Young LGBTQ author to launch debut novel in Bristol

A young LGBTQ author is launching his debut novel at Waterstones in the Galleries this month.

“The Waterfall Warrior is a fantasy novel with a bit of a twist,”  says author Owen B Lewis, who studied creative writing at UWE Bristol.

“We read lots of stories where the main character falls into another world, but we rarely see the impact it has on the loved ones that have to deal with their disappearance.”

In this way, The Waterfall Warrior subverts expectations of fantasy literature, and brings a fresh perspective to some common tropes of the genre.

Owen B Lewis, author of The Waterfall Warrior. Photo: Owen B Lewis.

Although the fantasy genre is not necessarily one that is well known for strong queer representation, Owen hopes this will change in the future.

“Queer representation [in fantasy literature] has got better, but it still has a long way to go,” says Owen.

“LGBTQ+ is a genre in its own right when it shouldn’t be. We don’t call stories about heterosexual characters ‘straight fiction’.”

“We just need more representations of sexuality and identity in other genres of books.”

“I think this can be improved easily by just having more ordinary same sex relationships and queer identities within the story and not making it a big deal.”

For his part, Owen works to address this in The Waterfall Warrior; one of the four characters who tells the story is gay. In contrast to many depictions of LGBTQ+ people in fiction, this character’s queer identity is not the most dominant feature of his storyline.

“Callum, who is one of the main characters, happens to be gay. In the book I don’t make a big deal about it.”

“I don’t think I even use any words like ‘gay’ or ‘queer.’ He just happens to have a strong affection for this young man named Elliott Heartwood who he can only communicate through his mirror.”

The cover for the novel

The launch event is scheduled for September 28 at 7pm, and is the culmination of a year-long writing and editing process for Owen, who is excited to see people enjoying his work.

“It will be lovely to have a room filled with people who want to hear about my first novel.” he says.

“Some of these ideas have been bubbling their way inside of me for a while so it’s good that I finally put them in a story and now the story is out there for people to read it for themselves.”

A sneak peek of The Waterfall Warrior audiobook, as narrated by Darcy Keeble Watson. Audio via Owen B Lewis.

For those who prefer to listen than read, an audiobook version of The Waterfall Warrior will be released alongside the novel.

The audiobook is produced by George Harold Millman, who is also Owen’s partner; the two previously worked together on SQUARE,  a TV pilot which will be screened at Watershed later this autumn.

George narrates several chapters of The Waterfall Warrior audiobook, and will be reading extracts for attendees at the launch event. He’ll be joined by actor Darcy Keeble Watson, who also narrates chapters of the audiobook.

Author Owen B Lewis and partner George Millman have produced an audiobook of The Waterfall Warrior. Photo via George Millman

Although this is Owen’s debut novel, he has some pearls of wisdom to share with new writers:

“If you love stories and you enjoy writing your own, then don’t let anyone stop you.”

“Everyone has to start somewhere, and you never stop learning and improving, so if you are passionate about a story that you want to tell then go for it!”

The launch event takes place at Waterstones in the Galleries on September 28. To register for free tickets, visit www.waterstones.com/events/book-launch-with-owen-b-lewis-wilcroft-chronicles-the-waterfall-warrior/bristol-galleries

Read more: Episode five of the Bristol24/7 Queer Catch-Up: queer joy, fighting transphobia and LGBTQ+ TV

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