Musical Stories Special Edition: The End

And so it ends. This special edition is the last chapter of my Musical Stories. I've been a bit self-indulgent this week, so I hope you'll forgive me but I'll get to that in a moment. We have three Fridays before The A-Z of Blogging begins, and I thought I'd use that time to try out the new series before I take a break. This could be absolutely brilliant, or I could fall flat on my face, but we'll see.

I was going to give you all the details here, but it made this post far too long, so I'll do that separately on Monday. If you're interested in taking part, all you need to do right now is have a short pitch or query, whatever you like, ready to email to me after Monday's post. It will be up to you whether or not you allow critiques. There's no word limit, but remember, shorter is usually better (leave me something to work with though!).

To end Musical Stories, (and I suppose to introduce the new feature, although there's no blurb), I decided to choose three songs that represent the story I'm currently revising right now. Like I said, self-indulgent, but I'm really excited about this project, (turns out I didn't hate revising, I was just working on the wrong story), and I want to share. Just for fun, see if you can guess what genre it is. And 1000^th Monkey, you're not allowed to guess :-)

No explanations this week, just enjoy the music.  

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 30: Romance

So here it is, the last official issue of Musical Stories. I'll do a couple of special editions over the next couple of weeks and then we'll be moving on to our new feature, which I still don't have a name for. (Any suggestions welcome!). I'll be doing a post all about it soon, and asking for volunteers to submit, so watch out for that.

It seems fitting that we're ending with romance. After all, isn't love supposed to make the world go round? Whether you believe that or not, I hope you find something to enjoy amongst this week's selections.

The first story has been sitting on two lists for a while, this one and YA. I've included it today because I don't care how old you are, when you feel it you feel it. Boy, does this guy feel it!

The second one, perhaps as a counterpoint to the first, is proof that romance isn't the province of the young. True love is what remains when that first flush, that 'I-can't-bear-to-be-away-from-you' wears off.

The final entry for Musical Stories is one that is very special to me. It's not 'my' song, it doesn't remind me of anyone or anything in my past, I just think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and although I've heard it sung by many different people, this is the singer I think does it best. This is another one of those songs that I have avoided using because I didn't think it told a full story but, thanks to Denise Covey at L'Aussie Writer I have the answer. It's a vignette. Denise says (and I hope you don't mind me quoting directly from your blog Denise):

"Vignette" is a word that originally meant 'something that may be written on a vine-leaf.' It's a snapshot in words. It differs from flash fiction or a short story in that its aim doesn't lie within the traditional realms of structure or plot.
(Originally from The Vine Leaves Literary Journal).

Thank you all for sharing my Musical Stories with me, and for all your comments and suggestions.


 Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 29: Horror

If you would like to read my entry for the Campaign Challenge, it's the post below this one. Or you can just click here :-)

On a personal note, if any of you live in Indiana, please could you email me?

Thank you for taking the time to vote in the Musical Stories poll. The poll is open for another week, but I've had 40 votes already, way more than I expected and, unless there's a mad swing, it looks like we'll be moving onto pastures new when this series comes to a close. 70% of you have voted for the synopsis idea, which is exciting, and also a little scary! I'll post about that later on, but today we're back to the Horror genre. As this is probably the last horror week I've included two songs that have been on my list of possibles since day one.

I didn't think I could originally include the first one, because it isn't truly a story but today I realised something. It's flash fiction, so it definitely counts! (Also the video is rather creepy).

Our second story might not seem like a horror story at first but, if you listen to the lyrics there's a definite horror story message there. Trust no-one. Especially not the people you think you can trust. (I should add that the last 30 seconds of the video are a teeny bit gory, just in case that's not your thing).

Our final horror entry is a bit heavier than my usual offerings, but it's definitely a classic plot!

Don't have nightmares! If I've scared you, don't worry, next week we'll be getting romantic :-)

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 28: Children's Literature

After today I promise not to mention the girls' college adventures again, (at least until we find out if Diva gets accepted), but I just wanted to share some good news and bad news. The good news is that, the same day as Diva's new application form arrived, so did a letter thanking her for her completed application form. I called them to confirm that they had actually received it and was told that yes they had, and a letter inviting her to interview was on its way. That letter hasn't arrived yet, but at least we know it's coming. The bad news is that, as the deadline given for invitation to interview has now passed, Blue hasn't made it. We knew it was a long shot, they only take twenty British students per year, but I still hate seeing her unhappy. Now she has to decide which A-levels to take. Tough decision for someone who has absolutely no idea what she wants to do in the future. And why should she know? She's fifteen years old. I'm secretly quite excited that she's looking up entry requirements for creative writing degrees at University though, although I'm keeping quiet.

Anyway, on with this week's Musical stories. It's Children's Literature week, and I have three quite different songs for you to enjoy.

I think children tend to fall into two camps. The first are those who can't wait to get older, so they can stay up as late as they like and eat ice-cream for dinner, (or was that just me?). The second group, which is where our story fits, like things just the way they are thank you very much, and paying bills and going to work are for other people. They want to stay kids. Now that I'm an adult, I can definitely see the attraction!

Our second story is about the adventures of starting school, and how it's so much better if you have a special friend to share it with. It's no fun digging for worms on your own, you know :-)

When I first heard the last one, I could see it in my head as a picture book with beautiful illustrations. It seems as though someone had the same idea because tonight, whilst trying to find a decent version, I came across an Amazon entry for a picture-book of the same name. Further investigation revealed that it wasn't co-incidence, the two are the same. I suppose that means that technically I shouldn't include it, as these are all imaginary books but, you know me, never one to shirk the breaking of my own rules, I'm including it anyway because it makes me smile. (Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with your computer, the song is playing over a black screen, sorry but there wasn't a lot of choice).

I hope you enjoyed these. Prepare for chills next week, as we're revisiting the horror genre.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 27: Fantasy

Apologies for the very late post today. By the time I chose the songs last night I was too tired to battle with Blogger. (For some reason, it takes four or five attempts to post a video since they 'improved' the dashboard). Then, this morning there was a crisis in the kitchen when the the brownies that Diva was making to take to a Sherlock Holmes sleepover didn't go as planned. We managed to fix them and they're safely out of the door now. (That is, Diva and Blue are out of the door, not Diva and the brownies. Although, sadly, the brownies have gone with them).

I had a great long list of songs to choose from this week but when I went back over the lyrics it seemed that a lot of what I thought was Fantasy was actually Sci-Fi or Horror. There's definitely a fine line between genres these days, which I think is no bad thing :-)

The first song was recommended to me a while ago by Diva, but I only recently got round to watching the video. As soon as I did, I knew I had to post it this week. It's one of those stories that in no way has an original plot, but the execution of it, (both the tune, and the video), is just wonderful.

I'm a great believer in meaning being in the mind of the reader (or listener). To me, the second song is how Lucifer felt when he was first cast out, before he became the 'big bad' that we know and – as storytellers, rather than from a religious aspect – 'love'. I'd be interested to know if any of you interpret it differently.

My final song is a demonstration that the best fantasy comes from our own imaginations. We can be anything, go anywhere. (Have fun reminiscing over the video, too :-)).

I hope you found something to love this week. Next week, we're revisiting Children's Literature.

 Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 26: War

Thank you so much to all of you who commented on my last blog post. There were some great comments and suggestions for improvement. A quick note to those of you who commented on the pov change. The original piece was handwritten with indented paragraphs and a space between the two povs. I didn't pay enough attention to the formatting when I typed it. I'll try not to make that mistake again. Can't promise anything though :-)

Can you believe we're up to week 26 of Musical Stories? Over six months of music, (if you count the special editions), and you're still listening, commenting and, hopefully, enjoying. You lot rock! Sorry to those of you who couldn't listen to the second song last week. If any of you have a burning desire to listen to Don't you want me by The Human League, there is a new link underneath the original video.

