Meet my work-in-progress, Scars of Freedom 🦅
Hi there!! I’m a young writer and artist working on an illustrated war novel, Scars of Freedom! Here’s an introduction to the book and the characters, as well as some of the artwork.
Most the artwork I post here is from Scars of Freedom, an illustrated war novel I’m currently working on. It’s also my passion project that I started 2-3 years ago, and I hope you guys like it!
Let me know if you have any questions about the plot or any of the characters!
QOTD: who’s your favorite character?
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Scars of Freedom: It is 1943 and the world is engulfed in flames. Driven, passionate, and idealistically patriotic, young Lawrence ‘Lawrie’ Belitz is not just an outcast but a promising, talented writer living in Manhattan. Tired of being seen as a loser and eager to take up arms to serve his country, he and his friends Ben O’Malley and Stan Carter join the U.S. Army together.
Evan Levy, Sam the medic, Lt. Artie Woods, Sergeant Walker among others, as well as Lawrie and his pals Ben and Stan, become the members of 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Able Company. Lawrie, once outcast and bullied, proves himself to be a capable soldier and leader, earning him respect in Able Company.
Soon enough, Lawrie and his squad embark on what is now known as D-Day and they see the brutality unfold on Omaha Beach. As he and his fellow soldiers push deeper into Nazi-occupied Normandy, he soon begins to long for the ease of youthfulness. He fights not only to protect freedom as he knows it, but to preserve what’s left of his humanity.
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As someone who has read multiple war novels and enjoys historical fiction, I find that illustrated works like "Scars of Freedom" offer a unique and immersive experience. The combination of visual art with storytelling helps bring the harsh realities and emotional toll of WWII to life in a way words alone might not fully capture. Lawrence 'Lawrie' Belitz stands out as a compelling protagonist because of his background as an outcast and a talented writer struggling to find his place. His motivations—fighting not only for his country but to hold onto his own humanity—strike a realistic and emotional chord. Many war stories focus on grand battles but lose sight of the personal struggles soldiers face internally. This novel seems to balance both brilliantly. The presence of a diverse ensemble of characters like Ben O'Malley, Stan Carter, and Evan Levy adds depth and portrays the varied American experience during the war. Their backgrounds—from immigrant roots to religious beliefs—highlight the social challenges they face in addition to the external conflict. This inclusion broadens the novel’s scope and fosters empathy for all walks of life contributing to the war effort. The depiction of D-Day and Omaha Beach provides an authentic and brutal setting, anchoring the story in one of the most pivotal moments of WWII. Readers can expect to see the camaraderie, fear, loss, and courage that define such a historic event. If you, like me, appreciate passionate character development and intertwining themes of patriotism, injustice, and the cost of war, then following the progress of this ongoing work will be rewarding. The anti-war sentiment mixed with a deep respect for those who fought offers a nuanced perspective often missing in traditional war novels. Remember to keep an eye out for updates as the author refines drafts and expands on this passion project. Ultimately, "Scars of Freedom" promises to be a powerful exploration of what it truly means to love one's country amid the horrors of battle, making it a must-read for historical fiction and war story enthusiasts.
QOTD: who’s your favorite character?