Please introduce yourself.
My name is Trish Wilson, and I write horror fiction as E. A. Black. I’m Elizabeth Black on social media.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I love being scared in a safe environment. I know when reading or watching horror that nothing I’m seeing or hearing can actually hurt me.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Weird news inspires me. I get lots of ideas from major media. I’m also inspired by my past experiences and by what I read and watch.
Women in horror have made great strides, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to make it a most inclusive genre. To you, what is the importance of a movement like Women in Horror Month?
Women in horror are too often overlooked. We need more than one month out of the year to celebrate women in horror. I like the idea of a year-round Women in Horror Movement, which is what I understand is happening in the future. Some have asked to switch Women in Horror Month to a month other than February so it doesn’t interfere with Black History Month. I’ve heard talk of it being moved to March to coincide with Women’s History Month. I like that idea, but I like the idea of a year long movement much better. It just seems we’re inundated with women horror writers, directors, actors, etc., for one month out of the year, and then women in horror go underground again. That isn’t good.
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a women as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
I’ve been asked, “what’s a nice woman like you doing writing stuff like this?” I’d respond by reading one of my more graphic horror stories, I would like to see women in horror as writers, actors, producers, crew members, and directors taken more seriously. It’s hard to be taken seriously sometimes when you feel as if you’re being given pats on the head for being a good girl. I haven’t personally had many of these experiences, but I have seen those “best of” lists with a token female writer or two whom everyone has heard of. It’s as if the authors of those articles think, “okay, got my woman. I don’t need to take the time and energy to look for more. Besides, no one wants to read horror stories written by women. Women like romance.” Grrr. Stop with the stereotypes.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
I’d like to tell women looking to get into the business to never give up no matter how isolated you feel. You’ll despair over rejections. Don’t let them discourage you. Everyone gets rejections – even famous writers. Learn from your rejections if you are fortunate enough to get feedback.
Also, read, read, read! A writer’s greatest tool is her brain. Read works in your chosen genre and outside it. Read good fiction and observe how other writers have honed their craft. Writing is a learning experience.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
Jamie Lee Curtis and Jodie Foster. Ana Lily Amirpour – A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. Mary Lambert – Pet Sematary, Red Shoes Diaries, Tales from the Crypt.
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I’ve just started a new writing gig with a game company. It’s so new I don’t have much to report yet, but I will say I’m having a blast. I’m now a game developer! I’m also finishing off my first horror novel. Here are my latest appearances in anthologies:
Jester of Hearts – my story is Trailer Trash Zombies, a horror comedy.
Wicked Women: An Anthology of the New England Horror Writers – my story is The Fetch, a supernatural tale of a bullied teenaged girl.
The Horror Zine’s Book of Ghost Stories – my story is The Storm, a revenge story with a twist.
Horror For Hire: Second Shift – my story is A Job To Die For, a story of every middle manager’s nightmare.
Fark in the Time of Covid: The 2020 Fark Fiction Anthology- my story is A Skirmish Outside Beaufort, a U. S. Civil War ghost story.
Pop them links to follow your work here:
Here’s where to find me on the web. While I publish horror with the pen name E. A. Black, I also use Elizabeth Black for social media.
Elizabeth Black – Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack
E. A. Black – Blog and Web Site
http://eablack-writer.blogspot.com
E. A. Black – Amazon Author Page:
@E.A.-Black
E. A. Black – GoodReads (I didn’t create this page. I’d like to thank whoever did, if I knew that person’s identity.)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468111.E_A_Black
Elizabeth Black – Newsletter
http://eepurl.com/b76GWD