This week the genre is War, and it might just be the easiest week ever. Every song was suggested by one of my lovely readers. All I had to do was pick a video and enjoy!

The first one comes from Julie Fedderson from Gypsy in my soul. This one was new to me. It's a reminder of the fears of the family left behind. We often talk about the parents, children and partners of soldiers. This one is for the siblings, and all those other relatives who sometimes get forgotten but whose fears are every bit as real.

I can't believe it's taken three series, and a reminder from Margot Kinberg at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist to include this second one. (I swear Margot has forgotten more songs than I will ever know!). This is the tale of how raw excitement turns to jaded reality for young soldiers.

Finally, Rick Watson from Life 101 introduced me to another song I hadn't heard before. I've included this one as it's the tale of the Everyman. Anyone, in any town, in any generation could be uttering these words.

Enjoy this week's stories. Next week we'll be back in the world of Fantasy.



Lyrics here


 Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 25: Chick Lit

It's Chick Lit week but, before I get to the musical stories, I wanted to ask those of you who have used polls on your website, are they easy to do? Is there a link to somewhere that will show me? I have something to ask you guys, and I think a poll will be the easiest way to do it. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

I think it's safe to say that this week's musical stories have got a bit of a sub-theme going on. The best way to describe it would be 'better no man than the wrong man'. So grab your chocolate and a glass of wine, and enjoy. And no, I still didn't include I will survive :-)

The first entry would be more of a short story than a novel. It's not very long but it says all it has to say. It's really sweet but, like many short stories, there's a sting in its tail.

For some reason, the second song always reminds me of the musical A Star is Born. (Slightly off-topic, but don't you think that film could be considered a chick flick?) .

Update: There is a link below the second video for those who can't view the original one. 

The final entry this week was always my 'goto' song when things didn't work out with a boy. Does anyone else think the lady doth protest slightly too much, though? Whatever, she's not about to let him see how much he's hurt her. Thankfully, it's been a few years now since a box of tissues and a homicidal attitude accompanied my listening of this song :-)

I hope you had fun this week, but if it was all a bit girly for you, we're moving on to War next week.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here
Version for those that can't view the above



Lyrics here

Musical Stories 24: Literary

It's been a rough week in our house. Both the girls have had college applications to complete. One of them left it until the very last week, despite numerous reminders. I'll write more on this at a later date, but let's just say I'm really not looking forward to University applications in two years time!

I have two limericks I'm trying to write as a result of a rash statement I made on last week's musical stories. I promise you'll see the results, I just can't tell you when!

This week we're on the literary category in our musical stories. This is the week where, yes the story matters, but it's more about the beautiful words. All three of these songs are particular favourites of mine, so I do hope you find something special here.

I recently discovered that the writer of the first song wrote it about a 'composite of many people', including one C. S. Lewis. Isn't that what many of us do with our characters? Combine traits, I mean, not write about C. S. Lewis necessarily!

What can I say about the second one? I could choose any of this man's compositions for this category. Perhaps it's my imagination but I always feel an undercurrent of melancholy flowing through the happiest day of this girl's life.

If ever there was a story with the message that every day is precious, and we should celebrate. It's this last one. If you can, tell someone you love them today.

Next week, it's the turn of Chick Lit. And I'm still not posting I will Survive :-)

Lyrics here



Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Musical Stories 23: Crime

Thank you guys for your wonderful comments on my last post. I haven't answered them all yet, but I will do so over the weekend. I know I've said it before, and I expect I will say it again, but this really is an awesome community. For those of you who were asking, the story I referred to in my last post can be found here at Laura's blog, Daily Dodo.

After our holiday break, we're back to our regularly scheduled episode of Musical Stories. This week, it's crime and I've got three fantastic songs for you. Although of course I would say that, wouldn't I?

