Getting to Know…Tiffiny Whitney
We asked all of our writers some questions about their writing and their work on Wormwood. In our first interview, one of our newest writers, Tiffiny Whitney, sheds a little light on herself. These interviews were conducted shortly after she joined the staff, so while she has a good deal of inside information, Tiffiny hasn’t yet experienced the full force of the writer’s room. We’ll plan a follow-up interview soon.
Questions created by Rob Allspaw.
Q: How did you get involved with Wormwood?
A: I used to help organize “industry mixers” with the help of some other great people, and we’d invite all sorts of entertainment industry professionals to get together and mingle. I met both Dave [Accampo] and Jeremy [Rogers] through one of these get-togethers, and somehow it came up that I had a thing for writing. I have no idea how they remembered me months later when it came to searching out writers, but they did, and they asked me to write a brief scene based off of the first two episodes. Apparently my BS worked, and I was invited onto the writing team.
Q: What attracted you to Wormwood?
A: A bunch of things, actually. Firstly, I was simply flattered to be asked to be a part of the project–which was motivation enough to give it a shot. On top of that though, I was really interested in the concept of resurrecting old radio drama in the form of a Podcast. The episodes I had read were also excellent, and I loved the idea of being involved with a series that I felt I could meaningfully contribute to. Plus–I just needed an excuse to write.
Q: Which character do you associate with most?
A: I find myself needing to find a way associate with all the characters in order to understand their motivations. Understanding someone’s thoughts is the only way to write them accurately. Personally though, I find myself thinking like Sparrow and acting like Jimmy Details. Lots of sarcastic spunk inwardly, but just a quirky enthusiast on the outside.
Q: Are there any characters you are struggling to understand?
A: I am not too acquainted with a couple of the Wormwood residents–but I’m sure I will be in time. Lynette is one–but we’ve hardly seen her at all yet.
Q: What aspects of the project and/or Wormwood do you find the most compelling?
A: I’m actually pretty interested in Crowe (of course), but also find myself really into the Emily Saunders/Brent Saunders dynamic. I also really feel for Rachel (the [CENSORED]).
Q: Within the project of Wormwood, what do you find the most challenging?
A: Tying it all in–but we find a way.
Q: Within the project of Wormwood, what do you find the most rewarding?
A: I haven’t been able to do much writing yet, of course, even after writing only seven pages, I am rewarded by the creation of a story–taking characters and making them real. I can’t wait to hear the Podcasts so that I can truly “see” the manifestation of my work.
Q: What do you think about the added content on the website?
A: I think it’s great, and it’s awesome to have so many facets to Wormwood. On some level though, I think it’s possibly a little too much, a little too soon. The point is to keep your audience waiting. Let them get acquainted with the characters and storyline of Wormwood first, and then add the “befores” later.
Q: With the collaborative process of writing the story, you have six writers now, what do you find to be the most rewarding of this style and what do you find to be the most challenging?
A: I haven’t been to a meeting yet–but I would imagine it will be rewarding to see the teamwork come together to create something fun and worthwhile. On the other hand, I foresee a lot of interruptions in the meeting, and the pain of idea rejection (which we’ve all felt, of course). I’m also slightly intimidated as the only female–but hey, nothing wrong with that! At least the women of Wormwood will have someone on their side.
Q: Where do you see the project heading?
A: Hopefully into a long, successful run of mysteries solved, and yet more unearthed.
Q: Give us a hint, what’s one thing you can reveal?
A: I am actually a man with a very elaborate and expensive wig.
Q: What are some of your influences?
A: Is it bad to say “Star Wars” first? Sorry–I’m a “Star Wars” freak, and the original trilogy are the first set of movies I ever remember seeing. Even though they have very little to do with the genre of “Wormwood,” they stimulated my imagination growing up and made me want to be a writer.
In terms of my writing style…I don’t have much specifically. I created my own way of writing and formulating stories as a conglomeration of every single book and movie I’ve ever read or seen. Herman Melville is as much an influence as George Lucas.
So is “Rainbow Brite.”
Q: Share a little about you past writing projects and education. Any awards or publications?
A: I went to Southern Utah University and the University of Utah to play with the idea of a Creative Writing major. When I realized I could get out sooner with a film major (which obviously has a creative writing aspect), I went that route.
In terms of any professional projects, I’ve written journalistic pieces for a couple websites, and write creatively on my own. No awards, but hopefully a few publications in the future (when I actually think it’s good enough that other people like it).
Q: What made you want to write?
A: As silly as it sounds, “Star Wars” got me into the idea of creating stories. The original trilogy stimulated my imagination so much as a child that it’s never stopped. As soon as I figured out I could write my ideas down–I did.
Q: Is there anything you wanted to add to let the fan base know more about you?
A: I’m not sure why the fan base would want to know anything about me–but while we’re at it–I’m an egotistical maniac with intentions to rule the world.
No–really. I’m serious on that one.
I also really love puppies. They’re really cute and adorable.
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