The “idea” for this book was a question from my husband. “Do you still have that F*** off and Die” button?
“Yes, I do.” He laughed when I handed it to him.
It has been tucked away in my closet for years (without the asterisks). It’s a reminder of the “old” me. The one who might have pushed some boundaries. The one with an attitude.
I found this button in Berkeley in the late 70’s or early 80’s. It made me laugh so I bought it. No, I didn’t wear it on my purse like Lynn in The Button, but the message might have been my mind set for a while. Lynn was a more forward with her button, but then she had a lot more to deal with than I ever did.
Now, I have a big collection of buttons in my laundry room. They tell of the history of my life and the life around me. I still add to them when I find just the right button with a saying that makes me laugh, a “hey that’s right” or simply a memory or like. I may have lost a few buttons over the years before I realized I was collecting them.
The day when I was asked if I still had this button the next thing I found myself joking: “I should write a book based on it”.
We might have laughed, but the idea stuck. That rebellious side of me woke up and created Lynn. She was far more rebellious than the book shows–she wanted me to tone it down a bit.
Then other ideas started to form. I wanted a character who grew up in an abusive household which Lynn took on. I had some knowledge to bring to the story, too. Then the angel Zelina insisted on being with Lynn back in 1976 when she was in that coma. With Zelina came another evildwel and an angel in training, Thomas. Making The Button a kind of a prequel to This Second Chance but with a different tone.
The Button is not as much a love story as a survival story set in the 1980s, although there is love, too. Lynn is much younger than Rachael from This Second Chance and Lynn still experimenting with “things”. After my input Lynn completely took over the story. I’m not sure I would have made some of the decisions she did.
I must point out this was all fictional besides that button. Even the things that did happen, didn’t happen the way they did in The Button.
So, I wrote this book based on a question about a button. And after much reflection yes, the word is in my book–without the asterisks in it.
Pre-order it here: Amazon
My appreciation and thanks goes out to: Eden, Jan, and Mae for offering your blogs to help celebrate The Button’s release:)
Embrace your inner child with a book! D.L. Finn
HOW IS THE NEW BOOK GOING D.L. CHINA
Going good China! How about yours?
I can’t wait to read it, Denise. When did you call for volunteer for the launch? No matter, please put me on the list.
Thanks John:) Will email you!
🙂
I’m so excited for you, Denise! Isn’t it amazing how story ideas are born? I love that you shared that. I have pre-ordered my copy. I know it will be a great read!
Thank you Jan:) Can’t wait to hear what you think! It always amazes me how ideas are born.
What a cool background! I used to collect buttons too, but somewhere along the road, most of them disappeared. I still have a very old one from the early 1980s that says “Frodo Lives.” It’s clipped to a paper tray on my desk at my office. I picked up that button long before LOTR was made into movies. Back then I used to get a lot of questions about it. Today, not so much 🙂
I can’t wait to meet Lynn in the Button. I’ve pre-ordered my copy and look forward to the story!
Hi Mae! Thanks:) That’s a cool button to have, “Frodo Lives”. I can see people not knowing who that was before the movies came out…but you still need to read the books to get the whole story!
Buttons do tend to disappear…that’s why I finally put them in one place. I’m surprised I still have so many. I look forward to hearing what you think about Lynn and her button.
Denise, I love this post — and the button. I used to pride myself on creative use of the F word. LOL. I’ve cleaned up my language (but not my thoughts!). I’m looking forward to The Button. Wishing you huge success. Hugs.
Thanks Teagan. I understand that creative pride on the use of that word…lol from back then… If you look carefully in the picture you might see the button peeking out…of course I carefully placed it so it was a PG picture. Hugs back.
It’s so interesting how we come up with ideas. I remember those days; I have no idea where any of my buttons are, but now I want to find them 🙂 And another book added to my TBR 😀
Such a fantastic idea, Denise. I love it. Big cheers to you and congratulations on the pre-order. Another fabulous achievement to be proud of! 🙂
Thank you Natalie:) I’m pretty excited about the release!
Denise, a smart-arse answer about a button with a naughty saying is a great jumping off place. I’m looking forward to reading this story. Thanks for the story of the idea.
Thanks Chuck:) Funny how one simple comment gets us thinking…I suppose it explains why I’ve hung on to this button all these years.
Is the button available to borrow? Just kidding! Congratulations on the new book! My blog is available for your launch a well. Just let me know.
LOL! Thank you Mark. I will email you.
Sounds good.