About tiffany

When I was seven years old, I learned that I was part-Italian through my maternal grandmother. I knew then that sooner or later I would end up in Italy. My passion for Italian opera, art, and language only fanned the flames of this dream, and I finally took the plunge. After growing up in Seattle, and studying opera in Boston and Montréal, I quit my job, sold my belongings, and moved to Rome (with no contacts, job, or plan). I fell instantly in love with the history, beauty, and—dare I say it—magic of this fascinating city. Rome became my muse.

I am passionate about sharing culture, history, art, and travel—and in particular the marvels of Rome—whether it be through books for young readers, articles for the adventurous-minded, podcasts for aspiring expats, or guided tours and custom itineraries for curious travelers. Words—both written and spoken—are my vehicle of choice, allowing me to transport both myself and my audience across the world or back in time.

The true passion of my heart is crafting stories for young readers. The books that we read as children stay with us forever, and influence our reading preferences (and our lives) for years to come. I am honored to have the opportunity to write for this inquisitive and open-minded audience. My first book, Midnight in the Piazza, is an art mystery for Middle Grade readers, published by HarperCollins Children's in 2018. I am currently working on a Young Adult historical thriller trilogy set in Italy in 1600. The first book in the trilogy, Saving Caravaggio, was awarded the PEN America/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship.

I am also the co-host and co-creator of The BitterSweet Life, a podcast dedicated to the joys and frustrations of the expat experience. I have been musing about Rome's art, history, culture, customs, quirks, and curiosities on my personal blog, The Pines of Rome, since 2010. I am a widely published travel writer, with credits at Sydney Morning Herald, The Wall Street Journal's expat blog, Where Rome, Flydoscope magazine, and several Eye Witness travel guides.

I lead private walking tours around Rome, focusing on off-the-beaten-path sites, the underground city, lesser-visited museums, medieval churches, and themed walks on Bernini, Borromini, and Caravaggio. I also create detailed, customized Rome and Italy itineraries for travelers looking to get the most out of their time in Italy. When I'm not writing, reading, recording, or leading a tour, I can usually be found exploring Rome’s monuments and museums with my Roman husband Claudio and my little redhead Aurelio.

I am represented by John Silbersack of The Bent Agency.

Find me on Instagram, Facebook, GoodReads, and Apple Podcasts.