In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tasha Coryell, the brilliant mind behind the debut novel “Love Letters to a Serial Killer.” Tasha shared her fascinating journey from academia to creative writing, the inspiration behind her gripping story, and insights into her writing process. Here’s a closer look at our conversation and the key takeaways from this engaging discussion.

Tasha’s Background and Journey

Tasha Coryell currently resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, but she spent 11 years in Alabama, where she earned her MFA in creative writing and a PhD in composition and rhetoric. During her time in Alabama, Tasha met her husband, and last year, they moved back to her hometown in Minnesota.

Her academic journey is quite unique. While her PhD focused on the rhetoric of progressive women in Alabama, Tasha was simultaneously working on her novel, “Love Letters to a Serial Killer.” She describes her PhD as studying reading and writing outside of traditional books, encompassing everything from texts to images and spoken word.

Balancing Academic and Creative Writing

For Tasha, creative writing served as a delightful escape from the rigors of academic writing. She recalls how working on her novel felt like a treat, something she eagerly looked forward to amidst her demanding PhD studies. This balance helped her appreciate the joy of creative writing even more, turning it into a beloved pastime rather than a chore.

A Fascination with True Crime

“Love Letters to a Serial Killer” is heavily influenced by Tasha’s interest in true crime, though she doesn’t consider herself a hardcore true crime enthusiast. Instead, she enjoys classic true crime literature, such as works by Ann Rule and “Fatal Vision.” These books provided the perfect escape during challenging times, and Tasha found solace in reading about the horrendous things that happen to others as a way to disconnect from her own struggles.

Exploring Millennial Themes

Tasha’s novel resonates deeply with millennial experiences. The protagonist is underpaid and underappreciated in her job, mirroring the struggles many millennials face in today’s world. Online communities play a significant role in the story, reflecting how many people find support and connection in digital spaces.

The Premise of “Love Letters to a Serial Killer”

The novel’s premise is both intriguing and chilling: a woman begins writing letters to a serial killer and eventually falls in love with him. This dark and twisted love story is a reflection of the protagonist’s frustration with her attempts to do good in the world, which repeatedly fail. Tasha describes the book as a very millennial story, capturing the essence of struggling to find one’s place in a challenging world.

Love Letters to Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell

In “Love Letters to Serial Killer” by Tasha Coryell, aimless and frustrated thirty-something Hannah starts writing to William, an accused serial killer, while he awaits trial. When William is acquitted, Hannah moves in with him, driven by an obsession to uncover the truth. As she delves deeper into the case, her life unravels, leaving her isolated and consumed by the investigation. Despite their semblance of domestic bliss, Hannah secretly probes into William’s potential guilt, navigating the tension between her infatuation and her suspicion. This debut thriller offers a dark, gripping tale of obsession and deception.

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Reader Engagement and Relatability

Tasha emphasizes the importance of online communities for finding support and connection. Her personal experiences with platforms like Twitter have provided her with a sense of belonging and encouragement. This relatability is a core theme in her novel, as the protagonist also turns to online communities for solace.

Book Recommendations

Tasha’s love for thrillers and romantasy shines through in her book recommendations. Recently, she enjoyed “Romantic Comedy” by Curtis Sittenfeld and “The Future” by Naomi Alderman. Laura recommended to Tasha to read “Zodiac Academy” series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti for those looking for an addictive new series.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

“Romantic Comedy” follows Sally Milz, a sketch writer for “The Night Owls,” a live late-night comedy show. After multiple heartbreaks, she resigns to career success and casual flings. When her friend Danny starts dating a glamorous actress, Sally mocks the phenomenon of average men landing beautiful women in a sketch. Enter Noah Brewster, a charming pop star hosting the show. As Sally and Noah bond over sketches, she questions if real-life romance could mirror a rom-com. Curtis Sittenfeld deftly explores modern love, gender dynamics, and the quirks of romance with wit and insight.

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The Future by Naomi Alderman

In “The Future,” Martha Einkorn escapes her father’s cult in Oregon only to work for a dominating social media tycoon among companies manipulating private weather and predictive analytics. As her father’s apocalyptic warnings seem to manifest, Martha questions the future’s stability. Meanwhile, in Singapore, survivalist Lai Zhen, pursued by an assassin, receives life-saving instructions from a mysterious software. As Martha and Zhen’s paths converge, they confront a world steered towards destruction by powerful billionaires. This fast-paced narrative explores power’s corruption and the potential for resistance against impending catastrophe.

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Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susan Valenti

In “Zodiac Academy: The Awakening,” a Gemini twin discovers she’s Fae and heir to a throne in Solaria. To claim their birthright, they must prove their supernatural dominance in a perilous academy filled with vampires, werewolves, and sirens. Their elemental magic is tied to her zodiac sign, making astrology crucial. Amidst dangerous classes and deadly rivals, including a dragon shifter intent on taking her throne, They must navigate this cutthroat world where survival is uncertain. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy is intense and ruthless, with no saviors in sight.

Where to Find Tasha Coryell Online

You can follow Tasha Coryell on various social media platforms:

• Twitter: @TashaAAAAAAA
• Instagram: @TashaCoryell
• TikTok: @TashaCoryellWriter
• Website: tashacoryell.com

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If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode for more in-depth discussions and exclusive insights from Tasha Coryell.