Author Interview: Elysia Rourke

Elysia Rourke is an Ontario-based writer whose debut novel, Whale Fall, is slated for publication with Penguin/Nancy Paulsen in 2026. Her short story, "The Obituarist's Apprentice," was published by MoonLit Getaway on December 30th, 2024. Her writing can be found at www.elysiarourke.com.

INTERVIEW

MG: What got you into writing?

ER: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t into writing! When I was in Grade One, our teacher asked us to write and illustrate our own stories. She took the finished product and hardbound them for us with the title and our name on the cover. I’ve been chasing that high ever since! 

MG: Tell us more about The Obituarists Apprentice—what inspired it? What makes it unique?

ER: Mickey Mouse! For a long time, I’ve been playing with the idea of a reimagining of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Similarly, I was introduced to the idea of the panopticon in a philosophy course in University and have been interested in using it as a device in fiction. 

As these things often do, the character of Eskew popped into my head one day. He fit perfectly between these two interests—the panopticon and the Sorcerer’s Apprentice—and I was off to the races. Johnson practically wrote himself. 

MG: Are you currently working on anything else?

ER: I’m currently gearing up to start edits on my debut novel, Whale Fall, which is slated for publication with Penguin/Nancy Paulsen in 2026. It is a middle grade Black Beauty retelling featuring a killer whale and her journey from the wild to captivity. I’m also wrapping up a final round of edits on my middle grade follow-up.

Besides that, I’m always working on short stories and seeing where my imagination will take me next. I have a new novel in mind that I’m saving as a reward for finishing up everything else on my plate!

MG: What’s your favorite piece you've ever made? Why is it your favorite?

ER: Whale Fall is my favorite. It holds a special piece of my heart in the way that only first novels can. 

MG: Are there any writers that inspire the way you make your pieces?

ER: For long form, I am primarily influenced by Kenneth Oppel and Katherine Applegate. I really admire the way they adapt big themes for young audiences. In short fiction, I have a wonderful group of friends that supports and inspires me. 

MG: Do you have any social media you'd like to share?

ER: You can find me on Instagram @ElysiaRourke. My website is www.elysiarourke.com. I’m on X, BlueSky, and Threads at the same handle, but I’m not as active there. 

MG: Do you have any advice for other writers?

ER: Regardless of whether you are born with any talent in writing, it is like an instrument. Sure, a person who has something raw may be able to join a community band without much hard work. But everyone who wants to be in the national philharmonic is going to have to put their nose to the grindstone and practice, practice, practice. And then, once you’re in? Practice some more.