UF junior Laura Francois has a two-sided story.
She’s a nursing major, and she wrote a book.
Francois released her first novel, “Reckless Perfection,” in December and held her first book signing Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Books Inc. on Northwest 13th Street.
“Reckless Perfection” is a 235-page story of four high school girls and their relationships and experiences.
Francois said she started writing the story in a notebook when she was in eighth grade and let her friends read it and make comments in the margins.
She said she rewrote the book about five times since she started writing, especially after she encountered new high school experiences.
“That really motivated me to continue to write,” Francois said.
She said some parts of the book are based on her experiences or those of friends and family, but most of the story comes straight from her imagination.
“I put myself in a situation, and it’s like a movie playing in my head,” she said.
When Francois was finished with the story about a year ago, she submitted it to Legacy Publishing, an Orlando-based company.
She said when she heard the news that the company agreed to publish the book, she was ecstatic because getting published was always one of her greatest dreams.
“Just to have that big one accomplished is an amazing feeling,” Francois said.
She said her family and friends supported and prayed with her every step of the way.
“I couldn’t do it without God and my parents,” she said. “It definitely wasn’t a solo project.”
Sandra Garzon, fellow nursing student and a friend of Francois’ since high school, said writing is something Francois is very passionate about.
“Every time she starts talking about the book, you can see how excited she is,” Garzon said.
Francois said she will continue writing after she graduates.
She has already written the sequel to “Reckless Perfection” and started working on the third installment.
“I think writing is a part of me,” Francois said. “I can’t let that go.”
The book is being sold at Books Inc. and at the UF Bookstore.
