I knew it the moment he was diagnosed with his disability.
I knew it before I knew I'd become a writer.
His story needed to be told.
This year is the year I will put this knowledge to action. And, in true Allred fashion, I'm going overboard.
I'm writing not one book (as blogged about before), but two. And I'm outlining a third book. This is in addition to the four nonfiction books about growing up in a family of ten that I'm re-releasing on Amazon, the six-book YA thriller series I'm self-publishing, 2 anthologies I'm participating in, and a YA urban fantasy I hope to pitch to a traditional publisher in June.
Am I insane?
I've been putting off my "Jacob" books for years, telling myself I'd find time later. But in light of all the abortions based off a Trisomy 21 diagnosis, and some countries even trying to eradicate Down syndrome completely, I can't put it off any longer. These books must be written NOW.
With that being said, I'm putting a call out to any and all parents of children who have Down syndrome. I'd also like a select few people who don't have kiddos with Down syndrome but are closely affiliated with them - Special Education teachers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, doctors and nurses, therapists, etc. I'm looking for letters.
Why?
Because when Jacob was diagnosed, I was inundated with condolences. "I'm so sorry." "I don't know what to say." "What are you going to do?" Sometimes silence and shock.
Where were the congratulations and squeals of excitement I got with my other three children?
I aim to fix that with this book. This will not be a book filled with, "I was horrified and then I learned to love my baby."
This book will be, "Congratulations on having a new baby! Your life is about to embark on a new adventure. And it will be amazing!"
Am I going to candy-coat everything? Nope. But my emphasis will be on looking at the good rather than obsessing over the possibility of bad. Embracing the similarities rather than freaking out about the differences.
If you're interested in being a part of this letter, I want to hear from you!!!
