Hi Friend,
It's been a while since my last issue, but I'm back with some updates for my writing and the planned roadmap for Q3 2023. So, I have a few points I'd like to bring up, and I will get straight to it.
Lets talk about Austin Copeland
Austin Copeland is the love interest for Samual Eckhert, the protagonist in EIWT, and Austin also features in the stories Dumbstruck - Part 3, Sometimes With Reality and How I Live Now.
Even If We Tried
Since its inception in 2017, the story has been a stop-start journey for me, and when I reopened the project after a long absence in December 2022. What I thought would've been a quick turnaround turned into such a time-consuming task that all my free time dedicated to writing was spent primarily on this project. That's why you haven't seen many new projects being released. Granted, I presumably would've finished, Even If We Tried much sooner, if it weren't for my returning to university, but the progress has been slow but gradual. I am writing the book's third act and hope to finish it by July. So, to celebrate the book's progress, I thought it would be neat to share the artwork I created for Austin Copeland. I drew this illustration around December and shared it with my folks on Patreon. Now it's time I brought it over to folks here. So, we've got our first glimpse of what Austin looks like, and I think he's pretty cute. Tell me, for older fans of the original first draft, or for the new folks, is this what you expected Austin to look like? I'm curious to know your thoughts.
Austin has been through a great deal over the past few stories, and I'm thrilled to share more of his story going forward, as Austin, Sam and Ethan inspired me, and gave me the courage to write.
Heartbreak To Healing
Apart from writing EIWT, I've started a new side project to write on the side to escape the constant editing for Even If We Tried. The synopsis is as follows: Liam Sanders is a 16-year-old dumped by his ex-boyfriend via text. Feeling hurt and betrayed, Liam tries to forget about his ex by indulging in his hobby of collecting rocks and chatting with guys on a dating app. He eventually meets a new guy named Alex, and they hit it off, sparking a sense of hope for the future. With Alex, Liam feels he can finally move on from his ex and start fresh. The story is on Patreon, Gayauthors or Nifty, should you like to read it, and I plan to update it once or twice a week when I have some free moments.Links:
We Are Here: Volume 2
I plan to compile all the newer loose short stories since the first volume's release and offer them to readers who might have missed out on some awesome shorts. After a two-year exclusivity to my mailing list, I also plan to release It Would Be You for an extended audience. So, be sure to check in occasionally, as I'll be sharing artwork and release dates for those titles once they get closer to the time.
Misc:
I also plan to organise a live reading for the fourth anniversary of You, Me & Them, where you can read along with me, ask questions and discuss a little more about my trip to America this August, which I hope to organise a meet and greet for a fun afternoon. So, that brings me to the end of this addition, I hope you have a great week, and to implement a little something new, I thought I'd start up a new segment called Movie of the Month, where I'd drop a movie recommendation boarding on the same themes my books portray, which I'd think you'd probably enjoy.
Best,
D.K.
Movie of the Month - Hjartasteinn (2016)
Hjartasteinn is a heart-wrenching Icelandic drama film that tells the story of two teenage boys, Thor and Christian, who fall in love while dealing with their own personal struggles. The film explores themes of homosexuality, mental health, and the complexities of adolescent relationships. One of the most relevant themes in Hjartasteinn is the exploration of homosexuality. The film challenges societal norms and highlights the difficulties faced by those who identify as LGBTQ+. The movie portrays the struggle of the two teenage boys, Thor and Christian, who are struggles to show unconditional love for each other but are unable to express their feelings due to societal pressures and fear of rejection. The film depicts the emotional struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals face in the modern world and how it is important to accept everyone for who they are.
In addition, the movie also delves into the topic of mental health and the impact it can have on young people. The character Christian, for instance, struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, which are issues that are becoming increasingly relevant in today's society. The movie portrays the complexity of mental health issues and how they can affect individuals in different ways. It highlights the importance of seeking help and support from loved ones and professionals during tough times.
The filming style of Hjartasteinn is incredibly striking, with beautiful cinematography that captures the stunning Icelandic landscape. The director, Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, uses wide shots and long takes to create a sense of isolation and loneliness. This style perfectly captures the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. The film's beautiful cinematography and striking visuals take the audience on a journey into the lives of the characters and their struggles. The performances in Hjartasteinn are nothing short of exceptional. The two lead actors, Baldur Einarsson and Blær Hinriksson, give raw and honest performances that make the characters feel real and relatable. They convey the pain and confusion of adolescence with incredible nuance and depth. Their performances bring out the characters' complex emotions and make the audience empathise with their struggles.
In conclusion, Hjartasteinn is a beautiful and poignant film that tackles important themes that are relevant today. The stunning cinematography, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes make this movie a must-watch. It is a movie that will stay with you long after you have watched it and will make you think about the importance of acceptance and seeking help during tough times. Hjartasteinn is a masterpiece that deserves to be watched and appreciated by everyone.
Links Below: