Tell us a bit more about you and where you’re from.
Giliker: I’m originally from the North of England, but have spent most of my life in and around the Midlands (that barely acknowledged dark space between the two halves), and for a year in the Netherlands during my traveling phase (which has mostly now come to an end!) Reading and writing have always been a passion of mine, and there’s always space in my head for it at any time of day. I grew up on books and video games both – wherever there’s a strong narrative thread to follow.
What inspired your winning story? Why did that particular theme resonate with you?
Giliker: After seeing the theme of ‘Eco-Horror’, I immediately knew that it had to be water. There’s such a great balance to the different sides of water. It can be transparent, but also – when dark – the most deep and dreaded thing imaginable. But I wanted it to be a well-lit story; not all horror has to take place at midnight. I really enjoyed playing with the idea of bouncing light and transparency becoming something sinister. And since poisoning water is one of the greatest ecological blunders we’re currently making, I knew I had to combine the two.
When, and why, did you start writing?
Giliker: From a very early age, as I expect most writers will say! Almost as soon as my mum taught me to read, which was very early on, I wanted to craft stories myself. I still have a newspaper clipping from a local newspaper – ‘Boy, 8, spins a good yarn over world web.’ Which was apparently a very punny title in the 90s.
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