This author wrote a coming of age novel set in the WA town he grew up in. Now, it’s a TV show
West Australian author Holden Sheppard never imagined the Mid West town he grew up in would become the backdrop for a television show.
He also never imagined that show would be based on a novel he wrote.
Invisible Boys author and self-confessed ‘Gero derro’ Holden Sheppard. Credit: Minderoo
A self-described “Gero derro” – someone from Geraldton, for those who need clarification – Sheppard wrote Invisible Boys based on his own experiences growing up in the regional town.
“I just wanted to write what I know and tell it like it is,” he said.
“I tried to depict it as honestly as I could, which is all the good parts of Gero that I love – I have bulk affection for that town – and all the rough parts as well.”
Invisible Boys is a coming of age novel which follows a group of teenage boys coming to terms with their homosexuality in a town where their identity feels invisible, set against the backdrop of the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite.
The book discusses masculinity, anger and suicide through this lens.
“It can feel very isolating and certainly, that’s how I felt growing up gay in the country. Am I the only gay in the village? Where are my people? You do feel like you need to get out to find yourself,” Sheppard said.
“I think that’s why the book and now the series are connecting with so many people. The core audience is gay and bisexual men who can really relate to these boys, but to be honest, every human knows how it feels to be lonely or to feel a bit ashamed or to feel like you don’t belong.
