Picture an Iowa farm girl turned award-winning novelist who spins gripping tales of small-town secrets—meet Kali White! Born on a dairy farm in southern Iowa, Kali White (also known as Kali VanBaale) has carved a niche in crime fiction and literary drama, weaving stories that explore the shadows of human nature. Her novels, like The Monsters We Make, resonate with readers for their haunting realism and emotional depth, drawing from her eclectic life experiences.
From detasseling corn to advocating for mental health reform, White’s journey is as layered as her characters. Her ability to transform real-world pain into compelling narratives has earned her accolades like the American Book Award and a loyal following among true crime and literary fiction fans.
The Making of Kali White
Born January 20, 1975, in Bloomfield, Iowa, Kali White grew up surrounded by the rhythms of rural life on her family’s dairy farm. Her early years were shaped by hard work and a vivid imagination, sparked by the vast landscapes of southern Iowa. After studying at Indian Hills Community College and Upper Iowa University, she earned an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. White’s diverse career—gymnastics instructor, substitute librarian, mental health case manager, and even a stint on a Hungarian organic farm—infused her storytelling with authenticity and empathy.
Her writing career began with short stories and essays, but novels became her true calling. Inspired by Iowa’s tight-knit communities and their hidden complexities, White found her voice in exploring how ordinary lives unravel under extraordinary circumstances.
Kali White’s Unforgettable Stories
Kali White’s novels are masterclasses in blending suspense with emotional nuance. Her debut, The Space Between (2006, as Kali VanBaale), won the American Book Award and the Fred Bonnie Memorial First Novel Award. It follows a family grappling with grief, showcasing White’s knack for intimate, character-driven drama. Her second novel, The Good Divide (2016), explores a farm wife’s unraveling life in 1960s Wisconsin, earning the Eric Hoffer Book Award for its poignant storytelling.
Her third novel, The Monsters We Make (2020, as Kali White), is a standout, inspired by the real-life Des Moines paperboy disappearances of the 1980s. Set in 1984, it weaves a fictional tale of abduction and secrecy, grounded in meticulous research. White’s ability to balance historical accuracy with gripping suspense makes it a must-read for true crime fans. Her short stories and essays, published in outlets like Midwestern Gothic and Poets & Writers, further highlight her versatility, often tackling themes of loss, resilience, and redemption.
White’s style is marked by vivid prose and psychological depth, drawing readers into the hearts of flawed, relatable characters. Her Iowa roots shine through in her settings, where small-town life becomes a canvas for exploring universal truths about fear, hope, and survival.
Why Kali White Matters
Kali White’s impact extends beyond her books. As a core faculty member of Lindenwood University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program, where she was named Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2022, she mentors aspiring writers with the same passion she brings to her craft. Her advocacy for mental health reform, including lobbying for legislation in Iowa, reflects her commitment to social good. Through her column for the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and her role as managing editor of the essay journal Past Ten, White amplifies voices and stories that might otherwise be overlooked.
Her work resonates with readers who crave stories that are both thrilling and deeply human. By fictionalizing real-world tragedies, like the Des Moines abductions, she invites reflection on how communities heal—or fracture—under trauma. White’s legacy is one of empathy, artistry, and a fearless exploration of the monsters within us all.
About Kali White
- Born: January 20, 1975, Bloomfield, Iowa
- Key Works: The Space Between, The Good Divide, The Monsters We Make
- Awards: American Book Award, Eric Hoffer Book Award, Iowa Arts Council Grants
- Fun Fact: She once worked on a Christmas tree farm!
Ready for a thrilling dive into small-town secrets? Snag The Monsters We Make and discover Kali White’s unforgettable world of suspense and heart!