All about the novel A Thousand Broken Kisses

Who is Tillie Cole?

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

After several years living in Italy, Canada and the USA, Tillie has now settled back in her hometown in England, with her husband and new son.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than spending time with her little family, curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, and convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that last square of chocolate.

What is A Thousand Broken Kisses about?

Interview

What was your inspiration for A Thousand Broken Kisses?

After A Thousand Boy Kisses (ATBK), I felt the book didn’t need a sequel. If you have read ATBK, you will know that the ending didn’t leave much room for anything else. ATBK was born after my family had struggled for years with terminal illnesses. ATBK was mainly based on my father who had an incurable form of cancer. I threaded our family’s experiences with cancer into that book. It was cathartic for us all, and I was happy it was done. Then, I lost my father. I was bereft, and didn’t know how to process my grief. So I did it in the only way I knew how—writing. Thus, the story of A Thousand Broken Pieces was created. It helped me walk through grief along with Cael and Savannah (our main characters). After it was done, I felt lighter. I just hope it helps others going through grief too. 

What drew you to writing?

I was an avid reader, then one day, after moving countries and awaiting my work visa, I decided to give it a go. I suddenly had some time to do something for myself. Six weeks later, I had a finished book. I have never looked back. It was a passion I found later in life, and I am thankful everyday that I took that leap of faith. 

How did you choose which character to centre the story around?

Characters just come to me. I see the book in my head like a movie and chase the scenes. The characters come that way for me too. They kind of step out of the mist and present themselves to me. I give them a name and the rest just pours onto the page when I begin writing the words. But in ATBP, I wanted it to be one of Poppy’s (FMC in ATBK) sisters. I chose Savannah as she was the most introverted and I felt she would be a good contrast to Poppy who was more outgoing and gregarious. I enjoyed exploring another Litchfield sister who was completely opposite to Poppy from book one. 

What was your process for writing A Thousand Broken Kisses? 

It was the hardest book I’ve ever written. There were lots of tears, lots of days where I couldn’t write as the grief felt too raw. But I pushed through and am so proud of the final story. I just tried to take it one day at a time. I also structured the story on the five stages of grief. I’m so interested if any of my readers pick up on that. It helped me keep a somewhat structure and truly explore all the facets of losing someone and what that does to a person emotionally. It was both healing and torturous to write. 

What is your approach to world and character-building?

Every book I have ever written I see in the same universe. I joke and call it the ‘Tillieverse’. All my books, from dark to light, exist in the same world. All the characters just have very different lives, morals and personal stories. That’s where I always begin, then, as I said before, I just let it take form naturally. I’m not a planner. I let the story flow. Oftentimes, I have no idea how the novel will pan out. I just let my imagination do its thing. 

How would you describe A Thousand Broken Kisses in five words?

Tear-Jerking, healing, life-affirming, difficult, hopeful.

Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

Japan was my favourite part of the book. All of it. I found it the most healing of all the countries visited in the book. The most beautiful one too, in my opinion. 

Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?

Savannah. I pretty much based her grief journey on my own. Many elements of my father’s passing are threaded into her flashbacks and experiences losing her loved one. I think I cried every single chapter. 

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?

As extroverted as I am, I have struggled with self-belief my entire life. Writing and publishing has genuinely helped me battle some of that. I’m still hard on myself, and I still suffer from imposter syndrome at times, but the book community has been the best thing I’ve ever been involved in. I have found my home and happy place here amongst my readers and peers. 

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

Funnily enough, it was always paranormal and fantasy that I read. I adore Charlene Harris. And Tolkein will always be my biggest inspiration, along with Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen. But the indie authors of the early 2010’s were also hugely influential. I read their books and followed how they published, and they gave me the confidence to try it for myself. 

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

To write what you truly love. To find your own style and voice and stick to it. There’s always room for more stories, we readers are hungry for more and more stories. And to just do it. I think the biggest obstacle we have is often ourselves. Get out of your own way and take the leap. I am testimony to how life-changing it can be. 

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

Red Bull and pretzels. The writer munchies are no joke! 

Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music?

ALWAYS! If I don’t have music, I can’t write. Before any book, I make a playlist and find the story’s vibe. Once I have that, it helps me shape the book. I will always put a playlist in the back of my books. I love the idea of my readers listening to the same songs I did whilst writing, Like any movie score, a soundtrack can completely enhance a story. It can help emote and magnify the characters and whatever they are going through. I’m very eclectic in my music taste, so depending on the book, you have no idea what you are getting! 

Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?

My husband is my biggest champion in everything. As is my mam. And my dad absolutely loved my career, especially coming to signings with me and meeting the readers. I miss him so unbelievably much, but know he’s looking down upon me, proud and cheering me on.