Having just finished "My Stand In," where Up (Gene) delivered a captivating performance, I was curious to explore his earlier work in "Lovely Writer." While both series feature Up in leading roles, "Lovely Writer" adopts a decidedly lighter tone. It's a charming and heartwarming watch, perfect for unwinding after a long day. However, when compared to the depth and complexity of "My Stand In," "Lovely Writer" feels a touch less substantial.

The characters in "Lovely Writer" are a delightful bunch. Up portrays Gene, a university student who dreams of becoming a novelist. He's paired with Kao, played by Kao (Nubsib), a fellow student and aspiring actor. Their journey from initial misunderstandings to a blossoming romance is both endearing and entertaining. However, the series falters slightly in its character development. The central conflict, where their relationship faces disapproval from their parents, is resolved rather quickly, leaving some room for a missed opportunity in terms of emotional payoff.

Another character, Aoey, initially comes across as sweet and supportive of Gene. However, his personality takes a peculiar turn later in the series, bordering on cringe-worthy and out of character. This inconsistency could have been rectified by giving Aoey a more defined antagonistic role. Up's performance is commendable, though it leans towards a more reserved portrayal compared to his more dynamic role in "My Stand In." Kao delivers an acceptable performance, but his character could have benefited from greater depth in his expressions. The supporting characters, including Gene's and Nubsib's families, are portrayed by familiar faces from Thai dramas and add a touch of warmth to the narrative. Notably, the revelation about Gene's father having a boyfriend before marrying his mother sheds light on his initial resistance to accepting his own relationship with Nubsib.

The plot of "Lovely Writer" revolves around the blossoming romance between Gene and Nubsib, fueled by their shared passion for storytelling. The series incorporates the unique concept of their fictional novel reflecting their real-life experiences. This adds a layer of meta-humor and keeps the narrative engaging. However, some conflicts, such as the aforementioned parental disapproval, are resolved rather swiftly, diminishing the potential for emotional impact. The series also introduces the intriguing character of Mhok, who could have played a more significant role in influencing Aoey's character development. An interesting aspect of the drama is the inclusion of a scene where producers, directors, and the CEO intervene to discuss the future of Gene and Nubsib's relationship. This scene adds a touch of realism, reflecting similar situations that might occur in the real BL production world.

"Lovely Writer" is a light and enjoyable watch, offering a delightful escape into the world of BL novels and budding romance. While the series stumbles slightly in its character development and occasional pacing issues, it makes up for it with its charm and feel-good atmosphere. If you're looking for a heartwarming and relaxing drama, "Lovely Writer" is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. However, if you crave something with more depth and emotional complexity, you might find "My Stand In," featuring a more nuanced performance by Up, to be a more satisfying choice.