The first story this week is a grim reminder that we really need to check our facts before rushing in to mete out our own brand of vengeance. Or not, of course. In writing, we can make our characters do whatever we want, and never mind the tragic consequences!

Our second story definitely leaves us with more questions than answers. How and why being the two most obvious. This may not be a story in the true sense of the word, but the first two lines alone make this a must-listen as far as I'm concerned. When I grow up, I want to be able to write simple, perfect description like this.

The final entry this week is one that I've considered including, and rejected, twice before. Not because it isn't a crime story, it is. Not because I don't like it, I love it. But because I thought it was 'too' famous. Too obvious. Then I heard this version for the first time, and problem solved. Something slightly different for you. It's a duet between the original singer and his daughter, recorded in 2007, 30 years after his death. If there is one single person who listens to this today who can honestly tell me they have never heard any version of this song, I will write a limerick with their name in it for them! (I chose that because I can only ever write four lines, so it would be a major task for me – I'm confident I won't have to do it though).

I had a lot of fun choosing this week, I hope you enjoy listening.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve and time for my last musical post of the year. I have three songs for you this week that are each beautiful in their own way, and each, to me, tells a story of our hopes and dreams for the coming year.

The first song should more accurately be classed as a Christmas song, but I knew I had to include it this week instead, as it definitely represents a message of hope for the future. The video also makes me cry. Every single time I watch it.

The title of the second song will probably tell you instantly why I've included this one. The lyrics will just illustrate the point :-)

Finally, just to prove that I'm a traditionalist at heart, I've included the one song that will be sung around the world as the clocks strike midnight.

Thank you to the people who have welcomed and supported me in the past nine months. I've had such fun, and learned so much. I've shed a few tears for some of you, quietly behind my keyboard, and cheered for others. I can't wait to do it all again next year.

Happy New Year!

A musical Christmas to you all

By the time you read this it will probably be Christmas Eve and, in the spirit of the season, I'm suspending Musical Stories for two weeks. This week, in a move that is neither surprising nor original, you get Christmas songs :-)

I love me some Last Christmas by Wham!, and Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is probably my favourite Christmas song of all time, but I've gone for two songs that, in my opinion, aren't played enough, and a third that I heard for the first time only this morning and knew I had to share. It was hard deciding which one to push out to make room for it, I can tell you :-)

The first song has been covered by many many people, and I spent a lot of time listening to various versions with the intention of bringing you something different. In the end though, I had to admit defeat. Nobody sings it quite as well as this woman!

I've loved the second song since I first heard it as a little girl. At that time, it never struck me as an odd pairing - I was about eight - I'd never heard of either of the singers. Since then, I've decided that whoever thought of putting these two together was a genius.

The last song was one I heard for the first time this morning on Sarah Wesson's blog, Earful of Cider. I think it struck a chord with me instantly, because my parents live abroad, along with my brother and his wife and three children. I feel the distance especially at this time of year. I wish I could be there with them, drinking white wine in the sun!

Whatever you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday. I truly hope that all of you can be with people you want to be with, doing things you want to.



   

 

Musical Stories 22: YA

I've had a cold for a few days which seems to have progressed to some kind of flu-like thing. I sat down to rest on the sofa last night, and woke up this morning at five am. I was covered with the special blankie that we only use when we're sick. Nearby was a glass of water, nasal spray, flu tablets, a box of tissues and the blistex cream for chapped lips. The kitchen, (which I hadn't cleaned), was spotless, and there was even a cup and teabag laid out next to the full kettle. I love my wonderful family :-)

This week's Musical Stories are from the YA genre, and we're hearing it from the boys this week.

I heard the first song on Leigh Covington's blog, Something to Write About. I know that everything we go through when we are young makes us who we are today but, be honest, wouldn't you love to go back and give your younger self just a few words of wisdom to make the transition a little bit smoother? I know I certainly would :-)

I just want to shake the boy in our second story and tell him to look at what he's got, right under his nose. Also, Stacy honey, never bring a boy home on the first date!

