[player]
“There was something about this book and the research, it really made me look at the world in a different way. I suppose it made me more aware of the darkness that a human being can hold, or the sadness, and I think that kind of broke me a small bit.” –Louise O’Neill (a conversation with 88 Cups of Tea on writing her award-winning novel Asking For It)
Named “the best YA fiction writer alive today” by The Guardian, we have a very special episode featuring the one-and-only Louise O’Neill. Louise is the award-winning author of two novels: Only Ever Yours, was a multiple award winner and the movie rights were bought by Killer Content. Her second novel, Asking For It, was a number 1 bestseller in her native Ireland and was named the overall book of the year at the 2015 Irish Book Awards.
In our conversation, we discuss rape culture and how Asking For It is igniting a much needed discussion to create real change. We also uncover what the heavy research process was like for Louise’s second novel, why it’s crucial for writers to write their story the way it’s demanding to be told, authentically portraying characters and the world they live in, and a whole lot more goodies.
Our conversation filled my soul and is an absolute treat I’m thrilled to share with you. Get ready for a thoughtful and stimulating episode that will awaken you.
PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Please share it with someone you think the episode can help!
Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!
“It’s easier to fail at something you don’t really want, rather than to fail at something you want with all of your heart.”
“Be honest. Be yourself. Be authentic.”
“You have to write the story the way it is demanding to be told.”
“I don’t think you could write a book like this and do that sort of research and not be effected by it, and not be changed by it.” -Louise O’Neill
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
-
-
The inspiration behind “Asking For It” and the research process
-
The much needed conversation about the root of rape culture and how to implement real change
-
How to authentically portray characters and the world they live in
-
Louise’s advice on preventing writer’s block
- We unpack why honesty is the most important aspect of your writing
- Creativity is about making mistakes and how that benefits you and your work
-
“If you start thinking about what your parents think, or what your teachers think, or what your friends will think, or what your ex-boyfriend will think, you’re never going to be honest. And I suppose for me, honesty is the most important aspect of writing.” -Louise O’Neill
Learn More About Louise O’Neill
Louise O’ Neill is from West Cork in Ireland. Her debut novel, Only Ever Yours, was a multiple award winner and the movie rights were bought by Killer Content. Her second novel, Asking For It, was a number 1 bestseller in her native Ireland and was named the overall book of the year at the 2015 Irish Book Awards.
Louise’s Recommended Books & Resources:
The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass
Shrill by Lindy West
