Eli Rainwater shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Eli, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Probably the last person I expected to read my book walked up to me and told me that it was fantastic. He had referred it to a number of his friends who enjoyed it too. It made me really feel proud of the work I put into everything I do, especially because you don’t know who your work will touch.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Eli Rainwater, and I am an indie fantasy writer whose books take on a murder mystery twist. I write for people who want to see something out of the ordinary: a middle-aged heroine saving the day with a group of her friends in a world where humans are as strong as witches, fae, and cryptids. I love researching fae and cryptid characters and try to pull from existing lore somewhere in the world.
I also try to help create a voice for other indie authors through book readings and book fairs around Durham. It’s hard for us to get into bookstores and libraries without an established audience, and there are so many of us who would love to be heard– and read.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My best friend. No matter what I went through, how I saw myself, or how much self-doubt and imposter syndrome overcame me, she never gave up on me and who she knew I could be. My main character is based on her for many reasons, but that’s one of them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost give up every day. Every day I don’t find time to write or feel like I’m stagnating or like it’s just too hard and the world is too much for one little author, I want to give up. Luckily, I’m too stubborn or the last four years would have been a massive waste.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
If you don’t write what everyone is reading, then you won’t make it. Admittedly, I will never be a bestseller because I don’t strive to get my books in bookstores and in the mainstream, but I will always have a market because I write a story a niche group of people want to read. People come to find me at conventions and fairs to get my next book, and every time I do events, my eBook sales spike. I get to meet my fans face to face and actually talk to them about my stories, and that’s kind of a big deal to me. I have to work hard, but even in the face of my self-doubt, I see the potential for turning this into a career that supports my life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
My wanderlust and whimsy. Somehow life became all rules, and I don’t know when that started. I know the potential to feed my soul again is out there. I just have to find it around work, administration, marketing, home ownership, everything that anchored me to the ground.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elirainwater.com
- Instagram: elirainwaterbooks
Image Credits
Eli Rainwater
