When fiction reflects real life.

Hola from the back porch of my aunt’s Texas Hill Country ranch. My husband, cousin and I are listening to my nephew singing.

As a seventh-generation Texan from a long line of ranchers and farmers, it’s logical for my stories to explore the lives of those people I know. Using the setting that shaped me came naturally. Horses, dogs, cats, and various other animals are a part of my stories because they are a part of my life. The best thing about creating stories is I get to make sure everyone who deserves it gets a happy ending.

Life is too short and, at times, tragic for sad stories. So, I write about struggles that lead to happy endings.

The path to becoming a published writer is rarely straightforward, but for any neurodivergent individual, it can be fraught with unique challenges.

The Texan’s Journey Home is ironically closest to my own journey.

The Texan’s Journey Home is my 20^th book. For the first time, I used my personal experience of going through school with an undiagnosed learning disability to create my hero’s scar. Reno Espinosa has gone through life not knowing he was dyslexic. He dreams of being a firefighter but can’t pass the written exam.

Personally, I didn’t get dysgraphia diagnoses until I was studying education in college.

Dyslexia and dysgraphia are learning disorders (LD) that affect reading, writing and oral language-based processing skills. It is not a simple matter of “backward” letters. Think about b, d, p, q – what if the line and circle shifted on you – how can you tell them apart?

It significantly impacts a person’s educational and personal development. When a learning disability remains undiagnosed, the challenges it presents can be misinterpreted as laziness, lack of intelligence, or behavioral issues.

My hero learned to cover it up by smiling and making a joke out of everything.

People with undiagnosed a LD, often internalize the struggle and blame themselves and are afraid of asking for help. The difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. The fear of judgment and the constant comparison to peers can further erode self-confidence.

I was an avid reader. Growing up, I probably spent more time in a book than with real people. So, I didn’t understand why I had a problem with spoken words, grammar and spelling. I would know all the answers on a test but would fail it because the answers were spelled wrong.

Making up stories was how my brain liked to spend time, but I didn’t have the confidence to try and write them.

I mean the message was clear. If I couldn’t spell, I couldn’t write. That was the falsehood I believed until I was almost forty.

People have asked me to speak about the journey of a published author with a learning disability, but it never occurred to use that experience for a character.

Until Reno. He needed a turning point to find his place and purpose in life.

The journey from undiagnosed to a purpose-driven life often involves a turning point—a moment of recognition, a diagnosis, or a newfound strategy that unlocks potential. This for me is where reality and fiction meet.

Turning points can take various forms:

• Diagnosis: Receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia can be a life-changing event. It explains the struggles experienced and opens doors to support and accommodations. With a diagnosis, I understood the problem. It was freeing to understand it had nothing to do with my intelligence. For Reno, I brought in Lyrissa Martinez. The heroine is a trained special ed teacher who recognizes the signs and sees the strategies Reno has been using to cover his inability to read. She sees him, the real man he is hiding.
• Self-Discovery: Some individuals may discover their own learning style and develop coping mechanisms that enable them to navigate the challenges of their LD. This is what I did in college as I earned my master’s degree in special ed. Again, I used Lyrissa to walk Reno through ways he can learn. Movement can be a big help for processing new information. In a traditional classroom this can cause problems.
• Mentorship: A supportive mentor or teacher can play a crucial role in recognizing potential and providing guidance and encouragement. I meet a woman you might know. Jodi Thomas. She was amazing and inspirational. Every time I heard her speak; I grew in confidence. Lyrissa does this for Reno.

Of course, Lyrissa has lessons she needs to learn too. Reno’s charming smile and ability to live in the moment, helps her open-up and trust herself to live her fullest life. Truth be told Reno and Lyrissa might be my favorite couple from all my books.

Recognizing strengths, celebrating achievements, and seeking positive feedback is something all of us could use a little more of. And I think reading romance is just one way to do that for ourselves.

The Power of Perseverance

One of the strongest lessons I have taken from Jodi Thomas is the power of perseverance. No matter the obstacle, it is perseverance that gets us through the hard times and into success.

The journey from an undiagnosed learning disability to being a published author or a first responder is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in your faith. This is why I write what I write.

Despite the challenges, neurodivergent individuals can and do achieve remarkable success in the literary world and beyond. Their unique perspectives and experiences can enrich their lives and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles.

Here I am, signing copies of The Texan’s Journey Home at The Boerne Bookshop.

Reno and Lyrissa’s story can be found in The Texan’s Journey Home and is available now in Walmart and anywhere books are sold.

The link is the direct link to Harlequin.

A surprise homecoming…

Could give him a second chance.

Working as a ranch hand isn’t Reno Espinoza’s dream job, but it lets him keep his lifelong secret hidden. Until an accident on the ranch leads him to unintentionally reveal his learning disability to his childhood crush, Lyrissa Martinez. Teaching Reno to read is no trouble for the special ed teacher, but his carefree attitude reminds her of a past she’s trying to move on from. As the two spend more time together, can they help each other heal old wounds for a chance at forever?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

I haven’t seen many books with a lead character with a learning disability. Have you. Do you have a certain type of hero you love reading? I’d love recommendations to any book you have recently enjoyed.

I’m delighted to give away one print copy The Texan’s Journy Home to a U. S. resident. Please leave a comment below.

Jolene, a seventh-generation Texan, knows, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that dancing in the rain never gets old.
Her stories are full of family, faith, and grit. Spoiler, they all end with a happy-ever-after. She loves spending time with her four kids, and can be found at jolenenavarro.com and fb @ jolenenavarroauthor