Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Killoren.
Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story, like the books that I have written, is full of twists and turns. A lawyer by education, I practiced law for 15 years until closing that chapter and dedicating my time to writing. The wonderful thing about writing is that it requires no prerequisite; the written word is there for anyone who has a story to tell, and I took the risk to tell a few and see where life took me.
Specifically, I felt drawn toward writing creatively while practicing law. I began by writing freelance for a parenting magazine in the Kansas City area and built my resume (and confidence) from there. I realized that writing fulfilled something in me that I wasn’t getting professionally, so I began to grow in my endeavors, expanding from freelance to writing my first book. After its publication, I secured an agent who has facilitated publishing deals for three additional books – Good Will, Uncharted Therapy and Pretty Dead Things.
Now back in the legal world as a communications manager, I continue to write this next chapter (literally and figuratively) and am enjoying every step, word and adventure along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, wow. No, not smooth at all. The publishing world is tough, and the thick skin that I developed as an attorney certainly helped me deal with rejection along the way. I chose the traditional publishing route, but authors are fortunate to have different options available to them these days. Writing something that I absolutely love only to receive a rejection or a polite “pass” by a publisher is devastating to even the most seasoned author. Resilience is key and I have had to pick myself back up more than a time or two and carry on. Having a great literary agent who understands both the professional and personal toll that the publishing process can take helps immensely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As my writing has developed, so has my understanding of the genre that fits the best with both my interests and writing style. Originally writing women’s fiction, I wrote about characters facing a life crossroads similar to the one that I was on. I developed flawed and relatable characters dealing with life curveballs that forced them to decide if they had the courage to travel the path less safe – less smooth – because I was very much in the same place in life.
After years of writing women’s fiction, I tried my hand at a mystery and fell in love with the genre. As a mystery-lover myself, I didn’t know if I had what it took to write one. I am proud to say that with the publication of my debut mystery in 2024, Pretty Dead Things, I feel confident pursuing more books in this genre. In fact, I have two manuscripts complete, both of which take place in the same small town as Pretty Dead Things. I love the concept of small towns with secrets to tell, and look forward to writing many more.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to anyone in any field is to embrace the “scary.” Write the email asking for the opportunity. Approach the person who has accomplished what you would love to in life and ask their advice. The best things in my life have come from doing something that has absolutely terrified me. That’s growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiffanykilloren.com
- Instagram: TiffanyKilloren_Author
- Facebook: Tiffany Killoren, Author
- LinkedIn: Tiffany Killoren
- Twitter: @TiffanyKilloren
