BOM: How the Idea Germinated

At least part of the story was easy--when I proposed the series, I knew that the three books would cover a complete "big picture" arc.  In the first book, Jen would begin to toy with the idea of mortuary-as-ministry, in the second book she would be going to mortuary school, and in the third book she would actually be running the funeral home.  So I knew Jen would be dealing with the pressures of family, work, and school in the second book.  (Funny--I was dealing with the same things as I wrote it!) 

One morning I was watching Alias (for about the fiftieth time) on the treadmill and it was the season where Sydney discovers that she has a half-sister:  ping!  The idea rang my bell.  I had already written McLane into the story, but the plot thread took on a much bigger dimension when I added that biological relationship.  Far deeper areas of conflict, far deeper bond between them. 

And when I was thinking, "Why is McLane running away from home?" I hit upon the issue that divides her and her father.  (Don't' want to say too much because it's presented as a surprise in the book.)  

I was dealing with some things in my life that fell naturally into Jen's story. This is not one of my "high concept" books (though the funeral home setting is a bit "out there"), but it's a character story about how these people deal with LIFE as it comes at them full-force.  

Finally, last year I was at Glen Eyrie last year and was talking to Megan DiMaria, and she told me about a unique ministry associated with the photography studio where she works. And that true story provided exactly what I needed at the end of the book. 

Tomorrow: the research 

~~Angie 

P.S.  If this is Friday, I'm flying out tonight for Richmond, VA, where I'll be speaking at the First Baptist Church tomorrow.  Looking forward to meeting lots of friends!