YA Author Claire Kann on Putting a New Spin on Love
In her brilliant book Let’s Talk About Love, Claire Kann introduces readers to Alice, a cat-loving, book-obsessed college first year who’s reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend. After swearing off romance (famous last words!), Alice meets a dreamy dude she can’t stop thinking about, but what does dating look like when you’re biromantic and asexual? Luckily for us, Alice gets to find out, in what makes for a delightfully original story that puts a new spin on love. After devouring her novel, we caught up with Kann to chat creativity, inspiration, and lady heroes. Scroll on to learn more from this brilliant author!
Brit + Co: Describe your book in six words or less.
Claire Kann: Alice meets Takumi. Chaos and romance ensue.
B+C: Where/when do you do your best writing?
CK: It’s terrible for my eyes and rapidly deteriorating vision (thanks, mortality), but I love to write by candlelight. Something about being in the near dark helps me submerge myself into the story I’m working on.
B+C: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done for book research?
CK: I don’t think I’ve ever done anything strange. I have however Googled some questionable topics that probably earned me a spot on the super-secret government Writer or Person of Interest list.
B+C: What’s your go-to cure when you’re stuck in a creativity rut?
CK: Definitely watching movies or TV. I find that having that kind of visual stimulation — as opposed to reading a good book — helps me get back on track faster, because my imagination doesn’t have to work as hard. It gets to take a break and recharge.
B+C: What two lady heroes do you turn to for inspiration, and why?
CK: Oprah because she’s Oprah. I think it’s safe to say she inspires us all. My second is a tie between Brandy Colbert and Rainbow Rowell, two wonderful authors. Their books are some of the few I will reread. (Editor’s note: Check out our interview with Brandy Colbert!)
B+C: Can you name a book that you think deserves a little more love + recognition?
CK:A History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz.
B+C: What’s next on your to-read pile?
CK: I’m currently reading Into the Woods by Tana French. Next up is The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton.
B+C: What advice do you have for aspiring creative ladies?
CK: The only thing you can control is what you create, so love what you’re doing. Work hard, stay humble, and the rest will fall into place.
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(Photo of Claire Kann via Anrah Designs, photo of Brandy Colbert via Jessie Weinberg)
