Are You Perfectly Adequate?
DRUM ROLL …
Let’s talk books. I mean, if you’re not here for that, then it’s just a little creepy.
Did you read Look the Part? If not, I’m not mad, just disappointed. It’s translated into multiple languages, and it’s available in audiobook for you multitasking geniuses.
Anyhoo … I’ve had so many requests for Harrison’s story. He’s the autistic son in Look the Part—for those of you who have epically disappointed me by not reading this story. And because I don’t actually listen to you, I decided to write Perfectly Adequate aka Not Harrison’s Story. I’ve been telling everyone that if you loved Look the Part, you will love this story. I’m basing that on nothing in particular. It just seems like good marketing since Look the Part did so well.
You will soon meet Dorothy Mayhem. And you will discover she is not Harrison. Yes, they are both on the spectrum. But to quote Dorothy (which I do a lot) …
“The spectrum is human. It’s not autistic.”
But for ease of explanation, let’s just say the spectrum reference is ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). You probably know someone on this spectrum, and even if you’re thinking, “No, Jewel, I really don’t.” Let me just tell you … you do.
I digress …
Dorothy Mayhem is an adult character on this beautiful, colorful, neurodiverse spectrum. This is not a book about autism. It’s a love story with SO much heart. I dare you to not fall in love with these characters and their REAL LIFE struggles.
Many parts of this story have been—let’s just say “inspired”—by people in my life. I had a plethora of stories shared by friends and my own firsthand accounts of navigating relationships. That fine line between love and hate really isn’t even a line. It’s a jagged edge that can cut you, letting you bleed out, not knowing if the pain you feel is because you love someone or hate them.
“Had I not loved her right down to my soul, I wouldn’t hate her so much.”
I met Kim Holden for coffee a few months ago. And she said something along the lines of writing life stories, not necessarily love stories. This resonated with me so much. I’m a sucker for love stories. I always have been. But they don’t feel right to me if there’s not a solid dose of life in the story.
I can say with absolute certainty … these characters are LIFE! And the “villain,” if there is one, is ME! Okay, not me exactly, but her name is Julie. I took forty-four years of fears, self-doubt, and emotional instability, and poured it into this character. I let her be the voice for women I know who have hit these crossroads in their lives like hitting a concrete wall going seventy miles per hour. Oh the destruction and guilt!
You’ll see. ; )
So … in a little over a month, I’m giving you a patient transporter/nursing student, two doctors, a three-year old boy, two endearing families, and a couple of emus. I hope you let yourself fall in love with these characters because they are so incredibly special. <3
“Dorothy Mayhem sex involves a playing field—maybe a battlefield—a time clock, and placement medals.”
Coming September 29
Dr. Elijah Hawkins needs … something.
After his wife jumps headfirst into a midlife crisis, he’s left with his young son, Roman, and a lot of unanswered questions.
That something turns out to be a someone—Dorothy Mayhem, nursing student, patient transporter, reckless driver, and emu owner.
Dorothy studies humans, the neurotypical kind, through books and television. Then she emulates their behavioral patterns to fit in with her peers.
But nothing can prepare her for Dr. Elijah Hawkins.
Single dad.
Brilliant pediatric oncologist.
And the sexiest doctor at the hospital.
When his failed attempts at asking her out turn into a string of playdates with his son, Dorothy finds herself unexpectedly enamored with the boy and his father.
And that’s a problem, a huge one, because Elijah’s ex-wife is a famous plastic surgeon—and Dorothy’s idol.
Perfectly Adequate is a beautiful, hilarious, and heart-felt journey along the “human” spectrum.