MY UPCOMING NOVEL is woven with popular music from different decades, with each chapter named after a particular song title. This came about because one day while I was listening to one of my favorite songs, “A Thousand Years” by Sting, I discovered it embodied what the entire book is about: the main character of Miranda believes that her love for Liam, the boy from her past, is a timeless, soulful connection, that cannot be defined by the past, present or future. The hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melody of “A Thousand Years” reflect the core of Miranda’s motivation to tell her story.
AS I CONTINUED TO WRITE the book, I kept hearing more songs in my head that reflected what was going on with the characters, and eventually decided to use songs as chapter titles. These are songs that, at the very least, are favorites of mine and, at the most, have touched my own life in some way. None of the song choices are random, and though more than one recording artist may be famous for covering the song, the version indicated has been specifically chosen. It’s important that I point out here that the chapters led me to the songs, not the other way around. In fact, I can’t imagine developing an entire book solely around a group of songs (though it’s been done, and by individuals far more creative than I am). It’s my hope that most of these songs will be familiar to you. It’s also my hope that they’ll touch you and make your travel along the “Wishton” journey even more special. If you have a favorite among the ones below, I would love it if you’d leave a comment saying which one, and if you’d like, share why.
Introducing the (partial) playlist from TSMIW:
TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME, Supertramp
A THOUSAND YEARS, Sting
THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE, Roberta Flack
TRAVELING BOY, Art Garfunkel
SO FAR AWAY, Carole King
SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD, Elton John
MAYBE I’M AMAZED, Paul McCartney
ONE LAST CRY, Brian McKnight
IN TOO DEEP, Genesis
LOVE YOU INSIDE AND OUT, The Bee Gees
SARA SMILE, Hall and Oates
ALL I DO, Stevie Wonder
FRIENDS, Bette Midler
IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
IN YOUR EYES, Peter Gabriel
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Wanda's Way Is Write 
I didn’t realize that ‘First Time’ was not Roberta Flack’s song, I was looking through my music and notice had a cover by Peter Paul and Mary, it was written by someone else in the late 50’s. I have to admit, Roberta’s version is down right beautiful and the one I identify with.
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This is so cool! What an exciting adventure. I can’t wait to see a copy of your book with your name on it!
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The Anonymous was me, I’m checking to see what I didn’t do
Great blog Wanda!!!
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A wonderful collection of songs, interestingly there wasn’t a particular song that popped out, although ‘She’s Gone’ would have so it was good to see Sara Smile in there. You just can’t go wrong with, ‘First Time Ever’, what a beautiful piece it is. Surprisingly there were a few I did not know, ‘Traveling Boy’ surprised me as I do think Art Garfunkel is one of the best male voices I have ever known.
Mostly it was the collection as a whole, for me encompasses that period in my life of the consummate optimist (still am) and getting out in the world and the discovery of what it really was/is, and that sometimes didn’t jib with my naïve understanding of what it was supposed to be.
A story perhaps for a different time but that the song list led to my darker period, as I was looking at the list at home before coming to work it reminded me of that darker period, and….. I just past by her in the hallway coming in, yes the ex and I work at the same place….
I look forward to your book. ‘Life is Beautiful’ is something I say. And how Beautiful it is to connect again with this project of yours!
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The 70’s were flush with great music. You’ve picked some timeless winners. I can hardly wait to read the story.
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