Alex Aster Listened to Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnite’ On Repeat While Writing Debut Adult Romantasy ‘Starside’ (Exclusive)

**Alex Aster Enters the Adult Romantasy Realm with ‘Starside’**

Emerging as a distinctive voice in the fantasy genre, Alex Aster is venturing into adult romantasy with her latest novel, *Starside*. Known for her works in young adult fiction, including the popular series *Lightlark* and the romance *Summer in the City*, Aster brings readers a tale that blends emotional depth with enchanting world-building. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Aster opened up about the inspiration behind her latest endeavour, the creative process, and the personal connections she forged with her characters.

Aster’s affinity for music, particularly the work of Taylor Swift, played a pivotal role as she crafted *Starside*. “I love Taylor Swift. Every single book that I write, there’s always a Taylor Swift song that kind of inspired it,” she shared. For this project, two tracks stood out: “Fortnite” and “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” from Swift’s forthcoming album, *The Tortured Poets Department*. She described “Fortnite” as “a song I listened to every single day,” noting how it evokes both calmness and emotional resonance.

The character of Aris, the protagonist in *Starside*, reflects Aster’s personal experiences and emotions, making this book both her favourite and most challenging to write. “I didn’t think that it would be that emotional, but I cried so much writing this book,” Aster admitted. The narrative follows Aris’s journey from her desolate home of Stormside, a place devoid of magic, through mystical gates to the vibrant realm of Starside, where she grapples with her conflicting feelings of wonder and resentment toward a world that has caused her and her community significant suffering.

Aris is depicted as a character brimming with complexity—fierce yet compassionate, and Aster notes that the song “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” aligns perfectly with Aris’s journey. “She has a lot of rage, but she’s also very kind and she loves beautiful things in the world,” Aster explained. This duality echoes through the narrative, as Aris navigates the allure of magic while confronting the harsh realities that haunt her from Stormside.

Aster has instituted a disciplined writing routine to manage her creative output, especially as she juggles multiple projects in one year. Music choice is integral to her process; while drafting, she often plays songs on repeat until they become background noise. However, she refrains from listening to music during the editing phases to focus entirely on the text. She revealed that Charli XCX’s *Wuthering Heights* album also complemented the moodiness of *Starside*, and she has already completed the sequel, which will be released “sooner rather than later.”

The heartfelt themes within *Starside* resonate not only with Aster’s experiences but also reflect broader narratives about perseverance and self-discovery. Aris’s struggle against discouragement from others to pursue her dreams encapsulates a universal message about the importance of resilience. It’s a theme that many readers are likely to identify with, particularly in challenging times.

Scheduled for release on 31 March, *Starside* is already available for preorder at various retailers, creating anticipation among Aster’s growing fanbase. As she shifts her focus to adult fiction, readers can expect even more intricate storytelling layered with emotional depth.

In conclusion, Alex Aster’s transition into the adult romantasy genre with *Starside* marks a significant milestone in her writing career. With a powerful narrative driven by relatable themes and enriched by her musical inspirations, Aster is poised to captivate a new audience while continuing to explore the complexities of human emotion through fantastical storytelling. Her journey as an author serves as a testament to the idea that creativity often flourishes in the face of both self-doubt and life’s unpredictabilities.