WRITING JOURNAL: When I set out to create the character of Fiona for my novel GRONE, I hoped she would embody resilience, strength, and the indomitable human spirit. These attributes, while powerful in fiction, often find their truest expressions in real life. And I found my real-life inspiration for Fiona in the awe-inspiring journey of Jacqueline Saburido.
In September 1999, Jacqui, then 20 years old, was a college student in in Austin, Texas. One night, while returning from a party with friends, her car was struck by another vehicle driven by a drunk 18-year-old. Two of her friends died in the accident. Jacqui was trapped inside the burning car and suffered severe third-degree burns over 60% of her body. The burns significantly disfigured her face, altering her appearance dramatically. Her hair, ears, nose, lips, and eyelids were burned away. Jacqui also lost her fingers, which significantly impacted her ability to perform basic daily tasks and required significant adaptation and rehabilitation.
Her physical injuries, while extensive and debilitating, were just one aspect of the challenges Jacqui faced. The emotional and psychological trauma of enduring such a life-changing event, losing her friends, and adjusting to a new life and appearance added another layer of adversity. Her resilience and determination in the face of such overwhelming odds were truly remarkable. Jacqui underwent more than 100 surgeries and procedures to treat her injuries, reconstruct areas of her body, and improve her quality of life.
What distinguishes Jacqui isn’t the tragedy that befell her, but the way she faced it. Instead of retreating from the public eye, Jacqui decided to use her experience to help others. She became the face of several anti-drunk driving campaigns. Her story and images were used in advertisements, showcasing the severe consequences of driving under the influence. She emerged not as a victim but as a voice. Her indomitable spirit was evident when she said, “I don’t have anything to hide. I want to show the world what it can look like to have this kind of injury and try to do something positive with your life.”
I remember the first time I read about Jacqui’s story. The raw intensity of her experience left a deep impression on me. Here was a young woman who had faced unthinkable tragedy, but what stood out to me more than the tragedy was Jacqui’s response to it. Instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to rise, advocate, and become a beacon of hope. Her choice to be a voice against drunk driving, to share her story without hesitation, and to turn her pain into purpose, was deeply moving. Her courage reminded me that even in the face of profound adversity, the human spirit could thrive.
It has been an immense honor to draw inspiration from Jacqueline Saburido’s journey for Fiona’s character. Every time a reader encounters Fiona in GRONE, I hope they see a reflection of Jacqui’s spirit, feel the weight of her journey, and are inspired by her resilience. Through Fiona, I hope to pay homage to Jacqui and all real-life heroes who teach us the true meaning of strength, perseverance, and the incredible ability of the human spirit to rise above adversity.
