Living with physical disability is not something you can ever imagine if you are able-bodied; however, Jarred McGinnis has had to face it. After surviving a tragic car accident, McGinnis found himself wheelchair-bound and learning to navigate his life in new ways.

In order to support himself financially, he had to move back home with his estranged father. The journey to healing both his body and his relationship with his dad teaches McGinnis that not all things have to remain broken.

This harrowing, real story is all detailed in McGinnis' debut novel titled The Coward, to be published on Tuesday, April 12. McGinnis, a Siesta Key-born and Florida-raised author, will host a live event at Bookstore1 in downtown Sarasota on Friday, April 22, where guests can hear him speak about the book and get a signed copy. The event will begin at 5 p.m.

McGinnis' career began right here in Sarasota, when he graduated from Riverview High School. He went on to contribute to European publications, including short fiction for BBC radio and journals in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Ireland. He lived in the United Kingdom for most of his life and now resides in Marseille, France, where he continues to write. For a complete list of McGinnis' published work, visit his website.

Other topics discussed in the book include shoplifting and painkiller addictions, bullying and self-destruction. But it's also a story of hope.

McGinnis' continued passion for sharing his story is reflected in his support of wanting other authors to do the same: read their stories to a public audience. This is why he founded The Special Relationship, a London-based nonprofit that produces live literature events, integrating other art forms like illustration, video, set design and theater.

McGinnis has also spoken at many literary events, including his own TedX Talk, where he discussed the magic of writing. He's also spoken at The Open University about disability and creativity, on the Author Not Present podcast and a masterclass you can access online called "Memories are the Stories You Tell Yourself."

For tickets to the in-person book talk and signing event at Bookstore1, click here. Tickets are $8 per person. Copies of The Coward will be available for purchase at the store. To pre-order The Coward, click here. Bookstore1 is located at 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.