We here at GLAHW have met so many amazing and talented people out in the big wide world (you know, OFF the internets) and thought it was high-time we introduced them to you. Who knows? You may end up discovering a favorite new artist, photographer, writer, or all-around awesome human. This time around, we will be talking to Daphne Fama.
GLAHW: How long have you been writing? When did you get started?
Six years with earnest. I began in 2020, when Covid had me locked up.
GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?
It’s been my favorite genre since I was a kid. I cut my teeth on R.L. Stine and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Since then, it’s been a lifelong love.
GLAHW: Were you inspired by a person or event to begin your writing career?
It was always something I wanted to do. A sudden influx of time meant I could finally pursue it.
GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
Pantser! Having the bones of a story in place helps me cross the finish line.
GLAHW: Have you ever had an encounter with the supernatural?
Nope. Wish I had, though.
GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?
Not really. But I’m open to it and I research superstition and folklore extensively.
GLAHW: What do you do for a living, outside of writing?
I write!
GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?
Oh this reminded me to update it… I try to! It’s one of my 2026 resolutions.
GLAHW: What do you prefer to write – short stories, poetry, novels, scripts, etc.?
Novels! Occasionally a short story if I feel stuck. I really admire poets, though. There are so many rules (or rules to break) and somehow poets still manage to express such beautiful things.
GLAHW: What truly scares you?
Loss of agency.
GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?
Video games and pretty much anything spooky. I love visiting haunted places, watching horror movies, dabbling a little in the occult. I also love reading up on creepy things, too. From unexplained occurrences to religious practices that would definitely be outlawed today.
GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre? If so, what else have you read?
I used to primarily read crime and mystery thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy. But I am deep in my horror era.
GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?
Horror! But my first attempt at a book was a sci-fi fantasy. That was a lot of fun in a completely different way.
GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?
Not really! Daphne Hankins is my legal name, but I prefer my mother’s maiden, so Daphne Fama. If you count that.
GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?
Cutting a piece of your heart out and letting it bleed out into the pages. Real fears and dreams, real flaws and weaknesses, that’s what I relate to and look for. It’s the most human element.
GLAHW: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I went from wanting to run an orphanage to wanting to be a local politican in the Philippines. I settled for becoming a lawyer then ditched that to write instead.
GLAHW: Are you spiritual?
Hard question. I’m Buddhist and I do align myself with its practices and teachings.
GLAHW: What are your influences?
Historical events, primarily in the Philippines, along with how modern events overlap them are one of my biggest current influences. Beyond that, Shirley Jackson, Daphne du Maurier, and old Japanese horror movies.
GLAHW: What are you reading right now?
I’m currently in a revolving door of ARCs, but I’m looking forward to reading Japanese Gothic, Bone of My Bone, and
This House Will Feed!
GLAHW: What else do you want your readers to know? Consider here your likes and dislikes, your interests, your favorite ways to unwind — whatever comes to mind.
I really love Asian and analog horror!
The first horror movie to every really crawl beneath my skin was the Grudge. Since then, I’ve come to adore movies like Noiroi, The Medium, and The Wailing. I also love analog horror series!
Find more about Daphne here.