Writer Annie Lord reflects on the realities of modern dating, the influence of dating apps and her transition from memoir and journalism to fiction with the publication of her debut novel, *The Project*.

Lord first gained widespread attention after writing a viral essay about the end of a relationship, which led to her bestselling memoir *Notes on Heartbreak* and a successful dating column for British Vogue.

Her writing has earned a reputation for its candid exploration of romance, heartbreak and the complexities of relationships among millennials and Generation Z.

Her novel follows two friends living in south-east London who, frustrated by disappointing experiences with men, decide to 'improve' a male friend by helping him develop emotionally, socially and stylistically.Although inspired in part by people she has known, Lord explains that the characters are fictional composites drawn from many experiences.Through humour, the novel examines why many accomplished women feel disillusioned with contemporary heterosexual dating.

Lord argues that dating apps have reshaped expectations and behaviour beyond the apps themselves, encouraging a culture in which people are more likely to treat potential partners as easily replaceable.She believes this mentality has contributed to widespread dating fatigue, frequent cancellations and difficulty forming meaningful connections.

She also suggests that women often invest more effort in emotional growth than the men they encounter, creating an imbalance that many find frustrating.After years of openly documenting her own romantic experiences, Lord chose to stop writing her dating column in order to protect her personal life.She says fiction has given her greater creative freedom, allowing her to explore intimate situations without exposing real people.

Despite the disappointments she has chronicled throughout her career, Lord remains optimistic that she will eventually find a fulfilling long-term relationship.