With his latest release, 'We Could Be Something', Will Kostakis delves into the complexities of queer teenage experiences and family dynamics.
Kostakis shares insights into his writing journey, the inspiration behind his new book, and his perspective on the evolving landscape of queer storytelling. He began his writing career at the tender age of 19, and reflects on the challenges and growth he has experienced since his debut. With his eighth book, Kostakis acknowledges the significance of this milestone: "I'm really, really proud of this one,” he gushes.
'We Could Be Something' is a testament to his growth as he weaves together two separate stories that hold personal significance for him. One explores the author's experiences growing up in a vibrant Greek family, while the other delves into his journey as a teenage author. Kostakis skilfully merges these narratives, emphasising the transformation of queer experiences and societal attitudes over time. "What ended up uniting both of those [stories] was looking at how, not so much, queerness has changed, but the way that society deals with it and explores it,” Will says.
Having faced limitations and restrictions in the past, Kostakis notes a marked change in the publishing industry's attitude towards queer narratives. After originally being published as a straight author, he later came out and went on to write 'The Sidekicks', which featured a gay character, at which point he faced a startling reality. “I was, politely, but not really, told that I could no longer speak at Catholic schools because it was no longer appropriate for me to be a gay guy, teaching creative writing,” Will reveals. However, he recognises the progress made, from a time as recently as 2016 when he was being censored for his queer content to the current attitude of publishers, he laughs, "now publishing is like, 'make it gayer, make it gayer'!"
'We Could Be Something' not only centres around the experiences of a contemporary queer teenager (Harvey) but also delves into the lives of his gay parents and their separation. Kostakis aims to portray the evolving queer experience through multi-generational perspectives. By contrasting the struggles of the older generation (Harvey’s father Sotoris), with the more carefree and accepting attitude of today's youth (through Harvey), Kostakis sheds light on the changing dynamics of queer identity and acceptance against the backdrop of family and culture.
Kostakis is determined to continue exploring queer narratives and representing diverse experiences. Despite the potential challenges of book bannings spreading worldwide, particularly in certain school environments, he remains committed to giving voice to the stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
In fact, Kostakis plans to delve deeper into the ever-evolving landscape of queerness, hoping to depict more authentic and varied experiences. “I really want to sort of stay in this lane, keep exploring queerness as it shifts and as it changes,” he says. “I'm sure this is not the last iteration of it that we will see.”
After years in a complicated world ruled by publishers, his latest offering is also delivering a sense of freedom. “I spent the first ten years of my career not being allowed to write books that I thought spoke to my lived experience, and so that's obviously really freeing.”
'We Could Be Something' is a thought-provoking and deeply moving story that provides a unique and important voice in the Australian literary landscape.
'We Could Be Something' by Will Kostakis is out now.
