This local history was simmering in the back of my brain when the 35W bridge came down

They have as much at stake as Oliver does. Tells us about the inspiration for this idea. It just suddenly collapsed into the Mississippi. Those two random events felt like linked acts of war. I found his journey very relatable as an older reader. What sort of techniques and approaches do you use when coming up with a character like Oliver for older readers?
_

Berniece:
He also got my number this week too and he hasn't texted me either.
(17 December 2016)

Berniece:
And yet J doesn't try to talk to me.
(17 December 2016)

Berniece:
This happened on Monday and my friend told me yesterday, Friday.
(17 December 2016)

Berniece:
And my friend (guy friend) told me that he called me hot and that he likes me.
(17 December 2016)

Berniece:
And he's really, reallt cute and he's in all my classes.
(17 December 2016)

Berniece:
Okay so there's this guy, let's just call him J.
(17 December 2016)

Marnie:
How should I tell my mother I'm dating someone?
(17 December 2016)

Marnie:
I've told my mom about him, but I think it's too early for them to meet.
(17 December 2016)

Marnie:
I'm home now for the break, but I don't know how we're going to hang out.
(17 December 2016)

Marnie:
We've hanged out twice, however, that was when I was at my college.
(17 December 2016)