In the South, as anywhere, coping with the death of a loved one is different for everyone. Funerals, clearing out estates, and caring for the dying are necessary rituals that are unavoidable for most of us. Southern writers, like most writers, often find inspiration for fiction and memoirs in the passing of family members and that is why we decided it would be a good theme for this episode of Brain Fertilizer. Carla Martin-Wood, Donna J. Dotson, and Ashley Fields are our featured writers for this episode of Brain Fertilizer. I'm sure you'll appreciate their differing styles and perspectives.