Under the Whispering Door

by T.J. Klune

The first time you share tea, you are a stranger. The second time you share tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share tea, you become family.

One of the biggest questions I get about this book is why is it set in a tea shop? I am fascinated by how different cultures can be even when they have common threads. Tea is the second-most-consumed drink in the world (water is first; beer is third). Almost every culture on earth has a custom or ritual involving tea. It is as ubiquitous as they come and has been for thousands of years. The same could be said about customs or rituals involving death. Death (obviously) came first in my planning of this book, and combining it with something as ancient as sharing tea felt right. Additionally, I thought about what felt safe and inviting to me, and I remembered all the times I’ve visited quaint and quiet little tea shops, sitting in an oversized chair while sipping on English Breakfast. I felt safe there, happy, even if it was momentary.