Sometimes I get a song kick in during the writing process, which becomes a thematic backdrop to the tale unfolding in my head. This has been true of both my romance novels. For ‘Through Sally’s Eyes’ the classic Bangles number, ‘Eternal Flame,’ proved an ideal accompaniment in lyrics, power, and emotional resonance.
That resonance arose in spades with ‘The Last Dance’ by Magnum for my second romance novel, ‘When the Nailbourne Flows.’ The final track of the band’s iconic 1985 album, ‘On a Storyteller’s Night,’ I’ve loved it for 39 years at the time of writing. I even named the chapter where a teenage Carol Wyatt and Nick Bridgen take a turn around the floor after the song. That’s the final time Carol sees him before their quarter of a century apart.
There’s an inherent sadness to the lyrics, backed by a gentle encouragement not to quit. Those two components underscore the self-sacrificing existence in a romantic wasteland Carol endures until fate reveals its hand, causing all the pieces of her life’s puzzle to fall into place.
‘When the Nailbourne Flows’ will be available in Kindle and Paperback formats from 25th September 2024.
John Eden 