Our final entry this week wasn't supposed to be this one, but as soon as I heard it on J. A. Bennett's A Book, A Girl, A Journey I knew I had to include it. It's less of a story, more of a chapter, but as I listened to it I could picture him and her laying on their backs on a beautiful day, seeing pictures in the sky and making plans for the future. Just perfect.

Next week's chapter of Musical Stories is supposed to be crime, but who wants that on the Friday before Christmas? Musical Stories will be taking a two week break, but if you like Christmas songs, come back next week for some of my favourites :-)

I'm supposed to be going shopping today, but I'm going to relax at home and not worry about everything I still need to do until Monday. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 21: SciFi

Thank you all for your kind comments and suggestions on my last post. It really meant a lot, and stopped me feeling sorry for myself. Things are moving on in the editing department, but more about that some other time! Tomorrow, Techno and I are off to visit an Art College with Diva to see if it will be a good fit for her next year, so wish us luck!

After our recent special editions, it's time to begin the third series of Musical Stories. As usual we're starting with SciFi. Enjoy :-)

I'm almost certain that somebody recommended the first song to me. Unfortunately I didn't make a note, so if it was you could you please let me know so I can credit you? On the surface, this is a cheerful, cheesy song but, listen closer, and you will realise it's actually very sad. (It's also a retelling of another, very famous, SciFi song).

If you watch Breaking Bad, I have two words for you: Gale Boetticher.

The second story comes at the usual 'humans meet aliens' idea from a slightly different angle. The reaction our visitor has, after seeing how people on Earth behave towards one another, is one that I think we would all have now and then if we had the choice.

This week's final song is a boy's fears that he is no longer exciting enough for his love when she returns from an amazing journey. He points out some of the good things there are on Earth too. I'm not sure I'd include fried chicken but, hey, whatever works!

Next week it's the turn of YA literature. Have a wonderful weekend :-)

Lyrics here

Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Musical Stories Special Edition: He's just not that into you ...

Sorry I've not been around this week. It's mostly due to the end of NaNo and joining the beta test of a new online game, Star Wars, The Old Republic (WoW in space and absolutely amazing). I'm hoping to catch up with your blogs over the weekend and, from next week, I'll be blogging three times a week for the foreseeable future.

This week is the last special edition of Musical Stories before we start series three. I know that 'he's just not that into you' is not a genre but the title was too good to pass up! I'm not sure there's a category for broken romance, but perhaps someone could put me right on that score.

I've broken my own most rigid rule this week. The last of these songs is over eight minutes long. I had to include it though, as it is one of the best examples of this kind of story I have ever heard. I've tried to balance it out by choosing two other songs that are shorter than usual. I hope you enjoy them.

My first choice has to be the ultimate demonstration to a woman that yes, it really is over and he's not going to change his mind. And, even if he does, girl you really don't want him back!

For the second song, you just know he still loves her, but he's going to keep telling himself he doesn't until he believes it. I actually wanted to give you Elvis Costello's version of this song, which is incredible, but I couldn't find it anywhere online. So you get another singer who I love instead.

The final choice is a truly epic tale. If you get the time to watch the video, you should. The interaction between the singers is great. A true cautionary tale for loved-up (or 'lusted-up') teens everywhere!

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all soon.

Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Lyrics here

Musical Stories Special Edition: Memoir

Happy Friday everyone. I hope all my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, and that those of you who went shopping today grabbed a few bargains, and no bruises.

You might remember last week that I said I would showcase a few Musical Stories that didn't quite fit any of our genres before I got started on the third series. I think today's three could all be classed as the memoir genre. (I wish I'd thought to include Memoir when I started this!) I'm sure I don't need to state this, but I will anyway, I'm not suggesting that these are real memoirs, rather they are the stories of the people depicted in the songs.

