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Author Leia London paints a gritty but engaging portrait of a career woman dealing with an unplanned pregnancy in her debut novel Law Girl’s Bump in the Road.

Toronto-native Jasmine Daya began her career as an articling student in 2005 at Fireman Wolfe LLP. She became an associate at the same firm and as the firm transitioned over the years, she moved up in the ranks to named partner and today owns the firm Fireman Daya & Co.

Under her pen name Leia London, Daya presents her debut novel Law Girl’s Bump in the Road.  The story paints a gritty but engaging portrait of a career woman dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

“I was inspired to write this book while I was unexpectedly pregnant with my son. My friends were all enjoying their last summer after law school, before real work and life started while I was pregnant and miserable.” said author Leia London. “Initially it was more of a journal chronicling entertaining events that occurred during my pregnancy, more to occupy my mind from the unknown that was completely contrary to the plan that I had made for my life. After my son was born and my story was complete, I knew that this journal needed to become a book one day!”

In an interview with Fusia, Jasmine shared her inspiration for this book. Here’s what she had to say.

• What inspired you to write this book? 

I started to chronical my pregnancy journey as a way to occupy my mind from what was occurring as having a baby was not part of the plan at that stage of my life. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I looked at what I had written and realized that it would make a great book one day.

• What were some of the feelings you experienced while writing this book? 

I wrote this book during the third trimester of my pregnancy, at the height of my feelings of anxiety about raising a child, concern about my inability to follow my desired career path and physical discomfort which caused aches and pains during the day and difficulty sleeping through the night. It didn’t start off as a book but more of a journal. Writing was a way to escape the negativity. Writing would bring a smile to my face and lift my spirits. I had never been a journal writer but at that point in my life, I look back and realize that it was both therapeutic and enjoyable. I always wanted to turn that journal into a book one day and that day finally happened!

• Was there a part of the your pregnancy you enjoyed most?

I was not a fan of pregnancy. People would tell me to “enjoy” my pregnancy or that I had that “pregnancy glow”. I was so confused by these comments but would just smile politely and bite my tongue to stop me from what I really wanted to stay. There was nothing enjoyable about it for me, especially with morning sickness, not fitting into my clothes, being concerned about my career, worrying about finances and more. In terms of the “pregnancy glow”, if I was glowing then it must have been from the sun hitting my face because there was certainly no positive “glow” radiating off of me!

My book on the other hand portrays the story in a more pleasurable manner, highlighting some of the events that occurred and advice that I received. My favourite part of the book is how I depict my mother and document her advice. Writing about her ridiculous Indian old wives’ tales made me giggle. After reading my book, she asked me if she really said these things and I’m like, “Yes, you did!” and we both laugh because as I said, it’s ridiculous. How could she really believe that drinking warm milk with melted butter would help the baby slide out easier?

• Do you think you will write any other books? 

I have an Indian cookbook series on the way which I am really excited to share. The first book is titled Appetizers and Chutneys which is in the final stages of publishing, so fingers crossed, it will be out in about a month.  In terms of another chicklit, absolutely, Law Girl’s Bump in the Road gets a little bumpier for sure…stay tuned!

• What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 

Aside from shifting focus from reality at a challenging time in my life, I absolutely loved the idea that one day my son would be entertained when he read my pregnancy story which is all about him. I didn’t realize then that I was developing a deep unexplainable and unconditional love for my child that I now know is what happens as soon as that baby is born. Yes, all three of my kiddies drive me completely crazy but I love them more than I can express in words. Ok, welling up in tears, moving on.

I hope that young women in particular will feel inspired by my story to persevere and to pursue their passion, whatever it may be. You may have a plan for your life and feel frustrated when it requires revision along the way because obstacles occur that are beyond your control. Take a minute and breathe, it’s okay, it happens. Use an alternate route to get to your destination, it may actually be a more incredible path than you could have ever imagined and possibly a blessing in disguise, it was for me.

Leia London is the pen name adapted by Canadian personal injury lawyer, entrepreneur, author and lifestyle personality Jasmine Daya. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Jasmine began her career as an articling student in 2005 at Fireman Wolfe LLP. She became an associate at the same firm and as the firm transitioned over the years, she moved up in the ranks to named partner and today owns the firm Fireman Daya & Co.

Law Girl’s Bump in the Road is now available on Amazon and soon at select Chapters/Indigo locations.