JOSH: Hello AJ. Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. I ask everyone this, but my first question is: what first got you into writing?
AJ: I started writing when I was in 8th grade, I just wanted to explore my own storylines and see what I could do with them. They weren’t good, but it was something fun to do.
JOSH: Another question I ask everyone, what things do you most appreciate seeing in the writings of others?
AJ: Characters! I love when characters are unique and fit into the story. I don’t really know what else to say :( I just love when authors create really interesting characters.
JOSH: I love that. I think interesting characters are the biggest things that keep me invested in stories, even if other aspects are lacking.
JOSH: What kind of things are important for you to present in your writing?
AJ: For characters, the same as I mentioned previously. I try really hard to make my characters unique and believable so that they feel real and different. I also want to keep the plot interesting and make sure that the characters fit into it.
JOSH: I agree with that, the balance between character and plot is what I think most stories are driven by.
JOSH: Much of your writing is focused on romantic relationships. What do you think is most important to keep in mind when writing romantic relationships?
AJ: Make sure the relationship makes sense. It can be any kind of relationship, but if they get/are together, but on the surface don’t make sense or mesh together, you need to give the reader reasons for why they are/get together. It all needs to make sense.
JOSH: That’s very fair. Real chemistry is super important. On that note, many of your characters are entangled in romantic relationships with a darker undertone. Do you think this kind of conflict reflects something in you?
AJ: Didn’t expect to be called out like this… Maybe? I think darker storylines are more fun to read/write, and having romance be involved can make it more interesting for both parties. Love is usually such a lighter topic, so mixing that in with something dark can have a really good mix.
JOSH: I didn’t mean to call you out haha. But I really like how you put that, mixing the lighter topics with darker ones. I think that’s really interesting.
JOSH: Speaking of love and romance, do you find that writing is a good method to explore romantic identity and sexuality?
AJ: I think it can be! It can be fun to explore relationships, but if you are trying to explore your own, it can help to have a character like that.
JOSH: Absolutely!
JOSH: Ok, switching topics a bit, as a developing writer, what are your biggest goals for the next five years?
AJ: Honestly, I don’t know. I’d like to get published somewhere, and expand my networking, but I’m not sure.
JOSH: That’s fine. Sometimes I get a headache thinking too much about the future, there’s nothing wrong with focusing more on the present.
JOSH: Last few questions. What made you want to work at the Grotto?
AJ: Bill (and you) were just so persuasive when you asked me.
JOSH: I’m glad to hear that hahaha. We’re glad to have you around.
JOSH: Do you see yourself continuing to help here for a long time, or do you think it will be more of a temporary thing?
AJ: I’m sure I can help out every now and then once I start to get busier with life!
JOSH: One last question. What’s your favorite kind of ice cream/gelato?
AJ: I’m boring so I like vanilla ice cream, but I still don’t really know what Gelato is…
JOSH: Don’t worry. I’m sure Bill will show you sooner or later. Either way, thank you for your time!
AJ: :D
AJ Costa is a writer and quite the gelato newbie. He adores writing fiction the most, but has recently started getting into poetry. He knows Bill through his mutual friends Josh and Hyacinthe, and is happy to read a piece for them every now and then! He can only recall having gelato once, and it wasn’t very memorable, but don’t tell Bill; he might freak out.
Bill Geblato's Lotto Gelato Grotto 