Rhiannon Grist, following her 2023 novella "The Queen Of The High Fields," has released her debut novel "Home Sick," a psychological horror set in the remote landscapes of Scotland. In an interview with Keren Williams, Grist shared insights about the novel's origins and her writing process.
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The concept for "Home Sick" emerged as a joke in a writers' group while brainstorming horror stories relevant to socially anxious individuals. The initial idea involved a character moving to a secluded cottage only to discover a stranger living next door. Grist began working on the novel after relocating in 2021 amid ongoing lockdowns. Struggling to adjust to her new environment, she integrated her feelings of unease into the narrative, eventually realizing the potential for a book when she reached about 10,000 words. Though she initially envisioned a family story, it evolved into the personal and claustrophobic journey of one woman confronting her fractured psyche and an ambiguous presence next door.
Grist expressed her fascination with the eerie and dark aspects of the universe, noting that weird fiction allows for open interpretations of complex questions. Influenced by works from authors like Kathe Koja and Adam Nevill, she aims to explore how strange experiences shape her characters’ lives and decisions.
Reflecting on her Welsh heritage, Grist noted the culturally significant role of the arts in Wales during her upbringing, including participation in competitions like the Eisteddfod and local drama groups. This accessible exposure to creativity profoundly influenced her writing.
Winning the British Fantasy Award for Best Novella in 2023 marked a pivotal moment in her writing journey, though she recalled writing her first long-form work at age 13. Despite her early experiences with novel-length stories, she acknowledged the challenge of balancing complex narratives and character development in longer works.
Grist cited influences from theater, particularly Sarah Kane's "4.48 Psychosis," along with novels like Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting Of Hill House" as significant to her work. The unique horror elements in "Home Sick" draw more from atmospheric tension than traditional slasher genres, emphasizing the interplay between characters and their environment.
When crafting horror scenes, Grist stressed the importance of detail management, suggesting that less is often more to maintain suspense. Currently, she is experimenting with building tension through moments of stillness in her writing.
One of her favorite parts of "Home Sick" involves a character's unexpected decision, which, despite initial doubts about its fit within the story, ultimately contributed to a cohesive narrative development. The novel is set to be published on July 16, 2023, by Solaris at a retail price of £9.99.