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Alicia Discusses Her Grandfather as the Inspiration for Her Debut Novel, BREAKING FREE
by Alicia McCalla
When I was a little girl, my granddad made me feel like I was a princess. It was exciting to be the only grandchild for so many years. As I became an adult, I would regularly call my granddad to check-in and tell him about my life, adventures, and latest escapades. When I would call, I’d play a game with him. I’d ask him if he knew who I was because I never wanted him to forget that I was his first grandchild. He would laugh and tell me that he could never forget me because I was unique and that he’d always remember me because of my voice. He said, “How can I forget that you are my first granddaughter?”
The last few months have been difficult. When I call, it’s hard for my grandfather to remember who I am. He knows my voice and knows that I’m important but he oftentimes can’t remember my name. He’s been diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
When I began writing BREAKING FREE, I knew that I had to include my grandfather in some way. In his youth, he showed quick wit, brilliance, and intelligence. My granddad was a trailblazer but more importantly he was cool. So it was natural for me to use him as the inspiration behind XJ’s holographic grandfather.
In BREAKING FREE, XJ’s grandfather chooses to commit suicide rather than allow CAGE to swipe his mind. He sacrifices himself for the revolutionary cause and copies his consciousness into a super computer. As a holographic image, sometimes his body becomes corporeal and sometimes his memories are degraded but he’s able to use his genius to help XJ become a revolutionary leader in her Genetically-Enhanced world.
BREAKING FREE tackles controversial issues such as race, class, same-sex relationships and gender but there is also this connection to my beautiful grandfather. During this month of February, I will donate 10% of the profits for BREAKING FREE to an Alzheimer’s association.
I’m also sending a copy of BREAKING FREE to my granddad to read. I’m hoping that he’ll remember me, and I’m hoping that he’ll be proud.
About Alicia McCalla
Alicia is a member of Georgia Romance Writers. She is a native Detroiter who currently resides in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut novel, Breaking Free is available in print and for immediate download on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and other booksellers. To find out more information about Alicia or to sign-up for e-updates visit on her web site.
by Tammy Schubert
26 comments
My Father has Alzheimer’s. It’s hardest on my Mother. We do what we can. but she has him 24/7. I know I would enjoy reading BREAKING FREE.
Hi Mary, I’m sorry about your dad. I know how that can be. It’s so painful for everyone. Thanks for posting.
Hi Alicia,
What a sweet tribute to your grandfather. My Godmother has Alzheimer’s as well. Since I’ve moved away from it’s harder to connect. This last time when I went home, she didn’t recognize me for the first time. She’d ask me who I was. After a couple of times, she did remembered. It hurts, but I know it’s the illness, not her.
When things get worse, I’m determined to remember for both of us. The love is there and no one can take that away… ever.
Thanks for blogging with us and congrats on your debut novel. It sounds fasinating with deep themes.
Alicia,
We’re so happy to have you as a guest chef today. Congratulations and I wish you success with your new release. I loved the pictures of you and your grandfather. You are tackling a very important topic. My mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s and it seems to plague more and more families. As long as you remember your grandfather, his memories will stay alive.
Alicia.
Thanks for sharing your grandfather with us. I sounds like a wonderful man. Your book sounds wonderful.
Alicia, what an imaginative way to memorialize your grandfather. I know he will be proud. Alzheimers is such a horrible disease. I’ve known several people whose relatives are afflicted with it. I hope they find a cure for it soon.
Can’t wait to read BREAKING FREE. It sounds like an edge-of-your-seat story. Good luck with it.
What a fitting tribute, Alicia!
I have Breaking Free on my Kindle, and I’m diving into it this weekend. Can’t wait!
Sia, I understand about your God Mother. It’s heart wrenching. Thanks for your kind words.
Marilyn, I dug out the old photos. I remember my Grandad like that. So full of energy and fire.
Susan, I appreciate your thoughts. Hoping that people enjoy Breaking Free.
Linsey, They have that Aricept but it has side effects. I hope they find something that works a little better. Thanks for reading Breaking Free. Hope you like it.
JB, You are awesome. Thanks for much for all your support. You’re one of my best writing buds. Hope to see you soon
Alicia, I know your granddather would be proud of your work & your imagination. We have
Alzheimer’s in our family too & it’s so tragic.
Thanks Pamela, My grandad did receive my book and he was so excited.
Alicia, what a lovely tribute to your granddad and your story sounds interesting and fresh, what I’m always looking for!
Hi Dianna, so good to hear from you. You’ll probably like to see the result of Break Into Fiction. Thanks for your help with outlining Breaking Free. You and Margie Lawson taught me so much.
That was lovely, Alicia! It’s so hard when our parents/grandparents begin slipping away from us. I think it’s wonderful that you used something of him that will live on forever in your work.
BTW, why is it that everybody’s grandfather had one of those plaid sportcoats?
A very touching tribute to a great man.
Thank you for joining us today and sharing your story.
Alicia,
Best of luck with your sales of Breaking Free. I enjoyed hearing about the real life factors influencing your fiction story.
I’m sure your grandfather will be proud of your accomplishment.
Alicia,
Thank you for sharing from your heart…and the inspiration for the character in your book.
My father had Alzheimers, so I know what you mean about this being the hardest on your mother. Stay strong and good luck w/ your book.
Hey Alicia! It was wonderful hearing about your granddad, it’s even cooler knowing he’s the inspiration behind the grandfather in your story! I bet he remembers you…and that he’s very proud of the woman you’ve become.
Hi Alicia! I feel for ya. My dad has Alzheimer’s, too. He is in the later stages and hasn’t recognized me for years. It’s hard, but like you said, it’s the disease and not him or his lack of love for me.
I think this is the perfect tribute and I can’t wait to read the story.
Hugs!
Tami
You all are making me cry. Thanks so much for all your kind words and thoughts. I sincerely appreciate them. Awesome folks. Alzheimer’s hits families hard. I appreciate the loving thoughts and the support. Thanks so much.
Alicia,
I think that was wonderful for you to include your granddad, and know that somewhere in his mind, he is very proud of you! Breaking Free sounds like a good read – thanks!
Alicia, you rock. What a creative way to work a tribute to your grandfather into a futuristic book! I think I often end up writing about my grandmother, but she’s usually an actual sassy lady in the kitchen.
Good luck with Breaking Free!
Hi Alicia, What a great way to honor your grandfather! I just got my copy of Breaking Free, and I can’t wait to start reading it. P.S. I love the book’s cover! – Julienne
I’m a day late, Alicia, but I’m glad I took the time to stop by and catch up. Your post was beautiful. Your story sounds terrific and I have to believe that somehow your grandfather understands and is proud of you. Thank you so much for blogging with us.
Thanks Sally, Maxine, and Pam! I appreciate your kind words.
Okay dang it you made me cry! I can’t imagine how hard it is to deal with this decease. Its amazing that you honor your grandfather is so many ways, first by truly being a unique ‘voice’. You are a great person who deserves the best. Hurray for your wonderful grandfather!
OMG, Hildie. I don’t need to cry anymore. Thanks for posting.