JOSH: Hello Hyacinthe. Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. I ask everyone this, what first got you into writing?
HYACINTHE: I like to say that writing is in my blood. My father is a creative writer just like me. As long as I can remember, I’ve been creating and telling stories. At some point, I realized I could actually write them, and maybe even sell them.
JOSH: That’s really cool. Neither of my parents are writers but they’re both readers. I think without them instilling their love of books in me, I would never have become a writer.
JOSH: Anyway, next question. What things do you most appreciate seeing in the writings of others?
HYACINTHE: I love to see characters who are isolated and alone find other people. Growing up, I didn’t have many friends, and I didn’t get along well with others. I love to see characters who are like me find community and get valuable and loving friends.
JOSH: I get that, I was the same way growing up.
JOSH: Ok, next one. What kind of things are important for you to present in your writing?
HYACINTHE: I think diversity is really important. There’s a lot of really cool people in the world, with interesting things about them. That’s why a lot of my characters reflect all the really amazing and interesting people out there! I love to see them and meet them, and I think it’s fun and educational to be able to showcase and write them as well!
JOSH: I agree. Characters all being the same is boring and honestly isn’t a true reflection of reality.
JOSH: Ok I want to talk a bit about your writing now. Many of your characters are on journeys of self discovery and learning who they are. Do you think their journeys reflect your own?
HYACINTHE: Oh, absolutely. My personal journey as a person and a writer are reflected a lot in my characters. A lot of them discover how to live and love, which is something I’ve learned. Of course, this isn’t the only example, but I only have so many lines!
JOSH: I love that. I like seeing how writers channel themselves through their writing.
JOSH: Ok so as a developing writer, what are your biggest goals for the next five years?
HYACINTHE: I’d love to get one of my books, probably Monarchs, published.
JOSH: That would be amazing. I wish you luck with that!
JOSH: Ok, changing the subject, I would like to ask about gender identity, if that’s ok. You have told me that you are non-binary and gender fluid. Can you tell me a bit about what that means to you?
HYACINTHE: Being gender-fluid definitely isn’t simple, and it isn’t the same for everyone. For me, it’s not a lot. For me, it’s just a way of being. I use they/them pronouns. I dress kind of androgenous, or mix masculine and feminine styles. I don’t fit into the boxes of society, and that’s fine with me. But, that means it’s also important for me to portray people like that?
JOSH: That’s fair. Everyone presents themselves differently and I often think we make more of a deal about it than we should.
JOSH: Related to that, what do you think is most important when representing characters who fall outside of the binary male and female?
HYACINTHE: For other people, of course, I will always say “Talk to someone in the community. Let them tell you what it’s like, and don’t tell their story for them.” For my own work, I have a few things I do. For one, there are two biological sexes in my world that are neither male nor female. Within these sexes, I use neopronouns and bright characters. I make sure being genderqueer isn’t the only important thing about these characters. Sure, this character is intermittent and uses they/them pronouns. They’re also a healer, a fighter, and important to progressing the plot. It’s important not to devolve characters into one minority trait, be it queer, genderqueer, race, disability, or anything else.
JOSH: That’s really cool. I completely agree that talking to someone in the community is important, and I also think being open to other people’s experiences is really important as well.
JOSH: Ok, I would like to talk about sexual and romantic preferences now. You’ve told me that you are asexual. Can you tell me what that means to you?
HYACINTHE: Asexuality is an interesting topic. It means I don’t feel sexual attraction to people. The attraction I feel is purely romantic and aesthetic. I have never once looked at someone and wanted to have sex with them. To me, this is just part of who I am. It’s important to me, since asexuality is such a minority of the population, but it’s valuable.
JOSH: Thank you for sharing that. As I said before, I think we as a society often make too much of a deal about people’s romantic and sexual preferences. That’s why I think conversations like these are so important, simply asking questions to learn more and not asserting things.
JOSH: I got a little off track there. Ok, next question. What do you think is most important when representing characters who are LGBTQIA+?
HYACINTHE: Again, talk to people in the community. It’s important to get opinions and perspectives from people for whom this is their daily life. I think it’s also important to be aware of the type of relationship you’re building. A lot of queer relationships in media are incredibly toxic or abusive. Portraying that will make people assume every queer relationship is toxic.
JOSH: That makes a lot of sense, I appreciate you sharing your perspective on that. Hopefully, writers will take that advice.
JOSH: On that same note, are there any specific things to avoid when writing characters whose gender identities and/or sexual and romantic preferences are outside of the stereotypical norm?
HYACINTHE: It’s important to know what the stereotypes are so you can avoid falling into them. Not every gay man is flamboyant. Not every lesbian is butch. Remember that these are real people that you’re bringing to life. Being queer cannot be their entire character.
JOSH: I completely agree. It can be harmful if queerness is a character’s only trait.
JOSH: Ok, last few questions. What made you want to work at the Grotto?
HYACINTHE: I love how Bill combined two loves of his, gelato and writing! I think it’s super fun! I also love reading people’s work, and I enjoy working with the Grotto!
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?
HYACINTHE: I’m happy to be here as long as you need me! I don’t think this is forever for me, but I think several years here will do me some good!
JOSH: That’s great to hear. I hope you stay a while too.
JOSH: Alright, last question. What is your favorite kind of ice cream/gelato?
HYACINTHE: Hmmm. I really like stracciatella. I love the thick chocolate and frozen fudge. Mmmmmmmm, I miss dairy.
JOSH: Thank you for the interview! I really appreciate your answers.
HYACINTHE: Thank you for having me! Happy writing, friends!
Hyacinthe Woelk is a writer and adorer of gelato based in St. Charles, MO. They have a rich history with stories and words, and are happy to be employed by Bill. Unfortunately, they are also lactose intolerant, but that doesn’t stop them from indulging in the sweet tastes of gelato from time to time. Some things are just worth the nausea.
Bill Geblato's Lotto Gelato Grotto 