Wales Book of the Year Focus: Rhian Elizabeth

Ask the Author: Rhian Elizabeth

When did you first realise that you wanted to be an author?

I can quite vividly remember this exact moment. I’m in Junior School and I’ve just written a story for some homework task. I’ve given it in and forgotten about it to be honest. Some days later my teacher asks me to stay behind at break. I’m wondering what I’ve done wrong this time but, to my great surprise, she starts praising me. I’m not used to this. She’s telling me how brilliant my story is, how she thinks I’ve got a talent, and I skip out of that room twenty feet taller and rejoin my friends in the yard. That was the moment. From then on I just kept writing and kept trying to impress, wanting the buzz of praise again and again, craving it and possibly even needing it.   

I think I just wanted someone to like me, to think I was good to something. Which sounds very sad but it’s nevertheless true. It’s probably still the case to this day. 

What inspires you?

I don’t have any deep or meaningful answer to this question. I am mostly just commentating on what’s going on in my head and my life. I suppose the most inspiring thing for me is when I see people who are really passionate about something and they go and do it, not just sit around talking about doing it. 

Who’s your hero and why?

Joan Baez. In her 80s and still singing and fighting the good fight. She’s done it all her life and I think she’s phenomenal. 

Your favourite place on earth and why?

Trollsjön lake in Tranås, Sweden. This place was really a sanctuary for me at a difficult time in my life. I felt a peace there that I’d never experienced before and haven’t since. 

What are you currently reading?

A Room Above a Shop by Anthony Shapland. Reading it and loving it. 

What inspired the idea for your book?

I had no plan. I never have a plan. I just had a bunch of poems ready to throw together for a collection and it became apparent that they all had a common theme. They were all poems about girls. Poems about me, ex lovers, my daughter. So the title chose itself- girls etc. There was nothing too inspired about it.  

Who should read your book and why?

I’d like to think that even though it’s a book about motherhood, and a book about queer relationships, that anyone should read it… if they wanted to. It’s essentially a book about love so it doesn’t matter if you’re gay, or if you’re a mother. It’s about the connections we have and lose and keep with the people in our lives, and everyone can relate to that. 

How does it feel to have reached the WBOTY 2025 Shortlist?

I always thought people were lying when they said things like “I’m so surprised to be nominated for this or that award!”. But it turns out they might’ve been telling the truth. I’m really surprised and really grateful. 

Do you have any other work/events in the works?

I’ve got a new collection of poetry out with Broken Sleep Books titled “maybe i’ll call gillian anderson”. More lesbians, more motherhood. 

In the words of the judges…

Praise for Girls etc