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 Elisabeth Rhoads.
GLAHW: How long have you been writing? When did you get started?
Like many, I’ve been writing since childhood. I started my first novel at 13, but then of course, never completed it. I started to get more serious about my writing between 2016 and 2018, and it’s been my primary focus ever since!
GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?
I actually write across genres. I wrote a psychological suspense novel (is that considered horror-ish?), and I’ve written some short stories that can be considered horror. I love the written word across genre, but I do tend to be drawn to dark stories—hence the interest in horror.
GLAHW: Were you inspired by a person or event to begin your writing career?
Actually, yes. I was living in Chicago at the time, working as a babysitter, and ended up babysitting for several writer couples (random coincidence? or the universe telling me something?). One of the authors, Nami Mun, mentioned one day that she saw me as a writer. I wasn’t really pursuing that as a career path at the time, but her encouragement stuck with me, and I’ve been pursuing it ever since.
GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
I wrote my first screenplays and novels with very meticulous plotting, but I learned through those experiences that my best writing came when it diverged from what I had planned. In the end, I found that, for myself, plotting was a waste of time. Now, I just sit down and write—although I generally know at least the beginning and end of the story before I do.
GLAHW: Have you ever had an encounter with the supernatural?
Never.
GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?
I probably was more so in the past, but now I would say no. I grew up very religious, but ended up rejecting those beliefs as an adult. Now I see the world through a different lens. However, I still like to imagine an unseen world…
GLAHW: What do you do for a living, outside of writing?
I wish I could say nothing. My goal is to eventually make a living from writing alone. However, as I’m not there yet, I do the closest I can get to that. I work for an independent press in southern California (where I currently live), as the Marketing Director.
GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?
Nope! I used to keep one when I was young, but now I find it a chore.
GLAHW: What do you prefer to write – short stories, poetry, novels, scripts, etc.?
Novels have become my primary medium, but I also have found a love of writing short stories. In fact, I started a series on my Substack, where I have subscribers give me story prompts, and then I write a short story within three days. I love it because a novel takes so long to complete. And it’s nice to force myself to complete something quickly, without being too much of a perfectionist.
GLAHW: What truly scares you?
The thing that truly scares me is what people can do to each other.
GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?
I love fermenting foods—kombucha, sourdough, dosa (an Indian flatbread), natto (a Japanese sticky bean), etc. I also really enjoy hiking and being outdoors.
GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre? If so, what else have you read?
Absolutely. I love to read classic literature. Charles Dickens is my favorite author, and of course, I love the Brontë sisters.
GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?
I love writing psychological suspense, but my new novel is more of an adventure/romance. However, in all my writing, I like to find a dark edge.
GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?
Kind of. I write under my pre-marriage last name—Rhoads, rather than my married name—Cunningham.
GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?
I’ll probably change this answer as I evolve as a writer, but for now I can think of three things. Relatable characters (and by this I don’t me likable characters, simply that a reader can understand and relate to their motivations), vivid imagery, and memorable plot.
GLAHW: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actress, and I did pursue that for a time, but then realized that writing was my true passion.
GLAHW: Are you spiritual?
Very loosely defined, maybe.
GLAHW: What are your influences?
So many! It’s hard to pick. But, I would say a handful are: Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Edgar Allan Poe.
GLAHW: What are you reading right now?
A beautiful collection of short stories by Lisa Cupolo called Have Mercy on Us.
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.
From a marketing perspective, as a writer, you’re meant to have a reader persona—either someone you know or have imagined is the ideal reader for your writing. And your writing is mean to be for this person. Whether for good or bad, I am my own reader persona. I write the stories I would most wish to read. And I think this is the case for many authors.