualifications) a chance.
Do you have a particular routine when you sit down to write? If so, what is it?
Lots of coffee. Honestly, with a full-time job, two busy kids and an unpredictable schedule, any type of routine is a luxury in my life at this point. I know when I write the best, however, which is always early in the morning and late at night. If an idea comes to me, I can easily sit down in a noisy cafe or on my couch with the television on in the background without being distracted. When it comes to editing, though, I need complete quiet. The library is my friend.
What’s your favorite book that you read recently?
I’m in the process of reading “Capote’s Women” because I find the writer and his backstory fascinating, as well as the group that he surrounded himself with. I watched the recent series based on the book [Feud: Capote Vs. the Swans] and wanted to learn more about Truman Capote and his “swans,” his life in New York City, and the unfortunate decisions that he made to bring about his own downfall. The troubled writer effectively wrote his own tragedy.
Who is your favorite character that you’ve ever written? Why?
Oh, wow. What a question! I’m in a bit of all of my main characters, so it’s certainly hard to choose. I actually love a side character in my mystery named Mimi. She’s quite a firecracker — a rather blunt art dealer with her finger on the town’s secrets who loves drinking champagne in the middle of the day. She was fun to write.
Do you have a favorite book of all time? If so, what?
I have two, which couldn’t be more different. I read “Anna Karenina” in my Russian literature class in college and was deeply affected by the story, writing and inner turmoil that Tolstoy was able to bring to life. The fact that he was writing about such a taboo topic (adultery by a woman) at such a time in Russia was also not lost on me.
Going back to Truman Capote, “In Cold Blood” is one of the few books that I’ve read more than once. It’s heralded as one of — if not the — first true crime book, and the senselessness of the crime, coupled with its connection to Kansas City, is incredibly compelling. I also love Capote’s writing style — fragmented sentences that give no mind to traditional “rules.”
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Read as much as possible, write as much as possible, and be open to critique. Editing my own work, I understand the value of a third-party perspective (as hard as it can be to hit “delete” on words that you might love). Find inspiration in authors that you admire, but create your own writing style and voice. Focus on writing a compelling story and the rest will come.