Aida-Flavia Ciucaș

What was your favorite book as a child?

As a child, without realising, I became very interested in the reading world that I started reading books and reciting many poems from a very young age (as my parents say). Even though I don’t remember having a favourite book, I can definitely recall being obsessed with some books from a Disney collection. I loved every story!

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I fear my backstory isn’t a special one. I began writing for the first time in the eleventh grade, inspired by reading the words of a renowned Romanian romantic poet. I had just gone through a breakup with my ex, which became an amazing source of inspiration. I wrote three poems out of nowhere and the first person who read them was my Romanian teacher with whom I shared an exceptional relationship that remains strong to this day. She saw my potential and encouraged me to continue writing. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I have ever made. Without her guidance and support, I would not be in the position I am today, and I am still very thankful for everything she has done for me.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I have always lived a rather simple life, focused on studying and becoming a better version of myself. When reflecting on the most adventurous or thrilling experience I have had, I realized that it was not my ten years of cheerleading, nor the first time I stepped into an operating room, but rather something seemingly ordinary: downloading a language exchange app called Tandem. I first installed it when I desperately wanted to practice my French and later returned to it — just as determined — while preparing for my Italian exams. It was and it still is a thrilling experience getting to know people from all over the world, exchanging cultures and communicating in different languages, and trying (still desperately) to explain to every man that no, I won’t be their girlfriend.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

Listening to music while reading is out of the question for me. However, good music can always be a source of inspiration when I write. I usually listen to songs in the language I am writing in, as this helps me discover new words and expressions that enrich my vocabulary.