A little update from me
Hello Patrons!!
I hope your 2024s are all going well so far. I wanted to check in as it’s been about eight months since the Patreon went on hiatus and I wanted to share what I’ve been up to and how Vol 6 planning is going. Consider this a one-off newsletter of some sort. Or maybe I should start doing newsletters?
When I’m not working on the comic, the TV show sort of takes over my life, which can be really fun but can also make me feel a little detached and without control of my own work. The TV show is not just mine - there are a lot of other people involved. It's a team effort! Which is incredibly exciting and fun. But I do miss having something that is just mine (I am a bit of a control freak, in case you hadn't already guessed this about me). Getting to work on the comic and share it with you all makes me feel the most like myself, and when I'm not doing that, I really really miss it.
Where have you BEEN!?
While I've been on a hiatus from the Patreon, quite a lot has happened! We filmed season 3 of the Heartstopper TV show from October-December, which is always an extremely intense and stressful period where I'm not able to focus on anything else. Since January we've been editing the show - we're now into the colour grade and the sound mix, as well as creating all the animations and score. We're getting there! In case you hadn't heard, season 3 is coming out in October and I can't WAIT for you to see it. I love that the show has evolved so much since season 1, doing something a little bit different and unexpected each time (or maybe not so unexpected for everyone who's read the comic !!)
Aside from that, I tried to take a month off from all work in January... and kind of failed. It didn't really help my stress levels at all, and I didn't succeed in taking a long social media break either. Well... at least I tried? No, in actual seriousness I am dealing with some quite bad physical stress symptoms at the moment. But HEY, life goes on.
After January, I did a book tour, and then started trying to work on Vol 6 but, as you'll read about in the rest of this newsletter, I've been finding it quite challenging. I also moved house last week, which was a pretty big ordeal! I'm hoping that now I'm sort of settled (despite being surrounded by boxes) I can get back into a creative headspace and get back to working on Vol 6.
I've also very recently gotten into Baldur's Gate 3. I'm having a great time.
How's Vol 6 going, Alice?
Well, I'm writing it at the moment! Not drawing, just writing all of the scenes and the dialogue. I'm about two-thirds of a way through a first draft, and I'm feeling a little bit nervous about it. And I want to TALK about it or I may go insane. Talking about my work is scary these days because things I say about Heartstopper get reposted to various social media sites and rack up thousands of likes and views, and are always inevitably misunderstood and overanalysed. But if I don't talk about my work and express myself then I do just feel a bit insane. I'm an oversharer at heart at a time when oversharing is unwise and cringe, unfortunately.
Because of the popularity of Heartstopper, I am very aware of what most people like about it and what people are hoping and expecting for in the last part of the story. I know many people will be wanting more fun adventures like the Paris trip, and I definitely considered this - when I sat down to plan, I asked myself: 'what fun adventures could the gang get up to this time?' But then I realised... that's not my priority here, or what I'm interested in. What I'm really interested in is delving a little deeper into Nick and Charlie's relationship dynamic and challenging the notion that they are a kind of unattainable fairytale romance with no problems. And I'd also like to delve into some of the smaller sub-plots that have been bubbling along through the story, and letting them all have a satisfying conclusion - or at least saying goodbye to them in a way that allows the reader to imagine what might happen next.
I'm scared about this volume not having a big new villain or a big adventure like the Paris trip, because I know there will be people who read it and be like 'huh that was boring. nothing happened'. I know that was some people's reaction to Vol 5. I am just scared of negative reactions, always. You'd think being an author for 10+ years would eradicate that. It does not!
At the end of the day... I love that Heartstopper is mostly a slice of life story - just the everyday progression of Nick and Charlie's relationship and the ups and downs of their school days together. I want the whole of Vol 6 to feel like an epilogue to that, in some ways. And of course it will be fun and silly sometimes, and there will be some plot, but I don't want to introduce new big story elements just for the sake of this book having a unique selling point. In my heart, I know I want it to be low-stakes and character-driven, and I am going to try and make it so. And if some people think that's boring, then, hey, so be it. I think I'm really going to like it though!
(As a small and slightly unrelated side note, I do just want to express that the events of the Nick and Charlie novella have presented me with an actual logistical and thematic nightmare in plotting Vol 6. I'm trying to honour the canon of the Nick and Charlie novella as best I can, but it is- well, it's very difficult, to say the least. I guess I'll see what happens when I get to that section of the story later in my draft... Did you know I wrote the Nick and Charlie novella over nine years ago now!?)
Volume 6 = Season 4? What's going on there?
If we get a fourth season of the show, it will use volume 6 of Heartstopper and the Nick and Charlie novella as the source material. I am very much hoping that there will be a fourth season, so the show gets to have a proper ending! I'm praying to the gods! Begging on my knees! Having nightmares about it regularly, etc!
What this means for me is that I really need to get a move on and finish writing Volume 6 so that I can give myself as much time as possible to write scripts for season 4. I can start writing scripts for S4 before any kind of renewal potentially happens - I will probs want to do this to make sure I have as much time as possible to work on them (having 2-4 months each to write seasons 2 and 3 was a genuinely horrible experience), and also so we have something to share with cast and crew as early as possible. I will most likely be drawing Vol 6 simultaneously while writing the season 4 scripts, even if we haven't been renewed. And the other thing that I have to keep in mind is that I really, extremely, devoutly need the Volume 6 book to come out before season 4 comes out, so people experience the end of the story from the books first. So there's a timer counting down now.
It's quite a LOT. Hence why I'm trying to schedule my life for the next two years.
(Just reiterating for anyone lightly skimming this newsletter that we have not yet been renewed for a season 4. But hoping and praying!)
What's the plan for the Return of Patreon?
When the comic returns for the final two chapters of Heartstopper - chapter 8 and the epilogue - I will be resuming posting the pages here on Patreon in the Full Comic Tier as I have always done… but just for chapter 8, not the epilogue. Due to the popularity of Heartstopper, page leaks from Patreon are now inevitable (though please still continue to report them - my publisher can take legal action against people who do this!), and because of how fast leaks spread on sites like TikTok, people will be spoiled without wanting to be. I want to ensure that everyone experiences the very end of the story together, so I will not be posting the epilogue to Patreon in advance - it will be going up on the webcomic sites at a later date.
As for WHEN the Patreon will return... well, it depends when I finish writing, when I'm happy with the writing, and when I feel comfortable and confident sharing pages again. I want to give myself a good amount of time to get into it without other people's eyes on it. I think a reasonable estimate at this point for the return of Patreon would be July (THIS IS NOT DEFINITE).
When the Patreon returns, it will 'unpause', and people will be charged their monthly pledge again. I will make sure to give you all plenty of warning before this happens! People will also be able to join the Patreon again.
In conclusion!
I've been writing and rewriting this post for weeks, and I've been staring at it today for a good two hours, so I think I should just post it. I miss making the comic so much!!! Sooooooo much!!!!!! I can't wait to be back soon. I know that drawing pages again is going to make me feel so much more alive and at peace! I can't wait to bring this story to a really enjoyable and satisfying conclusion, and I can't wait to hear all your thoughts about it. I think talking about my work and how I'm feeling about it - as scary as it is - will help me a little in this whole process. So I'll try and do it more!
I hope everyone is doing well and I hope you're all looking after yourselves. If you've got any questions I'll try and answer them in the comments. See you soon!
Alice xx
[This post is public - I don't mind if you want to share it elsewhere!]
Comments (156)
I know this is the millionth message you'll read like this but I want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you Alice for sharing your art with us. I'm a woman in my thirties, never been a big comic book fan but there's nothing that has ever made me as passionate and thrilled as heartstopper did. I also loved all your other books but Nick and Charlie really captured my heart. Having said that, I cannot even imagine how many emotions you have to deal with at this important stage but we are here for you, every step of the way. With your work you have united people into something beautiful and the least we can do is to always support you, like a friend would. Hang in there Alice, I am convinced that you will succeed in all your projects and we will be here to watch you shine. ❤️🔥
Anyone who found volume 5 boring and claims that nothing happens in it has probably not read it carefully! For me, the entire series is so full of emotions and difficult topics that I had tears in my eyes many times while reading it. The developing passion between Nick and Charlie. Nick is torn between love and his future. How responsible Nick feels for Charlie! Darcy covering up her difficult relationship with her family with jokes. The whole story is not a sweet love story. I know that it is difficult to transfer your story to the screen and give some control over your child to other people. But you did it so well that I'm honestly afraid to watch season 3 of the series. I'm sure Joe, Kit and Jenny will play it so well that it will be difficult for me to recover and go back to normal life. Take care of yourself Alice! I hug you tightly ❤️
so, so, so worth the wait. also… “Did you know I wrote the Nick and Charlie novella over nine years ago now!?)” SHUT UP- I only became a fan (like, the literal biggest fan EVER of the comic AND show) when s1 came out, so its crazy to think the end of their story was written so long ago
Thank you for all you do to bring your art out into the world. I am sorry to hear about the stress and toll it is taking on you. Social media adds such an intense layer to all of this. I hope things have improved some and hope you are continuing to find ways to care for yourself. ❤️
Heartstopper is brilliant Alice and I am sure it will be just as good when you draw it to a close - you will undoubtedly have detracted whatever way you finish it. Most importantly I share other people's wishes that you take care of yourself.
Well worth the wait. Please take care of yourself. ❤️❤️
Thank you again for sharing all that u do !!! Thank you for making a story line where I feel seen even at my age!!! Please please take care of your mental health, the comics are great but your talent is greater!!! ❤️ thank you do this update and your sharing of your life events !!❤️
I'm good pretending the Nick and Charlie novel was in a different universe,every time. I read it, it hurts my heart.
Thanks for the update ❤️ and everything else! I'm very much here for the slice of life stuff
Sending love to you - grateful for all of the love you’ve created between all of us in communities brought together by HS. The everyday “low-stakes” character-driven storyline is part of what makes HS so beautiful and meaningful for our own everydays - my partner and I love seeing the characters share life together - thank you! 💜
Lovely to hear from you Alice and thanks for the update. Looking forward to chapter 8 when it arrives x
Honestly, I personally don’t need a villain or a big adventure, I just love to see N&C’s relationship progress, which was the essence of the story originally. You’re doing great A! I admire you and all that you do! Take care of yourself and think of your well being first always! ❤️
Thank for existing alice, I'm so glad I breathe in the same universe as you :)
First and foremost, take care of yourself as you can't take care of others without first taking care of yourself. Second, love your work and can't wait for the next chapter in Heartstopper's evolution. Conclusion, most importantly, take care of yourself, the care of the fans will come naturally with time.
However the story ends, it’ll be a great ending simply because it’s Charlie and Nick ✨ aka precious lil beans who are growing and still learning what we call life
Being creative is simultaneously the best thing ever and a nightmare, especially given the novella prevents you from having full creativity to end Heartstopper 6 how you would like to now (given you've worked on Nick and Charlie for 5 volumes of their own story). You're doing great work, please try and take moments to relax where you can. Being in the film/TV industry is probably one of the most stressful jobs in the world and yet you're smashing it and creating a story that is changing the world for the better. Thank you for creating - we all look forward to reading/watching when the time comes.
Please don't break my boys up my heart couldn't take it
'not having a big new villain or big adventure', some people find it boring. I don't understand- that's a beauty of life. Emotions, growth and daily life, ups and downs. It's not possible to make everyone happy, regardless how much one's trying - take your time Alice, you are great and I think it's amazing what you doing for young ppl (even tho I'm a bit older myself)!
You’re incredible and it’s lovely to be able to watch you craft this story.
Thank you for all your creation and (cringe) openness, Alice! Once you recover from the next two years of Heartstopper awesomeness, I hope you DO start that newsletter!
🖖❤️
Would you tell us anything about your BG3 characters? 😃 (and thanks for the update and ditto what everyone else said!)
Anyone who found Vol. 5 boring (really?) should just be roundly ignored, like they don’t even exist. Certainly the people who truly care about Heartstopper weren’t bored! And they won’t be bored with a Volume 6 like you described. I hope you can place any negativity coming your way into a box marked “Do Not Open, and then maybe destroy the box? It’s not worth the agita, angst, or however else it might be labeled. Just bask in the love! - Cliff from Brooklyn
If this makes you feel better, I would 100% be okay with the nick and charlie novella not being included or changed in a way that makes sense for the comics and show! You wrote it years ago and I think most of us acknowledge that it may be different from your current works because of that! I think I would actually prefer this as a reader especially if it makes more sense to you! Just thought I would say that in case you are feeling pressured to include it! :) I also have loved the simplicity of the story so having the story just be about them living life is definitely good with me!
Dear Alice, Considering the number of comments, I will be brief. Just know that I feel for your anxiety, as I am dealing with the same type of troubles in my own life, but despite that, I admire you greatly. You're such an amazing person, no matter what you do. I honestly do not mind if a lot is happening in the comics or nothing - there's something to everything for me. I remember how I fell in love w/ Heartstopper, for its cuteness and simplicity. No matter what you give me in the future, I will love it, because I love and respect you as an author. :)
I am so excited for you Alice!! Telling this story the way you've wanted to is what has made so many of us love it so far and I'm so happy you feel able to finish it the same way. In that case I know no matter what it will be what it should be, and I'll love it endlessly. I hope at the most YOU find joy in it ❤️❤️ we love you, and please take care!
Slice of life story is so very underrated. Manga n anime have honestly given me such a love for dipping into someone else's life for a bit and enjoying the journey. Your characters are so exceptionally written that they don't require forced drama. It's what's made this comic n the TV show my go to feel good comfort content. I also wanted to add how grateful I am to have something in the lgbt+ space that I've been able to use to educate my kids with. Watching season 1 with my daughter right now 😅 we do this about every quarter. I can't imagine juggling all of that work, my body likes to show me when I'm stressed too, ever heard of pompholyx(sp?) icky skin condition, or stress migraines, tonsillitis, the list goes on. Just try to keep up with the self-care basics. Have you drank enough water 😅 I personally love the idea of you coming on here and venting via newsletter, as long as that feels like a joy not a chore. Thanks so much for Nick n Charlie x
OMG even reading about what's going on right now gave me an overwhelming feeling, let alone, living it! Please take care of yourself before anything else.
Alice, Good Morning ❤️ You have already done so many great things in your life and I know you will continue to do even greater stuff, but "no hanky panky till you are married" is definitely greatest things you have written! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 It is sweet, hilarious, epic and revolutionary all at the same time!!
Thank you so much Alice, for everything ❤️
Your idea for vol 6 doesn’t sound boring to me at all! I love just having characters to follow in their lives and I think you do a really amazing job of presenting that to us. Thanks for the work you do and the stories you share!! You are awesome Alice!! Hoping things feel calm for you soon!!! 💖💖💜🖤🩶🤍
After reading for 6 years now I can’t believe we’re getting closer to the end of Heartstopper!! 😭 thank you for keeping us updated and I do hope you find time to rest and relax when you can! It’s amazing that so many more people get to love and enjoy Nick and Charlie’s story and how successful it’s been. We are here for you no matter what! 💗💗💗
I can’t imagine how hard it must be to create whilst having all your “stuff” under such an intense level of scrutiny. I hope there’s a space you can find where you’re able to write without all that pressure, and know that we’ll be happy for you however the story plays out.
Thank you for this post Alice! I just hope there are some way for you to relax and just chill ❤️ I miss the hell out of our boys but they are fiction and you're not ❤️ Im not religious but I pray for s 4 as well, but with some pause for you in between 😉
Slice of life is what I’ve absolutely always loved about this comic. Character driven story sounds beautiful, and wherever you take the story I’m going to 100% be there for the ride!
Thanks for the update! It's good that you're concentrating on character and not cooking up some big 'event' finish. The people who would crave that are mostly people who either have never read HS or are very casual readers/viewers. There's no point in writing for them. It's your world, make it spin the way you want! I personally would love to see a stretch of time where Nick an Charlie are angst-free, a power couple at Truham who other people look up to instead of bully. They've earned it, and they only have the one year to bask in it before Nick goes away...
thanks so much for the update Alice! Sending you a lot of strength and courage to do all of these tasks you've laid out! Reading this sort of reminded me of the logistical nightmares you hear about when reading about the productions of mangas and their anime counterparts (where the chapters sometimes cause problems with the show that's airing). You've truly been an amazing fighter to get so much done in so little time and I'm sure most of your fans will love whatever heartstopper has in store for it's final instalments! Write from the heart and what you feel confident in doing, that's the story we want to see and not the one that's built around our expectations. Take care and pace yourself, you can do this ! <3
Thank you for the honest and always heartfelt update. We know you are human, too!
Hi, Alice! I love how honest you're being with your struggles. I've actually been wondering how you were dealing with Heartstopper becoming so popular now with the show and everything. It must be amazing but also pretty overwhelming to have so many people commenting on your story and having expectations of what'll happen next. I started reading Heartstopper back in 2017 and I've always loved exactly that: it's low-stakes and character-driven and it might seem as if nothing happens but, honestly, every character has grown up so much since the beginning and I can't wait to see how you wrap up their stories. You're the creator so you I trust you to do what's best (and you've never disappointed me so far, lol). Anyways, I hope you can rest and take some time for yourself. Thanks for everything you give us💜
Thank you Alice. I love your work; I can't wait to see your vision of how this story ends; I look forward to your next works; and I very, very much hope you can get some real rest and recuperation very soon. We'll be here when you're ready.
We love you!!
We don't need drama, just need to know our boys are going to be together, and continue to communicate that's is sexy. Not drama!
I personally love that Heartstopper is a slice of life comic as it’s so real and relatable! The story has already had some big themes throughout the series and it’s all been so relatable so I think if people are expecting more big plots in the final volume then they’re not really going with the flow of the story so far 💗 you’re doing amazing and make sure to take care of yourself! P.s. I loved meeting you on your book tour!
we’ve missed you!! it’s super nice to hear from you again and i cannot wait to see where you take nick and charlie. take all the time you need to come back to us! 🩷
Take care of yourself!
Alice, everything you've described about Vol. 6 the way YOU want to do it the way you want to honour Nick and Charlie and all the other sub plots IS to me the essence of Heartstopper. That is what I am here for. It's where we began. If people are looking for a quick fix or a basic drama plot they can go watch an episode of Love Island 🤣 whatever you make in whatever way you make it is going to be the right thing because it's you and Nick and Charlie and Tao and Elle and Aled and Tori and Michael and Oliver and everyone else in the Heartstopper world that we know and love. Have all the faith in yourself, you've got this and we love you for it. Xx
Oh how I've missed this notification 🥲. I'm sure a lot of people have already said it but we fell in love with Heartstopper because of how YOU made it. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves stories that are character-driven and not just plots and big adventures. I fell in love with Heartstopper for the characters and their journeys and their day-to-day lives. Yes the Paris trip was nice but a scene like the last in season 2 is so much stronger than a big adventure in my opinion. Anyway, I'm sure whatever you decide, some people aren't gonna like it and it's the curse of having a successful franchise. But in my opinion, as long as you stay true to you and to your characters, you can't be wrong. As for me, I will be happy with absolutely anything Narlie related, those two are my comfort characters forever 🩷 thanks for the update and for everything Alice and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and allowing us to chat with you! That's sooo valuable. All the best xx
Thanks for the update Alice! Please take care of yourself xx
Alice, you are a total force to be reckoned with. It’s the tireless dedication to your craft (across all media) that makes your work so beloved, and you deserve to take a moment to really revel in what you’ve created. A whole world! Whatever comes next will be exactly right because it came from you, the literal heart of Heartstopper.
THIS!!!!! 💯
(I'd also like to say that I don't think anyone would blame you if you decided that Novella Nick and Charlie exist in a separate timeline/universe in which they didn't have quite the same support network around them (Paris Gang 🥳) and therefore the events of the novella, although they happen, happen in an ever so slightly different way. In the same way the Higgs fire/everyone moving to Truham storyline isn't part of the Heartstopper comics, maybe the novella only happened in that universe?) (I think it's important to explore Nick and Charlie not being perfect, getting into disagreements, misunderstandings and even falling out at times. But if the Nick and Charlie you've now created in the comics behave differently to those arguments than the Nick and Charlie from novella, that's okay. It's your story to tell now. Don't feel bound by something you wrote almost a decade ago)
This is such an interesting point
We love you 💕
Thank you for saying hey Alice! I think a newsletter would be great! (If you feel like it would be beneficial to you of course) hugs! ❤️❤️
I can really only speak for myself, but I think I'm not alone wanting the Heartstopper story YOU want to tell. Fans, and especially those "fans" who leak things, should play no part in directing your wonderful story. We're here for the goodness that falls out of your mind and the gorgeousness of Nick & Charlie. Thank you a bazillion times for sharing them with us. I'm excited to see how it all plays out! ❤️ Thank you for the great update and I'll be wishing and hoping and praying for Season 4 right along with you! 🙏
Hello Alice !🩷 I seriously cannot thank you enough for all the things that you’ve done for me and many others with your amazing and beautiful work! It’s so nice to hear from you again and to see that you’re doing okay despite many stressful things 🥹 In the name of some fans that think as I do, I wanna say sorry. I’m sorry because things get twisted and over analyzed unnecessarily. I’ve seen it myself in the fandom all the time and it’s just tiring. Let me just say that I, and lots of us trust you. Personally I believe in you blindly haha 🥹 I really cannot doubt you and I shouldn’t! I mean is your own work and your stories only make me happy all the time so whatever you have planned, I’ll take it happily.🩷 It’s so nice to know that talking about this helps you. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Can’t wait for all the Heartstopper new content! I’ll be waiting patiently! Love you Alice, take care and thank you for caring 🩷
Thank you for the thorough update!! I am very excited for vol 6 and can only imagine the creative struggle in trying to honor Canon from N&C, considering you wrote that first almost a whole decade ago, before you even knew them so well! I for one would love a volume delving into their relationship. I don't need another Paris trip. I need this last portion of new material to feel satisfied in my journey into these boys' hearts and minds. I will stan that their love is realistic with you, because N&C made me truly believe in love for the first time, and I'm not giving that up so easily. Hugs <3
Thank you! For me, I really appreciate your authenticity and giving the story a true conclusion and not one with manufactured plots just to use as a selling points. The authenticity of Heartstopper and the warmth of it's story and characters is what got most of us invested and we'll be along for this final ride 😁
I know I’m just one little voice but—I love Heartstopper because of the slice of life. It’s great when big adventures are happening, but at the end of the day the parts that I’m gonna read over and over will always be the quiet moments between Nick and Charlie. Maybe it’s because my life is chaos and quiet moments in stories make my head quiet? I dunno. But do what you think is best for the whole crew here and it will be perfect. I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your sharing of this story with us.
I almost didnt recognize the Patreon icon when i got the notification. What have they done to it :O Oh how I miss this place and writing almost daily essays everytime you post a page hahaha I really quite enjoy these little newletters/update post and know what's happening behind the scene. I know I have already repeated this MANY time over the years but I dont really care what this person wants the story to be like, or how that person wants the story to end etc. Creating art, in every single form, is taking your creativity, your emotions, your view of the world, putting a gorgeous bow on it and showing it to people to express everything that is in your head. Some will love it, other wont, but it is your art. Dont let other people's opinion parasitize what you created. It is yours, not theirs. If they dont like it, well they can go spend 8 years creating their own comic. We fell in love with the Heartstopper YOU created. And i'm glad you are focusing on the characters rather than creating some massive event. Even the Paris trip was character driven. It was simply in another location. I'm wishing you good luck on writing that last third of the first draft and on your struggles with the events of Nick and Charlie XD I'm very excited to see what you have planned for the last volume and all it's different themes And also good luck for when you will start writing the script for S4 as well as drawing the pages. I think every single on of us are crossing our fingers for a renewal. I think not posting the epilogue on Patreon is a fantastic idea. To all live the ending at the same time. It'll make it more special Take care !
Thank you for the updates and I hope you find a way to rest and take care of yourself. We, the fans, will still be here when you're ready to come back. 💌
i’ll personally get you that season 4 renewal trust babes trust🍀✋
As always, I’m so grateful and excited and moved by your work both on the comics and show. You’ve made my life better. Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself.
Wow big year incoming again! 😊 thank you for the post Alice! best wishes for the new house and for work 💪 take care ❤️❤️❤️
I can only imagine the pressure you are under. I hope your fans give you the space to write the stories you want to write. I so appreciate the character-driven, slice of life story you are telling. I think everyone in any kind of relationship can benefit from the way Nick and Charlie work through their issues with each other. I trust you whatever comes next.
So many things ahead! I certainly miss you and Heartstopper but I really hope you can take care of yourself! No rush to come back. As for what is awaiting us with Nick and Charlie, there are yours, do what feels right for you. I love the way you deal with heavier topics while keeping a hopeful note. It makes the characters real. And I trust you completely, Nick and Charlie are yours first and you share them with us. They resonate just the way you imagine them. 💜
I will follow this story from start to finish. I have love being able to see Nick and Charlie grow up as characters and i also find really important showing that not all couples,specially them, are perfect. People can have arguments but love doesn’t end there, showing that part of their relationship actually would help people to understand that even the most healthy relationships have their ups and downs. I’ll be really sad when it ends but I’m 10000000000000% that you’ll give them a proper end to them 🩷
I deleted my comment because it was worded wrong. I love the idea of hopeful journey for Nick and Charlie, even at such a young age. I want them to have their happy ending.
Please take care of you and we will all be here when the story and you are ready!!
I’ve missed you Alice!! Take care yourself as well, lots of love 🩷
Thank you for sharing this update :) Please do never feel like you owe explanations or anything, and look after yourself first! Personally, I love your very unique ability to tell this story without a lot of plot. It’s perfect for me if you would like to keep your focus more on Nick and Charlie’s relationship dynamic and show their progression over time. There have been some great moments, both in the books and the TV show, were exactly that did shine through. I think it is exactly those moments that have the most lasting impact on viewers and readers alike (also speaking for myself here a bit, haha). Keep doing it exactly your way, which is so refreshingly unique and heartwarming to me :)
Thank you for being you Alice. You must take care of yourself first and foremost. Best wishes in your new home x
It seems like as wonderful and exciting as things are. They are all presenting stress and difficulty for you too. It's such a difficult balance and one you are handling with grace and sensitivity, but I hope you get a lot of self care time soon too. I want to honour that duality for you and I hope you have as much non-online support and love as you deserve! Thank you for the update and we understand how much things have changed from early, quieter days of posting here. I'm so glad you are trying to prioritise your own feelings and ideas for the story - that is the perfect way to end Heartstopper I feel, as it began, just with you drawing and writing these lovely characters.
Great I can't wait. I don't mine if it's just Nick & Charlie, I just want them to be together for ever ❤️
IT IS NOT BORING. I actually adore that about this comic and the show. Also, you are doing a wonderful job and working hard. Take care of yourself.
Thank you, Alice, for your wonderful work. Heartstopper has changed my life and I'm so grateful for the beautiful story, and the friends I've made because of it. I think an intimate, character-focused finale sounds just perfect and very on brand for HS. Above all, please take care of yourself! There's so much pressure on you, but I think I can speak for most that we care about your well being too!
Thank you so much for the update! I'm very excited for Volume 6 (and Season 3) but take how ever long you need and look after you first ❤️
I love that you know what you're interested in writing about and what you want to prioritize in the story. Happily, a slice-of-life, character driven story about these characters we adore is exactly what so many of us want, too. Sometimes at dinner my family asks me, "Did Alice post on Patreon today?" I'm so excited to tell them YES tonight. You inspire all of us.
Yes character-driven, low-stakes slice of life is exactly why I love Heartstopper! It has a realism I have never seen in a piece of media before. Keep that up!!
I just want to say how much (imo) Heartstopper doesn't need anything big or adventurous or villainous to happen to still be a beautiful and engaging story. Real life difficulties, experiences and relationship growths are what makes Heartstopper so special. I know we're just the readers/watchers/fans, but I wish there was a way to reassure you and ease some of the pressure you're under, both really pressure from commitments, but also perceived pressure from your followers and the fans of Heartstopper. It's your universe, your story and your characters. We are just lucky enough to see what you share with us. Your happiness is far more important than a handful of people who may criticise. No one should be able to criticise you though. Look what you've achieved! You don't get this many subscribers and fans unless what you have is something special ❤️. Please don't doubt yourself.. Whatever vol 6 turns out to be, we will love it and just be so lucky you shared it with us. Wishing you all the best.
Alice, it’s so nice to hear from you! I’m sorry to hear that vol 6 has been challenging, and that you’re feeling the time and audience pressures. But it also sounds like it’s shaping up in a really interesting way, to me at least. I love the idea of delving deeper into the challenges in Nick and Charlie’s relationship dynamic, and I’m also excited about some of the other things that were set up towards the end of vol 5. (Like seeing head boy Charlie thriving, maybe?) 💕 The N&C novella, and where you were with the characters nine(!) years ago, pre-Heartstopper(!)… definitely see how that would present challenges! I personally have always found it a bit difficult to reconcile those early versions of Nick and Charlie with their development (individually and in the context of their relationship) in the comic and TV show. My maybe unpopular opinion is that I would be super happy to see you delve into the themes and plotlines you want to explore in their last year of school together NOW, and keep the pre-Heartstopper canon a little separate if and where that makes more sense. (Like the way the Ben/Charlie Solitaire stuff was scrapped from Heartstopper, because it didn’t fit the characters now and the journey you’ve taken Charlie on in the comic and show…) Also! So excited for season 3. Counting down the months! It’s an interesting one, because on one hand I feel like we have a much clearer sense of what’s to come than we have with previous seasons, because we know (I think?) pretty much where it will begin and end, and we know we’re getting vol 4-5 and This Winter (and The Ethics of Infatuation Dynamics… what a cameo!). But on the other hand, chapter 6 is much less easy for me to imagine having a direct page to screen / panel for panel adaptation, and I’m so curious to see how you all have handled that part of the story and Charlie’s journey. So despite knowing where the story is going, I feel like there’s still so much mystery! I know we’ll all be feeling all the emotions, regardless. 🥲💕 (Is it October yet?) Anyway, sending you all the good writing and drawing and post-production vibes! 🫶🏼 (And crossing fingers and toes for that season 4 renewal!)
Thank you for this and all your hard work on this comic. We really appreciate it 💜
Always glad to hear from you sweetie - we're all with you!
I’m sure other people have said this (haven’t had time to read comments yet) but I want the last book to be the story YOU want; not the story you think we want. I have loved every story you’ve written (books, comics, show). If you love the end of Heartstopper then the fans will, too. Those who want something different can write it themselves as fanfic, or read someone else’s fanfic. I/We want YOUR story. Thanks for the update!!
Thank you for the long and interesting update! It all sounds so great to me, I'd say follow your instincts for Vol 6 rather than what other people may want, because so far your work has been awesome! Take care of yourself, we will be patiently waiting for when the time is right for you to share new things. Looking forward to Heartstopper s3 and to Vol 6 anyway! 💖
Dear Alice, first of all, THANK YOU for posting an update here. You didn't have to, especially with SO much going on. 🙏 Second, CONGRATULATIONS 🎉👏🍾on your new home 🏡!!! It is a BIG STEP. WOWZA!! 🤯🤗 Reading this post makes me realise (and also from your Tumblr posts) that you have so many thoughts racing through your mind. That is tough...very tough...it is a kind of stress that is hard to explain and hard to cope with. I am just saying this based on my personal experience 🙏❤️🩹 And I totally understand you beginning to show physical symptoms of stress. Well done for taking cognizance of this. 👍 That's half the battle. Please forgive me for saying this, but would it help if you went back to basics and did what made you happy, for a bit?🙏 You have a process, a process that created the Osmanverse which we all love. Trust yourself, trust the process and trust your loyal fans. There will always be naysayers to criticise no matter what you do. WE LOVE YOU ALICE, WE LOVE YOUR WORK AND MOST OF ALL WE TRUST YOU!! Please TRUST THAT WE TRUST AND LOVE YOU ❤️🤗 For what it's worth, I LOVE the storyline you have described in Vol 6!!! But equally I will love whatever you have in store for the Paris Gang. I hope you will take some time each day to enjoy this big milestone of moving into a new house, of beginning Vol 6, of finishing season 3, being into a new game etc. ❤️🌻 It is so important to be present and cherish each moment, because without being present, it is hard to make memories or see where we are going in the future. Our lives have more love in them thanks to you Alice. You deserve happiness, peace and all the love. Look after yourself ❤️
Praying to the Netflix gods for a S4 renewal (they'd receive terabytes worth of strongly worded emails if for some unimaginable reason they'd decide to end things after S3… I‘m rather (cautiously) optimistic the renewal will come tho, they're just taking their sweeeeeeeeeeeet time announcing it 😩). We really can’t thank you enough for all the hard work you're putting into everything, I just wish you weren’t so terribly stressed 24/7. 🥺 I'm super excited for every Heartstopper thing (big or small) coming our way in the coming months/years. 🥰 Sending all the very best vibes your way, Alice (and cookies for your writing muse). Much love and take care! ❤️🍂🫂
Thanks for checking in! All the best to you and congrats on the new home!
“Low-stakes and character-driven” is what I love most about the story.
Thank you so much for the update! As always, sending much love and wishing you could get a chance to breathe. But will be very excited to hear from our boys again!
thank you alice for everything we can wait for the next 10 years if we have to just make sure your not tiring yourself out 🤍
THIS!!!!!
I love the fact that Nick and Charlies relationship is endgame and liw stakes. They have lots of challenges but they work together well. Straight people get happy ever afters all the time. Queer people need to see that too. It's also what makes heartstopper so bloody charming and comforting. You've got this x
Oh Alice, thank you for the update - SO great to hear from you. Please don't put too much pressure on yourself for July, we are a patient lot and want you to be truly happy with what you have written. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and masses of energy. Hope your stress symptoms aren't taking over, have you ever tried meditation or yoga? Much love, Jen xx
I've tried meditation a few times but have never been able to get into it... yoga might be worth a try, though! Thank you <3
Thank you for the update
just keep in mind we love you and are here for you
Thanks Alice. Take care of yourself. We will wait patiently for your next creation 🌹
Thank you so much for the update!! You are so kind and caring towards your readers and it’s wonderful how much you love your work. Take care 💎💎 we love you! (And Nick and Charlie of course!)
Thank you for the update! important question though: what race and class did you pick for your baldur's gate 3 character?
High elf wizard!!
Thank you for the update, Alice! Sorry to hear you've been dealing with so much stress, though :c Really hope things will settle a bit for you soon. Also, congratulations on moving into the new place! Now just gotta unpack all those boxes... Good luck ;p In all honesty I don't really have expectations for Volume 6: I just wait patiently to see what you come up with o3o I DO have one question though, which relates a bit more to the show, I guess. Also am aware you might not be able to answer, but you probably know better who might have an answer than I do! Do you think there is a(ny at all) chance that the soundtrack might be released on vinyl record? I would absolutely love love LOVE to have an LP of Heartstopper's soundtrack, but no clue who goes over that... Lots of plove and good luck with unpacking, writing and drawing!
I think it would be very difficult to coordinate something like that... it would involve making deals with the record companies of every single one of the music artists! Never say never but I do think it would be extremely difficult and probably not worth Netflix's time, sadly 😢
So great to hear from you! I love slice-of-life, character driven stories so I'm very excited to read the rest of Charlie and Nick's story.
Take care Alice, and feel free to continue to update via newsletters, and vent if you need to ❤️ I know you’ve got a lot of pressure now because of how popular Heartstopper has become, which must be pretty overwhelming. Make sure you are happy with the story first and foremost as it’s your creative project and they are your characters. Most of us will love reading vol 6 as a slice of life story as that’s what Heartstopper is at its heart 😊 I hope you can get back to drawing the comic soon since that’s what you enjoy the most!
Thanks for the update Alice. Your mental health and well being is first and foremost before everything else. We can't have a great comic and show without you taking care of your own needs. On a side note, I know this might be an odd question, but I am curious about who does the music for the show. The first season was decent but they really stepped up the game on the second season and hit the nail on the head with it. I hope that will continue going forward. That would be a dream job for me. Take care and look forward to more soon.
It's a group effort! Patrick (the other exec producer) and I curate a playlist, which we send to our editors. During the editing process, the editors and the director use tracks from that playlist, or choose other tracks that have similar vibes. Then when Patrick and I review the episodes, we all discuss together about whether we've picked the right songs for each music moment. It's a lot of fun!! Sometimes shows have music editors who specifically edit the songs for the show, and sometimes the music supervisor is in charge of choosing the tracks (but I think their main job is to negotiate the licensing deals with the record companies). I'm so glad you've liked the music choices <3
As a fan, I’d like the show to continue forever but as a reader, I understand that the creative process doesn’t necessarily align with Hollywood/showbusiness/algorithms and whatever the latest trend might be hot in entertainment right now so what I’m hoping for is that you find your own story inside of you and write something that’s true to your vision of the characters and their evolution. You’re the one that started all of this, and you know the characters better than anyone else because you’re the one that brought them to life! I hope you find what works best for you and that the outside pressure is manageable! Take care! Lots of love!
Alice thank you so so much for deciding to not add any new story lines !! I just want to see them happy, with yes some lower parts as it’s part of their journey .. but an overall ending that doesn’t leave us all thinking about what could be done next sort of thing !!xx
We know you have a lot going on but I’ve been dreaming of a mini comic of N&C as R+J. 😉😂
I know how incredibly difficult it is to be a writer and to deal with audience expectations. I just want to say that I, like many others, love V 5 (it’s genuinely my favorite). I love seeing how you’ve grown as a writer and I (like many others) trust your intuition of where this story should go. I know it’s easier said than done, but listening to yourself (which it sounds like you’re doing) will produce something fantastic and necessary. We all admire your dedication, talent, and tenacity. Thank you for everything you’ve made and the care you’re taking, of yourself and these characters we love.
Alice, you are incredible! Thank you for sharing. I hope you’re able to get some rest soon. Take care of yourself 💖
Thank you for this update! Take care of yourself, we can wait as long as needed for the closure of Heartstopper 🤩
So happy hearing from you but not so happy about all of your stress 😬, take care Alice, we want things fast but your health always comes first.
Thank you for the updates! Take your time, we will wait for you! 🥰
What you said about vol 6 made me so happy: the slice of life and character driven story is what made me fall in love with this comic, and has kept me hooked this whole ride. Thank you for your update, and take care. I believe I'm not alone with the sentiment of patiently waiting when you and the story are ready to continue. Lots of love!
alice!! you’re amazing!! take care of yourself and i can’t wait to see what happens next!!
I wish you all the love and rest that you need!!
Thank you so much for the update. I love your work so much. ❤️❤️❤️ Greetings from germany
I was just thinking about you this morning so I'm so happy to have read this post! Take the time you need and remember to take care of yourself first ❤️❤️❤️
thank you for the update, and crossing every finger & toe that the upcoming process runs smoothly and that your stress levels even out a little as soon as possible. i know "take your time" isn't really feasible atm, but i hope you're able to at least get some breathing room & treat yourself kindly until there Is some time & space for a break thanks for sharing as much as you do! i look forward to seeing the patreon return when the time comes 🫶🏻🫶🏻
It’s really brilliant of you to share all of this. Look after yourself. We’ll be here to support and cheer you on when you need it (and probably even when you don’t.) 🍂❤️
You’re amazing dear. I just hope you know that you have so many fans who appreciate the work you’re putting in! Volume 5 was fantastic and so will Volume 6. You don’t need big dramatic villains or trips. You’ve created a beautiful story and slice of life stuff is equally amazing
sending you so much love alice !!!! i hope you’re taking care of yourself as much as you can 💓💓💓💓
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that was a lot of information. good luck to you to finish everything on time and with your own satisfaction. from the reader point of view i feel like we really do not waiting for v6 to have a new plot-line but more character driven as you said. but i feel like you need to believe what you and just you want to say and forget about us, because it will work the best way, it always does.
so glad to hear from you!! 💖 please keep taking care of yourself, thank you for the little update
Take care, Alice. I have nothing but trust in you for the eventual conclusion of Nick and Charlie's story, but you need to look after yourself first and foremost! Sending love x
Thank you Alice! You have created something so special with Heartstopper, I really love and appreciate all your work and am looking forward to everything in store. Look after yourself ❤️
On behalf of the tears in my eyes if you can’t fit the novella into volume 6 that’s okay, when I read it the first time I cried like a baby bc my boys were in pain😭 but also, importantly, I promise there’s no pressure to complete things asap. Maybe there are executives and fans out there who you think you have to bow to, but none of them are you. None of them have your inquisitive mind and capable hands, so they can respectfully shut the fuck up because you’re the one with the power to actually create what they all want. You’re rly cool and so deserve the peace to be cool all the time :)
Follow your heart on the Vol 6 story Alice - we will be so happy to read whatever you envision for Nick+ Charlie and crew! ❤️
Appreciate the update and hope you find a good balance with all the creative work ahead to savor the experience. Is there anything we can do to nudge Netflix to pick up Heartstopper for Season 4?
Alice, be kind to yourself! We will be here patiently waiting when you are ready to write. You owe us nothing. You deserve to rest. You are still worthy of rest and relaxation! Everyone else can wait. Everything else can wait. We love you and want you to be mentally and physically well. Plus I imagine your writing and creativity is better when you’re well rested. Thus, we will wait. Don’t worry about us. We’re fine. Season 3 will feed our heartstopper need by teasing us for the next few months. You rest. Don’t let this stress you out! Rest your body before it forces you to rest. Please! I say all of this with love.
it’s great to hear from you! keep up the awesome work :) ps: im traveling to london next week, any recs?? 🩷
Love the update 💜 thanks so much for sharing! Hope you take care of yourself as well! As much as we love new content, we can’t have new content without you, so you’re the nr.1 priority! That being said: I can’t wait for new updates and I totally get the way you’re going about posting updates here on patreon! I don’t blame you one bit and can’t wait to be totally surprised with how you all end it when the book launches!!
Absolutely support the idea of the epilogue not being here first, it's the right decision
I just want to say that I think about this a lot. How it must feel to be writing with a lot of people waiting. As a writer and someone who struggles being perceived, I am always trying to reach out to published authors and give my thanks to them for doing the hard things. Heartstopper was a major and extremely beautiful part of my journey in healing myself. Finding out i’m autistic. Revealing myself as queer to my husband. Allowing my inner teen to rest a bit. All of that was because I simply related to who you are and how you write. There are always folks who will not love what we do. And that’s ok. I don’t know how, but I hope for you to calm the noise and nerves and allow that sh*t to just roll past you. You are a truly awesome person. And your work has a BIG place in the world just as it is. 💚
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Hi Alice, it's so good to hear from you! I hope you're settling well into your new home 🫶 I wanted to ask: have you considered the option to let readers discover the Epilogue only once the book is out in physical form? Because, as I understand from your post, you won't be sharing the Epilogue on Patreon before you share it on Tapas, Tumblr, etc... but it will be posted on the usual platforms before the physical copies of Volume 6 are out. Or did I misunderstand? Sorry if my question makes no sense. Basically, I'm trying to ask: is it possible to discover the Epilogue on paper without any risks of getting spoiled? Also, do you have a vague idea of how long the Epilogue will be? Sending you lots of love and believing in you, always! 💖
I won't be sharing the epilogue on Patreon, but I will be posting it on Tumblr/Tapas/Webtoon so that everyone can read it at the same time together! I don't know when the Vol 6 book will be published, but I'd ideally like the webcomic to get to the end first before the book comes out (because books come out at different times depending on country, sometimes bookshops put books out too early, etc - lots of factors I can't control!)
Thank you for posting this! I hope you're taking care of yourself as well. Sending all the love <3
Aw! I'm so happy to read all this! Enjoy the process, we'll enjoy the result :)) Lot's of love from Paris actually haha
On a lighter note, how was New York ? ✨
"slice of life" sorry! (but I like the typo, though 😊)
I know that my words of encouragement and advice are likely completely meaningless, as I am a stranger on the internet, but you cannot prioritize other people's opinions when making art. You have to write the final volume for yourself and for the characters. The things that made people fall in love with the series to begin with are the things that made you fall in love with writing it. Try your best to block out the noise and focus on what excites you.
I hope the story will take us beyond the novella, but that's just my own personal little wish. I love that it's a slice of love kind of graphic novel, and that it's got it's own pace, and that it's character driven. That's precisely what drew me to it all those years ago. Thanks for bringing that to us and take care. Lots of love from France, Alice, we hope to see you here someday!
i think alice has mentioned before that it will go past the novella a little bit, unless that was something i imagined 😂
Thanks for updating us! I can't wait for everything you have in the works. Mental health is important so always take care of yourself as best you can ☺️
It's all about LOVE And Devotion. Whatever you write it'll be what it is. Your vision of nick and Charlie is yours and for us to appreciate. And my love and devotion to these characters ans and you as it's creator is absolute. 😀✌️😀
Take care! We will always be here.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this! Take care of yourself! I actually got to see Joe perform three times this year!!
hopefully you get some well deserved rest soon!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Thank you for continuing to make this content that is so meaningful to so many people!! I hope you can find some space for self care.
sending you love and writing juice !!!! 💖💖🧃🧃
How are you taking care of yourself? It sounds like you have a lot going on!
Baldur's Gate 3 is my go-to downtime activity right now!!