The Seed of a Story Idea

I often wonder where authors get their ideas from. Where did that first seed originate and how long did it grow before taking shape as a novella, full-length novel, or even a series?

My first attempt at writing a novel actually started as a short story that was sparked while riding home from a family dinner. It was dark outside and as we drove through town, I spotted a small diner and through the front windows saw a waitress wiping off a table. She didn’t look young enough to be in high school...