In the captivating narrative of Great Big Beautiful Life, crafting a love story that feels truly “earned” is of utmost importance. The emotional depth and authenticity of the characters’ journey are essential to engage readers deeply.
“Before I embarked on the writing process, and prior to discovering any other aspects of the book,” Henry articulated, “one thing was clear to me: I wanted to develop two characters who were completely destined to be apart. I needed to establish compelling, ironclad reasons for their separation.”
The central revelation—that Hayden’s mother is the biological daughter Margaret relinquished following the untimely death of her husband, the famed rocker Cosmo Sinclair—casts a shadow over the narrative akin to a ticking time bomb. This revelation intensifies Alice’s internal struggle as her nagging doubts regarding Margaret’s deliberate omissions crescendo toward a crucial realization.
“Initially, we have the conflict of both characters vying for the same position,” she explained. “However, I recognized that by the story’s conclusion, this rivalry would fade, paving the way for a more significant conflict to emerge.”
As she elaborated, “Incorporating that final twist was pivotal. I understood that this character had already developed feelings for another person, yet she bore a monumental secret that weighed heavily on her conscience. She was torn, knowing she couldn’t disclose this truth to him; it wasn’t her narrative to tell. Additionally, legally, she was bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prohibited her from revealing this information.”
“From the instant I uncovered that twist, I felt a sense of clarity regarding my writing direction,” Henry shared. “This revelation shaped every subsequent element of the narrative. Each historical detail I chose to reveal about Margaret’s family stemmed from this pivotal moment in the story.”
