Interviewee: GucciTaeKook_

Requested by: The Stay Gold Gazette Team

- Interview -

How long have you been writing for? And how did you begin your writing journey?

"I have been writing for approximately 14 years. I started in middle school, and all of my writing consisted of short stories. There was a gap of a few years where I stopped because life happened and I didn't have time to sit and write, and it wasn't until 2019 that I picked up where I left of."

Which of your books is your favourite so far and why?

"That's a little tough to answer because every story is special to me. They're all unique in their own way, just like every character that I have written. But, I'm going to have to go with Elites. Although Elites isn't a story many are able to relate to because it's fantasy, I feel like that story showed a lot more of me as a writer and my creativity. It was something out of my comfort zone, and although I wasn't sure how it would turn out or the feedback I would get in return, at the end of it all I was very pleased with how it turned out. It showed growth with my writing, and that's something I'm always trying to accomplish–growth."

What is your trick for coming up with a plot line and characters?

"Honestly? I don't ever have anything planned out as far as the plot goes. It really does write itself. Every now and then I will get an idea that can be as simple as a quote, and I'll write it down so that I can go back to it and use it whenever the time is right. If it's not fitting to the story that I'm working on at the moment, then I'll save it for a different story. There's some quotes, or even short sentences that I have written down that up to this day I haven't used. Butk, hopefully one day I'll get to add them to a story and share them. The characters, though, that's a little different. I tend to jot down ideas on what I want their personalities to be like before the story even begins."

If there was one thing that you wish you hadn't done on your writing journey, what would it be?

"I wouldn't be so hard on myself and I wouldn't let others opinions affect me so much. Up to this day I struggle with that, but it's a work in progress. I'm a people pleaser, and with my writing, I always feel the need to write something that will please absolutely every single person reading. But, that's impossible to do. Which is why as of recently I decided to write offline and then upload once the story is complete. I thought this way I'd be able to write under my terms and not worry so much about what others are saying."

What would your #1 advice be for people who are looking to improve their writing?

"I have 2 that I strongly stand by.

Re-read your own writing. Read other stories.

Re reading may sound like too much work at times, especially after spending hours, days, even weeks writing a single chapter. But trust me, the more you re-read, the more things you find that you'll need to edit. Whether it's adding new information, or removing unnecessary one. And even when you think you have re-read enough, do it once more. It helps, really.

Reading other stories will keep your imagination alive, and it stops your from getting stuck in this rutt where all you're doing is focusing on your own ideas. I do believe that's how a lot of writers blocks happen." 

Are you a writer by profession? Or is this something that you just love doing on the side?

"No, not at all. I simply do it because I love it and wholeheartedly enjoy it. It brings me joy to sit and type my imagination away."

What message would you like to tell your readers right now?

"Thank you for all the love, support and encouragment you send my way. I appreciate it every single one of you for sticking around with me through every decidson I have made these past few years. The love you have shown me fills me up with so much joy, and thank you will never seem like enough. I'm truly grateful and I'll forever be thankful to all of you."

What is your criteria when publishing a new chapter for your readers to see?

"That the chapter is interesting. I always make sure that the chapter is engaging and keeps the readers on edge. Whether it's because it ends on a cliffhanger, or the chapter itself is full of information that will keep readers smiling, gasping and gripping on their phones. I personally enjoy stories that always keep me asking for more, even the filler chapters, and that's what I aim for when publishing mine. I always want the readers to be curious for more."

If you were given the opportunity, would you publish your books into the real world? And what would that mean for you?

"No lol I'm such an immature writer. I don't think my stories are even close to being good enough to be put out in the real world."

If you are in a slump with writing, what do you often choose to do?

"I read other stories and if that doesn't spark my imagination again I step away from it all. Sometimes taking a break may seem like a set back, but you'd be surprised at how many more ideas will come to you when you're not thinking about writing."

Where do you usually get your inspiration from?

"Random things! It can be a quote I saw online, a song or random things that I saw during the day. Maybe even a dream."

Are there any writers on this platform that inspire you?

"Of course! SleepingSirens_ MagicalMochii, tjunglebook, likemolllybutbetter, Tae_Candy_1996 and BangtanJadeFox are a few of them! I enjoy their writing style so much, and their stories are some of my favorites! BreBangtanjadeFox's story's were actually one of the first I read on this platform."

Fan: jindiary

What's the best writing advice you've ever come across?

""Write what you want to read. If you wouldn't pick up the story you're writing from a shelf, then you probably shouldn't be writing.""

If you could choose one of your fics to be filmed, which would you choose?

"Criminal. That story had my heart for the longest time, and I'd love to see it as a movie."

Share one of your strength and weaknesses.

"When it comes to writing, one of my strengths I think would be creativity. I can pop out story ideas like crazy. And one of my weaknesses I would have to say is having a diverse vocabulary. I keep it pretty simple lol"

Describe your comfort zone—a typical you-fic.

"Friends to lovers. Possibly the most cliche, but I like it lol"

Comment: I guess that's it. Love your books!! Keep up the amazing work <3

"Thank you so much for reading, love! I always appreciate the support, I hope you know how much it means to me!"

Fan: Keerthannah

A story which is close to your heart?

 "Let Me Love You. It hasn't been published yet, but I can't wait to share it."

Your favourite character?

"Natalia from Priceless."

Fan: YOURS-TRVLY

What would you tell your past writer self?

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember that you do this for your enjoyment, not to please others. "

Fan: stobit_jin 

Which is your favourite male character, from all the books you wrote? 

"Jungkook from Priceless. All of his emotions were so raw. I actually cried a lot while writing that story, especially when it came down to Jungkook's POV's."

Thank you so much for accepting our interview! Keep being the awesome person you are!

Let us know what you think in the comments!!

Make sure to check out some of GucciTaeKook's amazing works! Here are some for you to see below: