Louise O’Neill grew up in Clonakilty, a small town in West Cork, Ireland. After receiving an honours BA in English Studies from Trinity College Dublin, she went on to complete a post-graduate diploma in Fashion Buying from the Dublin Institute of Technology.
She moved to New York City in 2010 and spent a year there interning as an assistant stylist for the senior style director of Elle Magazine, Kate Lanphear.
Louise’s second novel, Asking for It, was published in September 2015 to widespread critical acclaim and was chosen as the Centre's One Campus, One Book in 2016.
Her writing often tackles sensitive and challenging topics relevant to young adults, including issues related to gender, sexuality, consent, and societal expectations.
Asking for It explores victim-blaming, the power of social media, and the complexities surrounding sexual assault cases.
Her books that followed have earned critical acclaim and have been praised for their relevance and social significance, resonating with readers of various ages and backgrounds.
In addition to her fiction writing, Louise O'Neill is an advocate for women's rights and gender equality. She is vocal about feminist issues and frequently participates in public discussions and events focused on empowering women and challenging societal norms.
Events
How I Write, Ireland interview, April 5, 2017
Lawrence Cleary engaged Louise in a public interview about her writing process and strategies.
He inquired into the context which informs not only the content of Louise’s book but how the story is told.
Audience members asked questions of Louise as a way of informing their own processes, practices and strategies.
Book reading and discussion, March 1, 2017
Louise O’Neill read a short passage from ‘Asking For It’ and will engage in a discussion about the book with Associate Vice President Academic Professor Sarah Moore and engaged in a Q&A session with the audience.