We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gregory Pricoli. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gregory below.

Alright, Gregory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Writing is something that anyone can do. I think the difference between myself and most people is they chose (and I don’t blame them for this) safer job avenues. Writing isn’t something you need to do any sort of way. Also it depends on the type of writing. While I enjoy good prose, I am a screenwriter. I see in terms of visual beats, that make up that needs to be translated onto screen so- my best advice is read some screenplays, see the basics of the template and start writing. It takes time but it’s fun and a lot of times frustrating, getting the story out but you can do it. And there are a few essentials to doing it in my opinion. Listening for example. Let people talk to you, listen to them even if their viewpoints are totally out there, hear what they have to say and kind of get an idea of where these people are coming from. It’ll help you when it comes to making three-dimensional characters and not cliches. Another essential is experiencing. Anything can be an experience turned story. In fact, I went to the grocery store the other day and was stopped by an army vet turned buddhist monk who told me his story which now is part of my own and all of you reading this as well. Anything can become a story if we listen and experience. The biggest obstacle to writing is yourself. Your doubts and stubbornness over change and listening. Stay open to change and seeing other points of view on your material and the world.

Gregory , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well, I’m a writer and I think it’s important to mention I’m from New York City and maybe the reason I’m a writer has to do with my family. My mom is one of seven, my dads one of six and I’m one of three. My family is pretty large, predominantly Italian and I guess the stories are pretty endless. I think what separates me from a lot of other writers these days is I’m just trying to entertain first. I want to give you a story to laugh at, cry to, get you out of the monotony of the day to day and really just have you bond with these characters who I want are able to challenge your ideas of the norm. My brand is writing off-beat, eccentric characters, taken from my own life that include porn stars, con men and zombies. So- take it as you will.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the feedback. If you love it enough to think about it, it’s a win. And if you hate it enough to talk about it, that’s also a win! You’re not going to love or hate every story but if you feel something from it, whether the story, the characters, anything and it moved you in some type of way, I feel I’ve done my job.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

First, I think there is no such thing as a non-creative. Everyone is creative in different ways and sometimes you decide not to make a living on it but that doesn’t mean you still can’t do it. I think “non-creatives” struggle to understand the toll monotony and 9-5’s have on creatives. While I think you should always be working and finding ways to support yourself even as a creative. No job is beneath anyone, if you need to clean tables to afford rent do it but don’t give up on your dreams. I think a lot of non-creatives will try to persuade creatives to give it up but they shouldn’t. Keep striving toward your art but make sure to take care of yourself and not get burnt out or beaten down along the way. Everything takes time and happens when it is supposed to. Just keep trying, talk to as many people as you can and first and foremost, be a kind and genuinely good person. My biggest advice goes out to the “non-creatives”, even if you don’t paint, write or play music for a living, take it up again when you have time, even as a hobby. You can still find fulfillment in doing these things even if you are not making money off of it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thatguygrego
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-pricoli-833187b0
• Twitter: thatguygrego
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuctSwULGb7ail3MNqPvs0A

Image Credits
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO GREGORY PRICOLI