Our next author spotlight is Rachel Wilman…
Rachel has been an amazing member of the HenDragon coop thus far as one of our first authors. Her writing style and voice was made for fantasy, and we cannot wait to share her story with the world. So, lets learn more about her!
About Rachel:
Rachel Wilman is a queer writer whose work spans several genres. A communications professional by day and an author while her little one sleeps, Rachel’s stories are inspired by her tree-hugging Pacific Northwest upbringing, dynamic LGBTQ+ community, and love of transformative worlds. You can often find her walking barefoot in the grass or wishing it would rain. Rachel is currently developing her first novel.
Aesop Fable/Moral:
The Two Goats #13
It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.
Story Title/Genre:
The Sorceresses of Sarris
High Fantasy
The Two Goats
Two Goats, frisking gayly on the rocky steeps of a mountain valley, chanced to meet, one on each side of a deep chasm through which poured a mighty mountain torrent. The trunk of a fallen tree formed the only means of crossing the chasm, and on this not even two squirrels could have passed each other in safety. The narrow path would have made the bravest tremble. Not so our Goats. Their pride would not permit either to stand aside for the other.
One set her foot on the log. The other did likewise. In the middle they met horn to horn. Neither would give way, and so they both fell, to be swept away by the roaring torrent below.
Author Q&A
1. When was the moment you knew you wanted to become an author?
I began writing when I was in elementary school. One of my earliest memories of creating a story was on an antique typewriter my teacher had. It was tucked away on a singular desk in the corner, which had three partition walls around it to offer a sense of privacy in the public school classroom. A certain fantasy novel had just come out, and I was captivated by its premise. I began attempting to write my own “Chapter 1” in a way that today, would be labeled fanfiction. It never went beyond a single page or two, but I knew one day I wanted to make my own stories come to life.
For me, and so many other early readers, books were an escape into worlds I couldn’t yet access — and in terms of fantasy and sci-fi, worlds which weren’t even real. I knew that if I could offer a moment like that to a reader because of something I created, it would be a dream come true. Now, I find myself writing whenever I can.
2. What is the first thing you've ever written?
Aside from my elementary school typewriter moment, one of my favorite pieces I wrote as a child was a poem about a tree I’d used to sit under. I’ve always felt an intensely close connection to nature, which is why it features so prominently in my works, and this poem was a sweet ode to a simple, singular tree, which offered shade and a meditative space for me to read and write. I can still picture the exact tree, at camp, and the handwritten poem I made to honor it.
As an adult, I wrote many, many poems. It was my first medium, aside from narrative journal entries (I’d shudder to go back and read those!). Later, I wrote a flash fiction piece in 2022 called “The Babysitter” which I am still rather proud of, and hope to revise and publish one day. Since then, I’ve written several short stories and have three novels in various stages.
3. Do you write strictly fantasy or other genres as well?
Ironically, although I am an intensely loyal reader of fantasy, I never intended to write it. My first novel idea was actually a literary mystery/thriller, with an eco-fiction bent which came later as I outlined. It wasn’t until I wrote my story for HenDragon Press that a fantasy novel idea came to me, based on what I’d written. Now, I am midway through the novel and am thrilled I decided to shift my genre focus. In addition to fantasy, mystery/thriller, and contemporary fiction, I also dabble in romance, horror and creative nonfiction.
4. What is your biggest struggle and most amazing success so far in your author career?
My biggest struggle as a writer in this career is to find time. I am a toddler mom who also works full-time, and tries to maintain a relationship with my wife, friends, and family. Juggling all of these jobs is not easy, and sometimes all I want to do is shut it all out to write for hours on end — but, I can’t. Finding a rhythm which allows me to write, and take care of my life, is an ongoing battle, but I’m tentatively doing well for now!
Truly, the biggest success for me is two-fold: one, choosing to prioritize my writing despite it being the least convenient time to do so, and two, being accepted into HenDragon Press’ debut anthology. The confidence I have gained through this experience has been invaluable, as well as the fact that I can now call myself a published author: a dream come true.
5. Aside from having your story in the anthology, what are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a novel based on my included short story, recently completed a sapphic horror short story, and am working on an LGBTQ historical fiction romance short story. On the back-burner, I have two additional novels, including the aforementioned mystery, and one about queer motherhood.
6. Two truths and a lie!
I once sung at the Vatican.
My plants are named after Old Hollywood movie stars.
I'm an avid speed walker.
Welcome Rachel! We can’t wait to share your story with the world!
Our Kickstarter will launch in August. Stay in-the-loop by signing up for notifications on our pre-launch page, just click here to sign up.
