Not Business Casual by Mel
Not Business Casual: A naturist office novelWhy I think the book works, an insider "behind the book" review.
So, take this review with a grain of salt, because I am the person who inspired the author to write it.
In fact, the character of Sophie was supposed to be more important as she was my self-insert character in another reality. Had I co-written the book as I was hoping to, perhaps she would have taken more space, and it would have weakened the story.
Indeed, my goal was to help my father-in-law write this book, but he took it in a very different direction than I envisionned, and I think it's for the best.
My pitch was simple, Joan feels like her life is falling apart: her office has naturist Fridays and not only are many of her colleagues naturists, but her kids hang out with naturists, including the girlfriend of her son.
In my idea, her job is about to let go of everyone who doesn't become a naturist, more or less pushing Joan toward a new lifestyle where she can keep her job and get closer to her kids.
That seemed simple enough as a story, and yet, Eric added this whole new idea of Joan feeling like she had a fake job and getting the option of transiting it to a real one at the same time as she transitions to a new lifestyle.
I wanted to see her resolve her problems. He gave her a new life to build, and that was a great choice.
In a way, Joan lives a complete rebirth, with new responsibilities at work, two new friends, more insights into her kids' lives, and a new lifestyle.
Frankly, it's much better than my pitch because instead of just removing her problems, Joan now has goals and hopes.
And the twins' identity crisis? I didn't see that coming at all! Great idea as we get mirrored problems.
But Christa is my favorite added character, as I didn't think about the twins' parents and I love how their mother turned out.
I strongly recommend it!