**Alex Aster Launches ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’ with a Musical Twist**
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Alex Aster, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, has added a new title to her impressive portfolio with the release of *Barbie: Dreamscape*. This is her tenth published work and marks an exciting collaboration with Mattel, representing her foray into the world of intellectual property (IP) storytelling. Available in bookstores and online, this novel has already generated significant buzz among fans and literary circles alike.
Known for her popular young adult series *Lightlark* and the adult romantasy *Starside*, Aster has carved a niche for herself in the realm of romantic fantasy literature. However, in *Barbie: Dreamscape*, she navigates uncharted waters as she brings to life an iconic character beloved by millions. While the project differs from her previous works, Aster maintained her creative rituals, including the essential element of music during her writing process.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Aster revealed her unique approach to writing this novel, stating that she consistently listens to music while crafting her narratives. For *Barbie: Dreamscape*, the author turned to the vibrant soundtrack of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 live-action *Barbie* film, as well as the poignant “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” from Taylor Swift’s latest album, *The Tortured Poets Department*. This particular track, described as a breakup anthem, may seem an odd fit for Barbie at first glance, yet Aster believes it resonates deeply with the character’s experiences.
“I do feel like that song is Barbie,” she explained. “She’s smiling but has tears running down her face, and she’s trying to be perfect, but inside she’s like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” Aster’s insights suggest a layered portrayal of Barbie, illustrating the dichotomy between her outward persona and internal struggles.
The tale follows Barbie as she embarks on an adventure away from her home in Heartland, seeking her destiny while traversing an array of magical realms. Throughout her journey, she encounters a mix of delightful and troublesome beings, confronting challenges that invite her to confront her innermost feelings. “She very much does not want things to change,” Aster elaborated. “She likes them the way they are, but she’s hiding a lot of feelings.” This turmoil mirrors the emotional journey captured in Swift’s song, as both characters learn about resilience through adversity.
Despite the song’s poignant undertones, Aster’s narrative aims to celebrate Barbie’s strength and courage. The emotional depth she crafts reflects an understanding that not all transformations are easy, but they often lead to personal growth. The parallels between Barbie’s journey and the themes in Swift’s music serve to enrich the reading experience.
This is not the first time Aster has drawn inspiration from Taylor Swift’s work. In previous interviews, she mentioned incorporating Swift’s songs into her writing process for other titles, such as *Starside*, further cementing the singer-songwriter’s influence on her creative output. “Every single book that I write, there’s always a Taylor Swift song that kind of inspired it,” Aster noted previously, underlining the importance of music in her artistry.
As part of the promotional effort for *Barbie: Dreamscape*, Aster is currently embarking on a book tour that kicked off in New York City. She is excited to connect with fans and express her gratitude towards them and Mattel. Reflecting on her experiences, she wrote on Instagram, “Thank you to Mattel for making this book release (for my 10th published book!!) one of the best yet! And thank you readers for all your support. Without you, none of this is possible.”
*Barbie: Dreamscape* promises to offer an enchanting blend of fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth – a narrative journey that invites readers to join Barbie in her quest for self-discovery. With its official release, Aster encourages readers to dive into this imaginative world, expressing her hope that they find as much joy in reading the book as she did in writing it.
This new chapter in Aster’s literary journey not only highlights her growth as an author but also reinforces the ongoing relevance of Barbie as a cultural icon. As the book hits shelves, fans of both Aster and Barbie alike are eager to explore the magic and meaning woven into this latest tale.