As I work on the 2nd draft of my vampire/adventure novel, I am presenting a part of my playlist for this work of fiction. Pease note, I am not in association with any of these artists and I do not own any of these songs. I am also not technically promoting nor do I work for any of the mentioned artists. These songs are for you to find and listen to at your own leisure or not. Up to you. *In other words: No one sue me, please and thank you.

1. “Cherry Bomb” performed by the Runaways

All playlists should have one kick-butt, strong female anthem. It might seem like a cliché, but sometimes you just need some late 70’s rock to get a character’s butt in gear.

2. “Classy Girls” performed by the Lumineers

If one doesn’t have a 30s standard or jazz piece in a writing playlist, chances are folk rock will fill the void. “Classy Girls” is also a good response to Cherry Bomb. All rebellions need a little reminder of respectable behavior when the time calls for it.

3. “I Hung my Head” performed by Johnny Cash

This is a soulful, emotional tale of violence and remorse which helps fuel the backstory of one particular character. Some characters just crave angst.

4. “Blank Space/Style” cover performed by Louisa Wendoff ft. Devin Dawson

What? I know it’s a cover of two Taylor Swift songs! It totally fits with something in the book. I can like a Taylor Swift cover if I want. Stop judging me!

5. “Lucy’s Party” composed by Wojciech Kilar from the Bram Stoker’s Dracula score

I have no logical explanation for this choice.

6. “Diplomat’s Son” performed by Vampire Weekend

Again, just a good song. No specific theme here at all . . . nope. None.

7. “Vampires in Blue Dresses” performed by Margot and the Nuclear So-So’s

“Vampires” is in the title and it’s a good song. Get off my back!

“Let me show you fate through the round of this ring—”

A poetic way to start a tale. Now, read it again, but this time, imagine a deep, warm voice with a slight gravely edge speaking to you.

Those words, written by Anthony Minghella, captured the short attention span of a five year old me. This was not simply because they were well-written words or the fact that they were a part of Jim Henson’s short run series “The Storyteller”. It was because the voice which spoke them mesmerized me. When John Hurt told a story, you listened.

In the wake of his passing, I re-watched this television series with a fresh sense of respect. The voice which sanctioned a hunt for the Black Cauldron, declared his humanity to a judgmental Victorian world, screamed in agony at the parasite within him (twice), raised Hellboy, helped a wand choose a wizard, and dared to tell the Time Lords “No more”, that was one of the first voices which made me want to write.

It’s a strange connection, yes, but it’s how it happened. Hurt brought Minghella’s versions old fairy tales to life by simply speaking in the way he always did. He filled each word with humor, tragedy, and adventure. It made me want to be able to put together words worthy of such a reading. And I will miss that voice.

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