I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes story from Sanders' Starfish, particularly from Chapter 1. It’s funny how inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places. Right after I started writing this book, I attended a dinner party as a guest of a guest, and during casual conversation, the host shared a story that stuck with me.
The host had previously worked in a mental health establishment and, as these things often happen, recounted an incident that turned out to be the perfect spark for illustrating the dynamics between staff members in the book’s fictional Clearcreek Mental Care Center. I ended up weaving that real-life story into Sanders' Starfish to highlight the kind of behind-the-scenes conversations that take place in such settings—especially how staff relate to each other and navigate challenging situations.
It’s always interesting to hear from those in the mental health field, and many who’ve read this scene have remarked on how relatable that kind of behavior and humor is for staff. At the time, I thought it was a good fit for the story, even if it leaned a bit into potty humor. Looking back years later, though, I think I would have chosen a different story to illustrate those dynamics, something less comedic and more refined. But sometimes, when you’re in the moment, it’s those raw, real-life snippets that seem to capture the energy you're going for.
For those who’ve read the book, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you feel that moment plays out. Does it resonate with you? And for anyone who has worked in mental health, have you experienced similar interactions in dealing with difficult circumstances? Let’s chat!
Thanks for reading/listening and for continuing to support Sanders' Starfish.
To catch the Outhouse story, visit this clip from Chapter 1.