By his mid-30s, John Green had become a well-known author and content creator. His debut novel, Looking for Alaska, earned a prestigious award in the young adult literature category. Alongside his brother, Hank, he co-founded the popular YouTube channel Vlogbrothers, where they posted videos on a wide range of topics. Their combined income allowed them to buy a home, start a family, and live comfortably in Indianapolis. In 2012, Green published The Fault in Our Stars, a book that sold over 20 million copies—enough for every person in New York to have one, and more. The novel was adapted into a movie in 2014, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, which became a blockbuster, grossing over $300 million globally. Following this success, Hollywood began adapting Green's other books as well. Today, Green is one of the most recognizable authors in the world, having written several bestsellers, including a new young adult novel and two nonfiction books. His YouTube channel, now with over 4 million subscribers, continues to explore diverse topics, from giraffe behavior to political issues. Despite his fame, Green remains ambivalent about his popularity. In a recent interview, he described the experience as “empty calories,” suggesting it doesn’t truly nourish him. He explored these mixed feelings in his new book, Hollywood, Ending, released this week. The novel follows two young actors who make a film about Andy Warhol, fall in love, and struggle to maintain their sanity as they navigate the pressures of the internet and Hollywood. It’s Green’s first novel in nearly a decade and his first written for adults, yet it retains the themes that have defined his work—namely, the belief that art and human connection can help people survive difficult times. In the interview, Green reflected on the moral complexity of the attention economy and his experiences as a pioneer in YouTube content creation. He explained that his journey to fame began with the success of The Fault in Our Stars in 2012, a time when he felt both excited and trapped by the nature of celebrity. He noted that fame can feel both exhilarating and claustrophobic, as people often see celebrities as more than or less than human. Green admitted he initially sought fame to feel liked, as he struggled with loneliness in middle school. However, he now sees fame as empty and believes that real connection—through relationships—is what truly sustains people. Green also discussed the challenges of online presence and the role of social media in modern life. He acknowledged that while fame and online visibility can be corrosive, they are often necessary for professional success. He criticized his brother Hank for his recent use of AI in his creative work, suggesting that trying to share everything from one’s mind can be unhealthy. He emphasized the importance of nurturing real-life relationships over seeking validation online. In Hollywood, Ending, Green invites readers to engage deeply with the story, bringing their own experiences and emotions into the narrative. He described writing fiction as a vulnerable and intimate process, one that requires exploring parts of oneself that even close friends may not know. Ultimately, Green hopes the book encourages readers to take control of their online presence and understand the power they hold as creators in the digital age. Hollywood, Ending is now available from Dutton Books.