This author wrote a coming of age novel set in the WA town he grew up in. Now, it’s a TV show

The Unlikely Journey of Holden Sheppard
Holden Sheppard, a proud West Australian author from Geraldton, never imagined that the small Mid West town he grew up in would one day become the backdrop for a television show. Even more unexpectedly, that show would be based on a novel he wrote, Invisible Boys. Sheppard, who affectionately refers to himself as a “Gero derro” (a term of endearment for someone from Geraldton), drew heavily from his own life experiences to craft this powerful and deeply personal story. His journey from a regional town to becoming a celebrated author is as inspiring as the story he has brought to life.

The Heart of Invisible Boys
Invisible Boys is a coming-of-age novel that follows a group of teenage boys navigating their homosexuality in a small regional town where their identities often feel invisible. Set against the backdrop of the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite, the book delves into themes of masculinity, anger, and suicide, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges of growing up queer in a rural community. For Sheppard, the story was deeply personal. He wanted to capture the essence of Geraldton—both the parts he loves and the parts he struggled with—as well as the isolation and self-discovery that often accompany growing up in a regional area.

A Story of Isolation and Belonging
Growing up gay in a small country town like Geraldton was not easy for Sheppard. He often felt isolated, wondering if he was the only gay person in his community. “Where are my people?” he would ask himself. This sense of loneliness and disconnection is a central theme in Invisible Boys. Sheppard believes that this feeling of isolation is something many people—regardless of their background—can relate to. “Every human knows how it feels to be lonely or to feel a bit ashamed or to feel like you don’t belong,” he says. It is this universal human experience that has made the book resonate with so many readers.

Why Invisible Boys Resonates
While Invisible Boys primarily speaks to gay and bisexual men who see themselves in the characters and their struggles, its appeal extends far beyond this core audience. The book taps into fundamental human emotions—loneliness, shame, and the desire to belong—that are universal. This is why the story has connected with so many people, transcending boundaries of identity and experience. Sheppard’s honest and unflinching portrayal of life in a regional town has struck a chord, not just because of its authenticity, but also because it reminds us that we are all searching for acceptance and understanding in our own ways.

The Role of Geraldton
Geraldton, or “Gero,” as it is affectionately known, is more than just the setting of Invisible Boys; it is a character in its own right. Sheppard’s bulk affection for the town is evident in his writing, which captures both its charm and its rough edges. The town’s culture, its sense of community, and its struggles all play a role in shaping the story. For Sheppard, writing about Geraldton was not just about telling his own story but also about giving a voice to the town and its people. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced view of life in regional Australia.

From Page to Screen
The news that Invisible Boys would be adapted into a television series was a surreal moment for Sheppard. He never imagined that his novel would reach such a wide audience or that it would be brought to life in such a way. Yet, as the story makes the leap from page to screen, it represents a profound opportunity to amplify the voices and experiences of those who often feel invisible. For Sheppard, this is not just about telling his own story but about giving visibility to the queer community in regional Australia and beyond. The television series promises to be a groundbreaking moment in Australian storytelling, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact of sharing our truths.