Hey I’m Tyler
Tyler Kania is a rugby player, coach, cybersecurity salesman, stonemason, civil rights activist, independent journalist, and author from Columbia, Connecticut. Tyler is a 2x suicide survivor and has experienced the anomalous trauma of sequential ruptured patellar tendons.
Tyler’s first book, The Maniac with No Knees, is an exciting memoir that follows his journey with undiagnosed bipolar I disorder through an eclectic series of mania-driven misadventures that ultimately land him in a mental hospital. Published in 2025, the book was named a finalist for the IAN Book of the Year Awards in the Grief/Hardship category.
As a freelance journalist, Tyler’s commentary and reporting on education, equity, Title IX, civil rights, national security, and foreign affairs have appeared in the Washington Times, Hartford Courant, Washington Examiner, CT Mirror, Washington Blade, RealClearDefense, Cyber Defense Magazine, and CT Insider, among other media outlets.
State legislators, gubernatorial candidates, and filmmakers have taken notice of Tyler’s work on civil rights, segregation, and vulnerable communities, and he has drafted legislative proposals for lawmakers to consider and is due to appear in a documentary about police brutality during mental health crises.
Tyler is a family historian and writes Life Story Book biographies to preserve memories of the elderly or deceased in a 5,000 - 15,000 word book with pictures and includes archival research. If you're interested in this service, please click the “Work with me” button below or scroll down to the Life Story Book Service for more information.
What happens when a rugby star loses his knees—and his mind?
How far can mania take you, before you’re forced to face the truth?
In The Maniac with No Knees, Tyler Kania takes readers on a raw, unfiltered ride through his journey with undiagnosed Bipolar I Disorder.
From rugby fields to the edge of the Grand Canyon, from building a cryptocurrency start-up to coaching a women’s rugby team to victory, Tyler’s manic adventures push every boundary. Along the way, he uncovers a major tech scandal, survives run-ins with the Boston Mafia, and even attempts the unthinkable—before landing in a mental hospital, where he finally begins to heal.
Tyler’s story is both brutally honest and often darkly humorous. Living with Bipolar I Disorder and two rare rugby injuries, he brings a unique perspective on mental health, resilience, and self-discovery.
The Maniac with No Knees is a testament to survival and finding meaning in the madness. Tyler’s wild journey may just change how you see your own life, and the struggles we all face.
The Maniac with No Knees
★★★★★
”An instant classic and voice for mental health!”
★★★★★
”A truly beautiful book by an outstanding new author.”
★★★★★
"Courageous and inspirational dive into the mind of mental illness"
★★★★★
"Honest, Personal, and Gripping"
Most of the world’s best stories disappear when we die.
Great-Grandparents lived lives about which we know very little. Grandkids never learn the challenges and successes of their bloodline. Obituaries provide us with nothing more than a person’s name, hometown, occupation, and the people they left behind. The legacies of the bold and beautiful are quickly forgotten.
But what if they weren’t? What if a best-selling author partnered with elders and families of the deceased to write a 5,000-7,000 word life story book (plus pictures) for loved ones to pass down and preserve memories for generations to come? Tyler Kania’s mission is to change the way we think about obituaries, family lore, and legacies. Tyler works to preserve the lives of those whose stories would otherwise be lost.
Partnering with Tyler means that you have the power to dictate what belongs and what doesn’t. He is comforting, delicate, and careful when it comes to discussing sensitive topics. He won’t write anything that you wish to keep out, and he will essentially be ghostwriting the life story that you, your family, and friends hope to tell. Tyler is an indie award nominated author who has successfully collaborated with elders and their families, and friends to bring to life experiences that should not be forgotten.
If you or someone you know, perhaps with little time left, or is otherwise deceased, would like to have a life story book for remembrance and to serve as a family keepsake for many years to come, please reach out.
Samples and References are available.
Life Story Book Services Starting at $650
25 to 30 page professionally written Life Story Book
2 pages of photos included
5 interviews with the subject
10 complimentary copies
Add-ons:
Additional subject interview: $50 each
Additional copies: $9 each
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This newsletter is my outlet to share short stories, updates on new book releases, promotions, extended obituaries, and other upcoming writing projects. I'm Tyler Kania, author of the best-selling new release The Maniac with No Knees, and this is where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at everything I'm working on.
Get in touch
Are you interested in collaborating, staying in touch, or sharing your thoughts about my book? Or maybe you just need someone to write to? Feel free to reach out—I’ll do my best to respond as soon as possible!
