My second guest blogger is Derek Thompson. Derek is a freelance writer based in Cornwall. He has written for newspapers, magazines and radio and is a regular blogger. You can read Derek's views on life at his blog Along Write Lines. He has taken a different approach to my idea of ten songs that accompany a writer. I'll let Derek explain.
These tracks are the soundscape to my (as yet) unpublished contemporary Brit thriller, Standpoint. The first in a series, it follows Yorkshireman Thomas Bladen and his sidekick, Ulsterman Karl McNeill, and their work in the UK's Surveillance Support.
Standpoint is currently on circulation to UK agents and publishers.
Meantime, the sequel, Line of Sight, is at third draft.
I Specialise - Christine Collister & Clive Gregson
Who couldn't love Christine's powerful voice conveying cynicism and
indifference? As Standpoint opens, surveillance officer Thomas Bladen tracks a
seagull over Harwich as it flies over and craps on a Bentley.
Perfect Cousin - The Undertones
A classic, rousing track in its own right, this accompanies my two
protagonists on a mystery journey through London, as Thomas gradually enters
Karl's murky world of counter-intelligence.
I Can Hear Music - Beach Boys
Thomas's ex-girlfriend, daughter of a small-time East End criminal,
Miranda Wright, is never far from his thoughts.
Will You - Hazel O'Connor
Thomas and Miranda at his flat - I think you can work this one out for
yourself!
Here with Me - Dido
When Miranda is abducted, while driving Thomas's bugged car, he'll do
whatever it takes to find her.
The Queen and the Soldier - Suzanne Vega
Thomas arrives at Whitehall, willing to make a deal that will change
everything.
Kiss the Rain - Billie Myers
Thomas goes to Miranda's parents to tell them the truth about her
disappearance. In return, they exact a pledge from him.
Story of the Blues Pt 1 - The Mighty Wah
Returning to his native Yorkshire, Thomas confronts his ex-miner father
about a childhood incident and picks up a gun.
Bridge of Spies - T'Pau
Thomas alone, on the North Yorkshire moors, off to confront the bad guys
and free Miranda. Elsewhere, Karl and Miranda's brothers are dug in on
standby.
I Saved the World Today - Eurythmics
The tracking shot as the dead are counted, Karl organises the clean up,
and a traumatised Thomas and Miranda walk off to an uncertain future.
Night to Remember - Cyndi Lauper
A final choice because it's
so upbeat and it reminds me of a time in the late eighties, when I was briefly
in the US and finished my first novel. (Since then I've finished it many other
times!) Cyndi Lauper's music also features in another novel, Scars &
Stripes, that I'm tinkering with.
Another fantastic list of tracks and I love the idea of having a soundtrack for our own novel. I hadn't heard Hazel O'Connor for years and it was a pleasure to hear that great track again. Thanks Derek and I wish you every success with Standpoint.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete