Alice Oseman (she/they) is a 30 year-old queer author and illustrator. If you’re into YA fiction or feel-good stories that just make you smile, you’ve probably heard of Alice’s works. They have written the best-selling graphic novel Heartstopper and acted as writer, creator, and executive producer on Netflix’s on-screen adaptation of the series! In this “boy-meets-boy” coming-of-age narrative, Alice brings readers/viewers into the world of LGBTQ+ youth as they grapple with themselves, their feelings, and their changing relationships with each other. The low-stakes environment of the story—as she describes it—is relatively free from drama to create a real, bright, and moving portrayal of love.
“Don’t let anyone make you disappear . . .” (Heartstopper)
In reference to her relationship with her father, Martin Doudna, Jennifer Doudna recounts that “sometimes an intellectual bond is the strongest” (Isaacson 59). She emphasizes that the important relationships in life can be found in intellect and creativity, apart from love and affection. By being creative, we can create important bonds with those around us based on how we are similar in our appreciation of creative products. We can, then, use these bonds to enhance creativity through collaboration. As mentioned earlier, Alice’s creativity in their works allow readers/viewers to relate to the characters and find safety in their stories. Through this relatability, we can also find a secure connection in Alice, and they have spoken about this being a motivating factor in their creative process. Alice has also spoken about the influence of online fan communities in her success—an influence that borders on collaboration! For example, fans’ enthusiasm about Heartstopper significantly contributed to the transformation of this narrative into a series (Harper Collins); Because Alice created an inspirational culture of connection in which people feel safe and comfortable, they were able to expand their creativity onto the screen!
“One person can change everything. And you have changed everything for me.” (Solitaire)
Hi Mollie! I loved reading your blog post about Alice Oseman. As someone who is an avid Heartstopper fan, it was so interesting to read and learn more about where her stories stem from and how she writes/creates her stories. I love how you brought up how her creativity is enhanced by the collaboration and creativity of those around her. I liked what you had to say also about how the bonds that we create through our similarities can also spark and enhance creativity.
ReplyDeleteI think in a day and age where a lot of people feel alone and isolated, it's important to have stories and creators who give voices to those people. To show them that they aren't alone and that with the right people, they to spread their wings and achieve anything.