Hadley Freeman, Guardian features writer, Vogue contributor and author of the popular ‘Ask Hadley…’ column, has recently compiled her wisdom into one handy bible for women under 40- ‘ Be Awesome’. Hadley fills its pages with witty gems that will make you feel like you've found a kindred spirit; ‘Being single is often awesome. You can leave a party when you want to, whether that be 9pm or 9am; you don't have to live in fear of ever hearing yourself described as “my better half”; and you can spend all day lying on the sofa in your pajamas watching “Murder She Wrote” and eating peanut butter straight out of the jar’.  Covering topics from ‘How to read women’s magazines without wanting to grow a penis’ to ‘Beyond the armpit: a guide to being a modern day feminist’, ‘Be Awesome’ tackles body image, sex, dating and feminism head on. 

We had a brief chat with Hadley about feminism, fashion and how to be awesome.

KA: When did you first hear the word feminism?

HF: In all honesty, I can't remember, but probably as a child. I first got more interested in feminism when I read Nora Ephron's book, Crazy Salad, in my mid 20s and then much more so when I read Gail Collins' history of feminism, When Everything Changed, in my late 20s.

KA: It's been kind of depressing hearing certain, otherwise kick-ass female popstars reluctant to identify themselves as feminists- why do you think this is?

HF: Because, simply, feminism still has a long way to go and some of the advances feminists made in the 60s and 70s came a bit undone in the past 30 years. But ultimately, the responsibility lies with the celebrities: if they're too scared to admit they believe in equal rights for women, then they should send back their right to vote.

KA: My boyfriend reads your Guardian column religiously which I love because it means he's exposed to feminism through your writing that I guess doesn't come across as too preachy, angry or intimidating. I feel like there've been some great feminist publications out recently, but aimed solely at women- do you sometimes worry that we're forgetting to include men in the discussion? (Another example- I ruddy love The Mindy Project, and so does my other half- now that I've forcibly held him down through the intro sequence, which is so painfully squeaky I doubt any other man has made it through to the actual show)

HF: That probably is true - most men do tend to think of feminist books, articles and events as being for women and not men. But in all honesty, I think some blame has to be attributed to the men, too. I don't only read things that I think are addressed specifically to me. Go outside your comfort zone occasionally, guys!

KA: Before 'How to be Awesome' you wrote 'The Meaning of Sunglasses-a guide to almost all things fashionable'; do you feel like you care less about fashion as you get older? These days I tend to feel I'm more inclined to read about and spend money on a luxury SPF, or a nice holiday or fairtrade chocolate than I am to invest time lusting after gorgeous handbags that cost 4 months' rent. Fashion-wise, I'm still happy to spend money on super comfortable pyjamas. Is this cos I'm getting old?

HF: I don't think I'm less interested in fashion, I'm just bored with the fashion industry. I really couldn't be bothered with the fashion shows anymore, watching all those ridiculously underfed Estonian teenagers marching up and down, and I couldn't be bothered with most fashion magazines. I definitely spend money on holidays, chocolate and moisturisers, but I did also buy a Julie Verhoeven for Vuitton bag on ebay last week, so the weakness is still there.

KA: What advice do you wish you'd been given when you were in your twenties?

HF: Not to take myself so seriously, not to worry all the time about what people think of me and not to bother with guys I don't actually like.

KA: How to be Awesome has received great reviews- it's also led some critics to say that you should write a novel. Is this something you'd consider?

HF: That's very flattering and I would love to write a novel, but I haven't thought of a good enough plot yet. I also wouldn't want to write a novel that is blatantly autobiographical so that's another sticking point.

KA: How do you learn to deal with negative feedback- in reviews, in comment feeds and on twitter? Have you had to develop a thick skin?

HF: It's always hard when you first get negative feedback but after a while you learn to deal. As long as you believe in the article or book, that's all that really matters.

KA: Do you miss America? How long have you lived in London- does it feel like home yet? What's your favourite way to spend a weekend in town? Where do you walk your dog?HF: I sort of miss America, but not much. I was living there for a few years in my early 30s and am very happy to be back in London as it does feel like home to me. It's a very boring answer but all I really want to do on weekends is spend time with my boyfriend and friends, I don't much mind what we do. If my dog is lucky, we go to Hyde Park but mainly he just gets little walks to the shops or around the neighbourhood.

Buy 'Be Awesome' here and you can catch Hadley in person at Latitude.