I’ve been writing my first fictional book ever. It has been quite the experience.

I will tell you writing fiction is so different than writing a college paper. A year ago when I started this journey, let’s just say, I was a little green behind the ears. I was so naïve to the proper rules and etiquette of fiction.   Like the dreaded passive verbs (was/were/had) and ‘ly’ words. These are a big no-no in fiction (who would a thunk).

I can remember growing up reading romance novels (starting about junior high/high school). I love them. I eventually converted over to adult romances. I can remember thinking, “Oh I would love to be able to write this kind of book.” But I had no real draw to write.

English had never been my forte. To be honest, when I graduated high school and took the entrance exam for the community college, I couldn’t even test into English 101. I had to start in English 097, three below. It sucked but it was what it was.

I actually didn’t finish that first semester because I decided to go from the Army reserves to active duty. Then six years later I was able to test right into English 101. Not really sure what happen (I somehow got magically smarter) but it was kewl.

I think I’m getting just a little off track here (you should try talking to me in real life). Back to why I’m talking about right fiction. I just finished the first draft of my book on Saturday night. Right now the book’s title is Unchoiced Blessings. I took the word I came up with, unchoices, and used it in the title. Just like Mari’s death was an unchoiced blessing, so is the same for the main character in my book.

Her name is Catalina Russo. She is a strong woman, more than she even realizes at this point. I have been able to put a little bit of me into her.

I plan to eventually get this book published and then I want to use part of the proceeds to go to the foundation I will start in Mari’s name. I want to start a scholarship program for individuals who want to get a degree to teach child who have autism. I want the program to grow big enough to where I can give a full ride scholarship for four years. I know to begin with it will be small but through God all things are possible.

This book will be able to do that for me.

Now you might be asking, “But what happened to Mari’s book?” Don’t worry. I’m still in the process of writing her book. However, I had to put it on hold. God took me in another direction. He told me I needed to learn the fiction process of writing first so I could implement this into her book. Her book will become more alive as a result. I’m going to go back to college to earn a degree in creative writing for both fiction and non-fiction. I want her book to be able to be used a tool to help others out there. I want people to see that good things can come out of tragedy. That an everyday person, me, not a celebrity, can make it through terrible tragedy and still be okay.

I have big hopes and dreams for her book. I know through God all things are possible. We just have to pray and believe.