Hey, everyone. It’s been ages since I’ve done a WIP Wednesday post. The past few weeks, I turned my focus from Cold Dark Night toward finishing the short story prequel. Originally titled Woman in Black, it has a new name, House of Sorrow.
As is often the case, the story took me in a slightly different direction than I originally expected. But I had so much fun writing it. Many of the scenes are set in the late 1960s. Let’s say I was able to relive some of my childhood while writing and doing research.
When I neared completion of the first draft, it dawned on me that I was missing a golden opportunity by not creating a playlist. I did that with all my Driscoll Lake novels and often listen to them on Spotify while driving. I was quick to create one for this story.
There are hundreds of songs I could have included, but the ones I picked symbolize the time or follow the storyline. I’ve included a couple from the late seventies, as I have a scene written during that time.
Here’s a photo of one popular group from the sixties. Eight Miles High, anyone?
The Byrds in 1965 – Chris Hillman, Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, Michael Clarke, and David Crosby (Public Domain Photo)
And now, here’s the list. Quite a mix, wouldn’t you say?
- Turn! Turn! Turn! -The Byrds
- For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
- Abraham, Martin, and John – Dion
- Get Together – The Youngbloods
- Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine – Fifth Dimension
- Time of The Season – The Zombies
- Woodstock – Matthews Southern Comfort
- All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix
- Let it Be – The Beatles
- Spirit in The Sky – Norman Greenbaum
- Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Deacon Blues – Steely Dan
- Lonely People – America
This is a video of one of the songs. Don’t you “dig” their clothes? Pardon my use of the sixties term.
I plan to release House of Sorrow in late December and Cold Dark Night in February 2021 (a little later than anticipated, but there’s a reason for the February release date). I’ll post more about both projects in the upcoming weeks, including cover reveals.
24 Responses
There are more than a few of my all time favourites on your play list, Joan…
I still love sixties and seventies music. My brother is twelve years older, so I got into the sixties because of him.
Great playlist there, Joan. And I love love love that book title! Best of luck with it all 🙂
Thanks, Harmony. When I started with the cover design, I knew I needed a new title. Not only that the “focus” of the story changed somewhat. It will lead to the first Legends book.
Wonderful songs, the kind that make earworms.
I often have earworms. Sometimes it’s song I dislike so I try to turn it around.
I’m excited about House of Sorrows, Joan. What a fabulous playlist, too. I’m a big fan of 60s and 70s music (and 60s clothing styles, LOL). Listening to Woodstock by Matthews Southern Comfort right now 🙂
As I recall, that version of the song came out in the early 70s, but I like it better than Joni Mitchell’s (even though she wrote the song).
I’m looking forward to releasing this one. As I said in my post it’s been so much fun to write.
I love the new title, Joan! And isn’t it exciting when the story takes you in a different direction than you first thought? I love your playlist, and it brings back lots of memories. “For What It’s Worth” is relevant today with all the unrest around the world. And I never get tired of hearing “Spirit In the Sky!” Thanks for sharing and good wishes for success with the new stories!
I’d been debating the title name for a few weeks and during a conversation with Staci, it came to me.
I think “For What It’s Worth” is the ultimate ’60s song, and yes it’s very relevant for today.
Thanks for the warm wishes!
You know how music influences my writing, and about my own playlists. Excited to see you sharing this today. There is a lot of inspiration in music.
We’re alike in that regard. Music inspires me and has generated ideas for several of my stories.
Fantastic playlist, Joan:) Thanks for the video!
A trip down memory lane! Thanks for stopping by, Denise.
Great playlist. Started my first job in 1965. These were all part of my adult world.
My only sibling is twelve years older than me. Because of him, I grew up with sixties music. Still love listening. Lots of good memories with these songs.
Yes, me too. 1st marrage, kids, 1st promotion.
Love this list. Can’t hear that song without thinking of the movie “Hair” though. It freaking scarred me for life. Treat Williams… My heart still cries.
Yeah, Joan. Great list. Can’t wait to read the story. Love the title.
Would you believe I never saw that movie? Me, the sixties child? Well, I guess I’m technically more seventies.
I’m looking forward to releasing the story.
I love movies. And a lot of them stick with me. But few gut me like that one did. You should watch it. Or maybe you shouldn’t.
And I’m as surprised that you haven’t seen Hair as I am that Mae hasn’t seen Casablanca.
Might have to put that one on my watch list. And I really think, no, I KNOW Mae should watch Casablanca!
This is an excellent list, Joan. I knew it would have a Beatle’s song.
There is a good reason to include that one. Would you believe this is the first playlist for my books that has a Beatles song? And this is the first one that doesn’t include an Eagles song.
[…] House of Sorrow is scheduled for release the latter part of March. I’ll share the exact date in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you didn’t see my post last fall sharing the musical playlist I made for the story, click here. […]