In Iceland, a headline recently proudly proclaimed that there would be “No More Downs Syndrome in Iceland.”
So they’ve found a cure, right?
Nope. Instead, doctors are using screenings and tests to detect which babies are most likely going to born with Downs so that they can be aborted.
Basically, they are–at a national level–saying that DS is so awful that everyone (family, friends, etc) would be happier if a baby is simply not born than to be born with Downs.
I’d love to introduce them to Isaac, the protagonist from my newest book, Special. Isaac has Downs, but he shows that in no way will he let that make him any lesser of a person. He is a messenger of love to both his family and friends, and in a week’s time I pray he becomes a messenger of love to my readers.
More than anything, Isaac is a symbol. He’s a symbol that represents every other person with Downs Syndrome or other disabilities. They don’t need to be condemned because they are different, but loved because they are special.
And that’s what Special is all about. Take notice, Iceland.
Here’s the synopsis, my friends:
“Isaac Treaux is special. His special is not like most people would assume, however. He is not special in regards of talent, physical gifts, or likelihood to succeed. He is the kind of special that made kids point at him and snicker from across the hallway. Isaac was born with a mild form of Down Syndrome, and with it comes constant bullying. This is why his classmates in the small town of Bryer Springs, South Dakota are confused when a beautiful cheerleader named Amber moves in next door to him, and the two instantly strike a friendship. Although Amber is almost the complete opposite of Isaac, the friendship becomes inseparable and Isaac begins to show how special he truly can be.”
Side notes: (Two Pieces of Exciting News)
For one, I concluded the revamping of Gifted, my YA action/adventure, magical realism, fantasy, dystopia, sci-fi, romance (I say that with a laugh). The bulky things ways in at about 100K words and is something I truly feel is special and has potential. Skye helped with the editing and revamping and also has fictionally adopted Marx, the protagonist, and is going to teach him not to have “the flirting skills of a baked potato.”
Second, I’m pumped to not only be going to the tremendous Louisiana Book Festival this October, but today I was invited to speak at the LSU Lab Middle School, where they will be buying copies of Creepers for every student! How crazy cool is that? I love to see my work in the hands of students, and I’m blessed that a lot more young readers will soon be diving into my debut novel.
ashore on a small island in the pacific. Doss is the only survivor of the wreck, other than an old-timey cassette recorder. In an attempt to keep a level of sanity, Doss begins to record journalistic summaries of his stint on the island. It is his way to fight off the loneliness.
6.5) Morning Radio Show with KC and Lindsey, and this will be a super exciting audio interview with my favorite Tulsa morning radio show. Don’t worry, I won’t be singing. Stay posted on this one, I will keep you up to date!
