Diamond Dust
Russ Swain with Michael McKinley
Adapted for screen by Michael McKinley
How a Nice Mormon Boy Became a Brilliant Counterfeiter
Step into the vivid and provocative world of Diamond Dust, where the daring life of artist Russ Swain unfolds in a thrilling blend of creativity, crime, and charisma. Born into a strict Mormon upbringing, Russ quickly discovers his passion lies beyond conventional boundaries—using art not only to captivate hearts but to cleverly rewrite rules. A brilliantly forged stamp launches his career, and soon romance and art become inseparable, blurring moral lines as beautifully as his canvas.​
Diamond Dust is now in development for screen in an adaptation written by Michael McKinley for YourFlick.
What they're saying
“Confession. I picked up this book thinking that I'd be rolling my eyes at the sweetness of the importance of Mormon life. Russ Swain is more than his faith and is blessed with an artistic talent which runs the gamut, from when he is young to reproducing his mom’s signature to get out of school, to later reproducing Picassos! His talent knows no bounds – not even the law is the limit – and neither does his good nature. He will do anything for a friend, even forge money to cover a debt. Through his ups and downs, I came to cherish Russ, his character and his life. Written with the highly talented Michael McKinley, this book took me by surprise. This memoir was honest, compassionate, hilarious and wise. I loved it.”
~ Paul Milligan
“There is nothing like this utterly charming memoir! It is packed with a cast of loveable characters that made me giggle, like a wise hitchhiker and kind FBI agents, and filled with quirky events that had me laughing on every page – like being born in a can of beans! – and odd gifts – forging a Picasso for a friend. But at the heart of this very funny memoir is the great good heart of Russ Swain. Everything he does, even if it runs to the illegal side, will endear you to Russ. You’ll always cheer for him, and also for his excellent co-writer, Michael McKinley. And so this hilarious book beats with a warm heart of its own. I loved it.”
~ David Hoxer