We sat down with Jayde Frederick, third-year medical student, who published her first book titled, “The Queen's Cure.”
What inspired you to write this book?
On my continued academic journey to become a physician, I have heard many stories from students and patients alike. They are powerful in that stories help form a unique connection with another human being by providing insight into the struggles and triumphs of someone else’s life. I love stories, and I have always loved reading.
In first and second grade, I don’t think a day went by without me reading “Junie B. Jones,” a children's book series that my mother shared with me, Middle school introduced me to the magical world of fantasy novels. Despite my love for books, the main characters rarely resembled me or reflected on many of my experiences because most of them were White characters. I was still inspired by them and loved going on adventures with them. At the same time, part of me wondered if I would ever be able to become an extraordinary leader like them or accomplish the things they did, because in the eyes of the world, it seemed as if I was viewed as nothing more than a sidekick.
This book was born out of my desire to create characters that represented my experiences and to provide inspiration for others who may feel similarly.
What is the book about?
Without revealing too much about the plot, the book is about an ambitious young Black scientist with sickle cell anemia who is taken to a strange new place where the inhabitants all have powers based on the elements of the periodic table. She is taken there to be healed after being attacked by a mysterious creature. The story also follows a defiant prince attempting to save his sister from a deadly poison. By chance, they meet and must form an alliance to heal the future queen and save the kingdom from the rule of a vicious tyrant.
Who is the audience?
It was written to inspire students in middle school and beyond to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (S.T.E.A.M.), but I truly hope people of all ages can enjoy it and find value.
What did you learn when writing the book?
Writing this book, I gained insight into how I process aspects of my life and learned more about my strengths and insecurities as a writer and individual.
I discovered how difficult it is to navigate the process of writing a fiction book. My first challenge was learning how to create and execute a plot that makes sense and is entertaining; and secondly was translating my ideas into words.
The research process to develop specific characters, taught me a lot about the military, politics, various African cultures, the darker parts of the history of medicine, a variety of medical conditions, life for African Americans in the 1950s, and, of course, various properties of the chemical elements.
What do you want the reader to takeaway from the book?
I want readers to see the importance of mentorship in S.T.E.A.M., especially for minorities. Many are discouraged from pursuing their passions in S.T.E.A.M. because they don’t have the people to support, guide, and encourage them to pursue that path. I was blessed in that I have always had people in my corner to support and encourage me.
I also want the reader with physical limitations, a diagnosis, or a disability to know that these aspects do not disqualify you from making a significant impact in the world. It doesn’t have to limit your achievements if you have support from people who care about you and are willing to invest in you.
Although I believe this book to be a fun read, there are many other themes that the reader may pick up on, such as injustices in the healthcare and academic systems, physical and psychological abuse in households, imposter syndrome, and various levels of discrimination, just to name a few.
How did you find time to write this book?
Many people have asked me this, and I most definitely did not do it all during medical school! I started writing it during my freshman year of college and have worked on it intermittently for the past seven years. As the time to finish it drew nearer, I began writing with more intentionality and purpose. Both college and medical school have been very busy (and stressful) at times; however, I utilized the breaks I had to continue the story. I also gave myself deadlines to be more efficient. When it came to the publishing process, I was so grateful to have a publisher, editor, and proofreader to help me polish it up and iron out the rough edges until it was ready to be released.
Loma Linda University has had students publish books including a series of children's books and "Doctah-ing it Up: A Guide for Adapting to the Culture of Medicine in Your First Year of Medical School.”