Author's Novel Features PKD

Riley hopes to raise awareness of disease with debut book

Jess Riley didn’t have a mission in mind when she began writing her first novel, Driving Sideways.  Instead, she stumbled into one.

Driving Sideways focuses on Leigh Fielding, a young woman with PKD.  Leigh has recently undergone a kidney transplant, and is experiencing uncharacteristic thoughts and feelings – almost as though she has inherited more than just a kidney from her donor.  One of these urges is a strong desire to travel cross-country, which Leigh decides to do, setting in motion a fast-paced, often capricious journey.

Riley says that she knew she wanted to write about the phenomenon of inheriting character traits from an organ donor, but she wasn’t sure which disease the character would have.  While doing background work for the novel, she learned more about PKD, and – like many people – was surprised by its prevalence.

“I was researching kidney disease and accidentally discovered PKD,” she said.  “I was shocked at how many people had it, and I thought, ‘Why haven’t I heard of this?’”

She added, “After some consideration, I thought it would be a good thing to try and help raise awareness of the disease.”

After Riley discovered PKD, it seemed that she began to hear more about it.  Coincidentally, Riley’s editor at Random House mentioned that her grandmother had passed away from PKD, and her uncle has the disease as well.

While working on the novel, the Wisconsin-based author sought the advice of several PKD patients she connected with through the PKD Foundation’s volunteer program.  Two people reviewed the book and offered suggestions that would help paint the disease in an accurate light. 

“When writing, I wanted to treat the disease with respect, and not be maudlin or expected,” she said.

It appears her efforts have succeeded, as Riley says that the PKD community has responded positively to the book.

“So far, everyone has been so receptive.  Everyone seems to be hoping that it will raise the visibility of the disease.”

And those who haven’t yet heard of PKD?

“You know, I’m finding that people are really curious, and they seem surprised they hadn’t heard of it before,” she said. “They’re happy to learn about it, and it’s really nice to do whatever I can to raise the visibility of the disease. I have friends who were really touched by the story and are now keenly interested in PKD, and in the welfare of my friends who are affected by it.”

The author says that the process has been a bit of a whirlwind thus far, and she is learning to deal with press junkets, signings and book readings.  Early reviews have praised Driving Sideways for its humor and irreverent voice.  Riley also received a boost when she found out that the book would be available for purchase at Target stores, which only carry a small number of titles.

“The publishing world is always looking for something different,” she said.  “I think I managed to find that, and I think we’re going to get the word out about PKD as well.  I’m happy to do what I can to make that happen.”

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To learn more about Riley, visit her website at www.jessriley.com.  To purchase Driving Sideways, visit Amazon.com.

Posted June 16, 2008