In the vibrant yet unforgiving world of Ottawa's art scene, Alex Emin-a struggling artist haunted by family trauma and romantic failures-fights to carve out his legacy while navigating the shadows of great creators like Michelangelo and Picasso. As he wrestles with ambition, love, and identity, Alex's journey unfolds as a raw and introspective exploration of the human spirit, blending the grit of modern realism with the timeless struggles of literary heroes. Freelancer is a poignant and richly textured tale of resilience, artistry, and the search for meaning in a world that demands both beauty and survival.
★★★★★ Praise for FREELANCER:
"Freelancer is a tour de force-a novel that captures the soul of an artist and the struggles of living for your craft. Cristian S. Aluaș has created a work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable."
Cristian S. Aluaș, acclaimed author and artist, invites readers into the raw, unfiltered world of FREELANCER a gripping novel that explores the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks of a young artist. Set against the backdrop of Ottawa's art scene, FREELANCER is a deeply personal and evocative tale of Alex Emin, a comic book illustrator and painter who dreams of transcending his freelance gigs to achieve artistic greatness. Through vivid prose and poignant storytelling, Aluaș captures the essence, the sacrifices, and the demands of the creative spirit.
The novel delves into themes of love, identity, and resilience, as Alex (a first generation immigrant) grapples with the complexities of relationships, the weight of family history, and the relentless pursuit of recognition. From intimate moments of vulnerability to the adrenaline of art shows, FREELANCER paints a vivid portrait of the artist's journey-one marked by passion, self-doubt, and the unyielding drive to create.
Cristian S. Aluaș brings authenticity to the narrative, drawing from his own experiences in the art world. His ability to blend fiction with the raw realities of creative life makes FREELANCER a compelling read for artists, dreamers, and anyone who has ever dared to chase their passion.
Featuring one of the most poetic beginnings and one of the most memorable endings.
Excerpt:
Dreams are funny...
I neared the driver's side of my father's truck, like a police officer giving a ticket. His window was open. I leaned my head in close to his. His bitter breath stung my nostrils but I welcomed it. He was out of breath. It felt like I was catching him at time of death. My face was close to his, nearly cheek-to-cheek and eye-to-eye. What he said next, he said without moving his lips. He spoke in neither Romanian nor English. He spoke in the most altruistic spirit I've ever heard from him. I wish you and this young lady well, he said. I want you to be as happy together as you could possibly be.
And that's when I woke up crying and angry. Angry that he was never willing to be hopeful like that when he was alive. And crying just because love hurts sometimes.
About the Author:
Cristian S. Aluaș is a Romania-born Canadian artist and writer, now residing in Chicago. With a background in animation and creative writing, he has thrived as a freelancer since 2002, earning over a thousand five-star reviews on platforms like Upwork for his work in illustration and comics. He's the creator of the "Big Boss" graphic novel series and author of IT'S A LIVING: Surviving as a Freelancer in the 21st Century. He now launches FREELANCER, a compelling novel that intertwines his experiences as a freelance artist with a poignant story of ambition, love, and self-discovery.
