TUNES-TUESDAY

My favourite day of the week.

Unlike Jess Trainer in my novel Near Edgware, I can sing. I’m shy when I know anyone is listening – hard to believe, I know – but I can sing. When I was creating Jess’ fully rounded character the things I contributed to her personality were my biggest fears. 

Vertigo. I have always felt ill, unsteady and disorientated, at any kind of height. So, deciding I was going to help out when we were decorating the back bedroom in the old house, was a very bad idea. The rooms had high ceilings. I climbed up the scaffolding. I was fine, painting one handed - while holding on - waving my paintbrush at the wall. Even got fairly reasonable coverage with the paint to wall ratio being sound.

Then I realised I would have to climb back down. I couldn’t do it.

He-who-must-not-be-named attempted to talk me down for HOURS! Eventually, he got way beyond polite coaxing. 

I clung like a limpet to the up-right and stayed... up, right? For a long time. It almost reached the there-is-nothing-to-be-done-but-call-the-fire-brigade stage.

I also gave Jess the thing I would dread nearly as much: not being able to sing.

You see, I’m the looney-toon  whose car vibrates with fine tunes. I’m the extra member of the band: It ain’t singing, if it ain’t loud!

On Tuesday I’m going to impart information about the bands, singers and songs, that are rocking my car in the streets of downtown Watford.

Marina and the Diamonds rule! 

I love Marina Diamandis’ voice, music, lyrics, and fearless ambition.

Hollywood and Shampain glitter amongst the many (sick!) tunes on the album: The Family Jewels. If you haven’t heard her sing, I envy you. You are about to experience the world according to Marina for the first time – enjoy.

Which tune has been inspiring your writing recently?