Elizabeth is an amazing author and we are so lucky to have their work featured in our anthology! Their story, When She Dances, is a haunting tale that’s as beautiful and mysterious as the leading woman.
She looked down at the men, the full moon behind her. Not a single murmur or gasp disrupted the music, so held they were by her. Their eyes followed her every movement as she scanned the crowd. Drinking it in, begging for more—no longer demanding like they had before she stepped out. She could’ve ordered anything from them—their gold, their lives—all for just a touch of the goddess residing in her.
–When She Dances by Elizabeth Davis
Q (Crone Girls Press): Author Interview Question 1: What drove your story for this anthology? Tell us the “story behind the story.”
A (Elizabeth Davis): This was originally written for a call from The Last Girl’s Club for “Sex Work is Real Work.” Most horror about sex workers is usually a sex worker facing down a horror monster or has the sex worker as a secret monster from a male pov. I wanted a character who was confident in her work, and as sympathetic pov. The reason for strip clubs is because I have read quite a bit about working at one, but I had yet to come across fiction that really dives into the relationship between dancers. I also wanted a strip club that worked to avoid predatory practices of some other clubs.
Q: What does it mean to read and write horror when you’re competing with news headlines (for example, this anthology came about in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V Wade)? How has it changed (or not!) your approach to the genre as a writer or as a fan?
A: I came of age after 9/11, so I’ve always been competing against the headlines! My approach has been towards making horror a bit of a comfort place for those who need to let loose some steam after a long day of news headlines.
Q: There are a number of different flavors of horror. Where does your story fit, and what drew you to this particular category?
A: I would say it’s definitely in the supernatural (With Esharra being something between demigod and vampire) it’s also part of what I call “Punishment horror,” in which someone is punished for disobeying rules or societal norms. Think about a lot of your horror stories growing up, such as little red riding hood. It tends to leave you with the ancient Greek catharsis of sympathy and horror both at the protagonist and the force that punishes them.
Q: Why do you write horror? What about the genre appeals to you as an author?
A: I’m not fully sure – I got into horror fairly young, so spooky skeletons and such just become a natural part of my creative vocabulary. (Just ask my mom about skeleton obsession growing up)
Q: What’s next in your writing journey?
A: Well, the big things is editing a new anthology from Dead Fish Books “Yah, They’re Here,” and publishing my first novel “If I die before I wake,” Now excuse me, I need to write a flash fiction about medusa’s statues being recycled.
About The Author
Elizabeth was born and has lived their entire life in Dayton, OH, though they have also traveled to the other side of the world. They attended UD and Sinclair College, and holds degrees in English and Paralegal. They are currently creating a specialty in Database Repair. Their sounds are at White Noise Profile. Her publications are at Elizabeth Davis Publications. You can also learn more about them and their work at Dead Fish Books.
Be sure to check out their story in A Woman Unbecoming
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