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Second applicant: AziaElga

Book: Cherry On Top

Amethyst: Before we start this interview, I would like to congratulate you on winning 2nd place in the Young Adult category! How are you?

AziaElga: I'm doing good, thank you for asking :)

Amethyst: <3

Q: What's the inspiration to write Cherry On Top?

AziaElga: The idea is from a fanfiction I wrote more than ten years ago. I decided to revamp it recently because ten years ago I was NOT a good writer xD

Amethyst: Ten years ago?! That's a long time :o

AziaElga: Yes I'm old xD

Q: Could you tell me the meaning behind the title "Cherry On Top"?

AziaElga: Cherry is the code name that my main character, Chloe, takes on. The whole book is about her self-discovery and overcoming her struggles with school, finances, and identity. By the end of the book, she has everything figured out, hence coming out "on top", and it makes for a nice pun too!

Amethyst: Woohooo!!! That's amazing. Very different from what I thought after reading the latest chapter *monkey covering face emoji*

AziaElga: Haha I know what you mean... this phrase is used a lot in that way too which also works because I am not holding back on any mature topics in this story ;)

Amethyst: Jdjdnsksksjs XD

Q: If you were in Rj's shoes, how would you react if you saw your classmate working at a bar like Chloe?

AziaElga: Omg... What a great question. I'm someone who tries not to judge or pry into anybody's lives, so I might just keep quiet about everything and get to know Chloe and her situation in school instead. RJ's method is a lot more forward and invasive than what I would have done for sure xD

Amethyst: Best to know everything first before knowing what your next action will be ^_^

Q: What kind of plot do you enjoy reading in a fantasy, romance, or queer books?

AziaElga: I think I go for all kinds of plot as long as it sounds interesting and the characters are realistic and fun to read about. I don't think there's a particular trope I'm especially into.

Amethyst: Ooo what is it?

AziaElga: Do you mean what tropes I like the best?

Amethyst: Yup!

AziaElga: I really like the grumpyXsunshine dynamic, or the Cinderella-esque poorerXricher class differences. I also really like enemies to lovers but only if they're done well and the "enemies" are actually forgivable xD

Amethyst: HAHAHAHAHHAA. The grumpyXsunshine dynamic ❤️

AziaElga: Yessssssss

Amethyst: If you know any story that has that, please recommend it to me ^_^ (readers, feel free to recommend too!)

Q: When you're writing your story, who did you admire the most out of all the characters in the book?

AziaElga: Chloe for sure. She's a ball of innocence and pureness despite what life throws at her, and I like that a lot.

Amethyst: A hardworking girl too.

Q: What do you think about the whole situation between Jon and RJ lying about their relationship and their parents' mindset about the company alliance?

AziaElga: It's not an ideal situation but that's what I like about Jon and RJ's relationship-it's a very strong platonic relationship that is misunderstood by everyone in their lives, especially their business-focused parents.

Amethyst: They do have a strong friendship, though something bad happened which I feel so much anger XD but hopefully they can mend their friendship

Q: For you, what's the most exciting situation to write or read in a queer story?

AziaElga: Oh the gay panic for sureeee xD the moment when one party realizes they like the other more than just friends, and they just spend some time panicking about it. Absolutely adore these moments.

Amethyst: Yessss. Last question before the interview ends,

Q: What's your goal as a writer?

AziaElga: I think I just want to be able to write the stories I love while incorporating themes I feel strongly about as well as experiences in my life. There's something very authentic and cool about stories involving Own Voices, and I'd like to be able to have a voice too, even if it's a small book on a free writing site.

Amethyst: Writing is not only about entertaining the readers, but it's also a way for the writers to express themselves. It's amazing to have these thoughts as you write your own work, and I hope that you were able to reach that ^_^

That concludes our interview! It was nice to get to know you, and I hope that you have a great day!