Hi, y’all. Time for another WIP Wednesday. Today’s post is about a “Work in Publication.” Yesterday, my book Unknown Reasons got some attention over at Marcia’s blog. (If you didn’t read the review, click here to see the post.) I decided to share a little more about the background to this story.
When I began writing Unseen Motives, I planned for Brian Nichols to be a bad guy – a rebellious teenager who never changed his ways. I briefly introduced teenage Brian in the prologue. When I got to the first scene twenty years later, I couldn’t write him as I had planned. Or, I should say, he wouldn’t allow me to make him into a conniving snake in the grass.
So, I changed direction and added a couple of characters whose motives and actions would fit the plot. Brian became a respected citizen and construction company owner. But he wouldn’t let me stop there. He implored me to tell his story, and thus the sequel, Unknown Reasons, was born.
Yes, Brian is still a bit of a rebel. In addition to owning a business, he also plays drums with a local band. When he hooks up with Rachel Jackson, a respected physician who comes from one of the town’s wealthiest families, their chemistry is enough to set the town on fire. Except, of course, an arsonist beat them to it.
Since Brian is a drummer, the idea came to me to create a playlist on Spotify. Each song is either mentioned in the book or fits a particular scene. It’s a mix from various artists but all are in the classic rock category. I even picked a one-hit wonder that I hadn’t thought of in years.
In the first scene, Brian wears a Dark Side of the Moon t-shirt, so I picked a song from that album. He likes the Eagles, and I included several of their songs. Here’s the complete list:
- Breathe – Pink Floyd (From Dark Side of The Moon)
- Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
- You Make My Dreams – Hall and Oats
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
- Waiting For a Girl Like You – Foreigner
- I Was Made For Loving You – KISS
- 1900 Yesterday – Liz Damon
- Lotta Love – Nicolette Larson
- In The City – The Eagles (Live version from Hell Freezes Over)
- Bad Time – Grand Funk Railroad
- I Can’t Tell You Why – The Eagles
- Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
- One – Three Dog Night
- Life in The Fast Lane – The Eagles (Live version from Hell Freezes Over)
- Invisible Touch – Genesis (Live Version from The Way We Walk)
- Best of My Love – The Eagles
- That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be – Carly Simon
And here’s a snippet from the book.
They neared the outskirts of Driscoll Lake when a popular classic rock song played from the car’s speakers. Rachel glanced over to see Brian softly singing the words.
“Good song,” she said.
“Yeah. With a subliminal message.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Maybe not so subliminal, but if you pay attention to the background vocals, you’ll know what I mean.”
“I know the words. The guy is afraid of having his heart broken.”
Brian was silent.
“Who broke your heart? Your ex-wife or someone else?”
Care to guess which song fits that scene?
27 Responses
Nice to learn a bit more about your book, Joan. I have Unseen Motives on my kindle.
Thanks, Robbie. I hope you enjoy it!
Great playlist, Joan, and a good excerpt. I enjoyed this series 🙂
Thank you, Harmony!
Was it “Don’t Dream It’s Over” playing on the radio? Brian sure likes good music. Good post!
Thanks, Priscilla. I think Brian does have good taste! “Don’t Dream It’s Over” is a good guess, but not the right one. It was Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.”
I love a playlist that goes along with what I am writing. It’s nice to see others feel the same way.
I wished I’d done one with the first book. I later went back and created one, but mostly threw some songs together. I created one for Unclear Purposes. It’s fun to do. I recently read a book where the author included a page at the back for the “Soundtrack.”
I think that’s a great idea. I create a playlist for my WIPs.
Oh, my gosh, Joan.
“When he hooks up with Rachel Jackson, a respected physician who comes from one of the town’s wealthiest families, their chemistry is enough to set the town on fire. Except, of course, an arsonist beat them to it.”
I LOVED this. You need to make teasers that use those lines.
Love the playlist. Music features heavily in most of my work, too. I’m guessing Best of My Love. Can’t wait to hear the answer.
Well, I admit to having help with that teaser. 😉 Best of My Love is a good guess, but not the one. It’s Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.”
Ah. I feel like I should have known that.
I also like to create a playlist, Joan – love some of the songs on yours.
Thanks, Teri. I did it for the third book also. I’ll probably post that list in a week or two. Music inspires me to write.
You know I love this stuff, and include titles in some things. Even got a license to use lyrics in Will O’ the Wisp.
Yeah, you and I share a love of music. How exciting you obtained permission to use lyrics in Will O’ the Wisp!
It was so hard I will never go down that path again, but I’m glad for the experience.
Now that might make a good topic for an SE post.
Hmmm. Could it be “One” because he thinks he’ll never hookup with someone again? You have to share the answer!
And I agree with Staci–that overview teaser you did is awesome! Great excerpt, too!
That’s a good guess, but not the one. It’s “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak. Have to listen close to the background vocals. And thanks, I will use that teaser in a promo.
I love the song “Wicked Game” and even have it on mp3. That’s a good fit!
I’m trying to cycle all the words to those songs for a fit
I know which ones it isn’t:) great list though.
Thanks, Denise. It definitely wasn’t “Life in The Fast Lane.” 🙂
No…lol
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Thanks for sharing!