Alice Oseman is a formidable young writer.  Alice's first book was published when she was just 19. Now at 25, our guest has already published four celebrated novels and written and illustrated a much loved graphic novel series. Alice's latest novel, Loveless, is a celebration of friendship and coming out as asexual and aromantic.

Interview starts at 12 minutes.

Mini-book club: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Confession: We haven't read many graphic novels before! We love Heartstopper. It is the PERFECT queer love story.

In this interview, we chat about:

• Why we need more books that explore post-high school experiences in YA
• The writing process for Loveless and why it was Alice’s most challenging novel yet
• The pressure of success and how it affects the writing process
• Alice’s experience on the aromantic and asexual spectrum and why she wanted to explore this in Loveless
• Why Alice’s novels focus on the importance of friendship (and why we need more books about friendship)
• A brief interlude about how Caitlin and Michelle met
• How Alice got published while she was still a teenager (and the advice she would give her younger self)

Books & other things mentioned

• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
• Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson
• Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and John Higgins
• Pumpkin Heads  by Rainbow Rowell (illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks)
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Follow Alice on Instagram @aliceoseman. Loveless is available now in Australia and the UK. Novella This Winter is published in paperback in the UK on October 15. 

Follow us on Instagram @betterwordspod

Please note that Caitlin's job at HarperCollins Publishers did not affect our decision to invite Alice to be a guest, we're delighted to have her and hope you enjoy this episode.