Thanks for the emails and comments. The demand for a film version is certainly there — no less so from the writer and the producer!
Fortunately Rabbit Island has been secured as a location. Now to secure some more financing. A world under economic pressure. So it goes…
More updates soon.
I’m often asked if my novel, The Last Tobacco Shop in the World is an “anti-smoking novel.”
I suppose I should highlight one point right away: In the year 2040 tobacco, like many things, is under serious pressure. It’s being forced underground — illegal. I am not taking sides. It’s there to tell a story of a complex world and the people who live in it.
Film version coming soon….
The Last Tobacco Shop in the World. Soon to be a movie…you heard it here first.
Book available now on Amazon — print and Kindle.
d gallerie, Jalan Barito #3. See you on Wednesday, March 31 as Jakarta, a city of 15 million, experiences The Last Tobacco Shop in the World.
Jarangwa is less about spending time on a remote island than spending time with yourself wondering what you are doing on a remote island. Everyone has a reason for wanting to be isolated. Now why would someone want to write a book called, “The Last Tobacco Shop in the World” and set it on Jarangwa? Is this an island that promotes cigarettes? Do the owners of Jarangwa want people to smoke?
As Lawrence Prescott Jr , owner of Jarangwa, recently said to me: “I’m inspired by anything that people want to ban.” He went on to say, “This inspiration is not because I am against the ban it’s simply because banning something must mean it’s important…why else would people get so emotional about it?”
There are a few very emotional people on Jarangwa. They have opinions and they have stories. Have a look on Amazon and you can read about some of these stories… “The Last Tobacco Shop in the World.”
When you are sitting on a remote island that gets few — if any — guests at the one hotel that sits on that remote island, then the potential for some unique storytelling opportunities definitely exists.
The Last Tobacco Shop in the World will soon be a novel…followed closely by a film based on the (as yet) unreleased book. Several weeks ago I mentioned a video game. That may soon become reality as well.
Stay tuned for more stories from Jarangwa. Never a dull moment on this quiet little slice of rock.
Jarangwa is ripe for storytelling. I have a story to tell…and it’s coming out soon. Characters remain vital to every story. Indeed, this island, this hotel, has attracted a handful of memorable characters who provide colour to this far away land. What I’ve seen cannot all be reported…a novel is perhaps the “safest route” to telling this complex tale.
Isolation, with plenty of time to write. This story is weeks away from coming to life. The Last Tobacco Shop in the World. A novel and, as per one of my earlier posts, a potential video game, too (not to mention film and stage play as well).
Stay tuned. Updates to follow.
I’ve been sent some notes from people asking/wondering/shouting, “Where do you live?”
I live on Jarangwa. The island at the back of beyond. With the clocks ticking down to another new year, I’m making plans, wondering if I should remain here. The isolation is both liberating and difficult. I see the same 9 faces everyday. I can’t avoid them …and they can’t avoid me. I collect a paycheque for being a ‘kind host’. But it’s getting harder to disguise my frustrations. Can one be kind everyday? I can’t and nor can the guests. The owner of this island remains a mystery. But I understand why he hides. Pay someone else to do your work. He has the resources to do so.
Jarangwa will find a bigger audience — or not. Does that matter? Anton Brick lives here…I live here.
The author Vonnegut said that we have to be continually jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down. Kind of how I’ve lived my life since childhood. Jarangwa is proving no different. My leaps are perhaps becoming a bit more daring as a I get older. Shouldn’t the leaps become easier with age — or at least a little less bold?
I’ve made strides. Found new courage. Surrounded by smokers on a smokers’ island. The last of its kind — maybe. Middle of the sea. Middle of nowhere. Tiny but oozing with bravado. I dare you to stop us. Lawrence never once said that…but he knows the risks. He is the owner of his own autonomy. His autonomy reigns supreme.
Come to Jarangwa and grow wings.