You get an added bonus with the first song as the best sound quality version I could find is played against a backdrop of scenes from Thelma and Louise. There are other versions of this song, but I don't believe anyone could sing it better than this woman, although I suspect the singer's memoir would be way more exciting than anything the character in this song could experience.

I first heard the second song when I was too young to understand the words, and it has remained a favourite of mine ever since. I bet there's not a single one of us who hasn't, at least once, wanted to give it to someone with both barrels :-)

My final choice for this week is a bit of a self indulgent one. Yesterday was the twentieth anniversary of the death of someone who I consider to be the greatest showman ever. You're still missed mate.

I hope you enjoy these, we'll have another special edition next week and then we'll start series three.

Lyrics here

Lyrics here

If you want to know how Harper Valley was faring 15 years later, here's your answer.

Lyrics here

Musical Stories 20: Romance

I messed up and you can't comment on this post. There is a newer post above it if you would like to leave a comment. Yes, I'm an idiot :-)

Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers and good wishes for Diva. She is absolutely fine now. She went to school today dressed like Annie Hall, which is a style she thinks she has invented, (for 'dress down' day), excited to tell all her friends about her trip to the hospital. Oh, the resilience of youth! She doesn't read my blog but I did tell her that all my friends were thinking of her and she wanted me to say thank you from her too. So, thank you from Diva!

By the way, I can't believe I forgot to mention this, but I was interviewed over on Emily's blog, Get Busy Writing. It was last Monday, but I thought I'd mention it in case you haven't discovered Emily's blog yet.

It's hard to believe, but we're at the end of our second journey through our musical stories, which means we end on a romantic note. The choices this week are a reminder that the course of true love can be anything but smooth.

The first song is proof, if proof were needed, that guys are just as scared as girls of getting it wrong and spoiling things. If you're not sure what to say, say nothing and enjoy the moment.

Song number two is the sad tale of what happens when you fall in love with someone you shouldn't. You see them when you can, instead of when you want.

For the final choice, the whole world knows this guy is in love, now, if he would only admit it to himself! If that description didn't give it away, I'll be very surprised.

So there it is, the end of series two. I do hope you've enjoyed it. There might be a third series, but for the next couple of weeks I'm going to showcase a few songs that didn't quite make it. These are usually ones that I think have a great story, but if they were books, I wouldn't quite know where to shelve them :-)

Musical Stories 19: Horror

Life's been a bit hectic this week, but I couldn't miss my regular chapter of Musical Stories, so here I am. Before we get to that though, a very brief update on how NaNo is going for me. In a word, badly. Apparently, I'm set to achieve my 50,000 words on June 15, 2012. Hopefully, I'll pick up this weekened though as Phil from A Time to Phil and I are doing one of our regular team 10k events, where we write 10k words in a weekend. This is our third time, and we've always managed to push each other over the finish line in the past, so wish us luck for this time too!

This week's Musical Stories are from the horror genre. I've gone for a slightly more tongue in cheek theme this time, rather than out and out chills, but I hope you enjoy them all the same.

The first one is a great example of the writing 'rule' where everyone should have a motive for what they do, even the bad guys. This gentleman's motivation is that he loves his work!

I love the second story, it's a wonderfully creepy YA tale. If it was made into a film I have no doubt that one of the boys would be changed into a screaming girl, but I like it better this way.

For my final choice, what happens if you're turned into a zombie and your co-worker won't speak to you? Why, you send him a memo of course! This song is fun, as well as being creepy but - and this is a serious warning – If you're one of those who can't watch The Walking Dead, don't watch the video. Minimise it and just listen to the song, I really don't want to gross anybody out.

Next week, we reach the end of our journey for the second time and we'll end on a romantic note. In the meantime, have a lovely weekend, and don't have nightmares!

Musical Stories 18: Children's Literature

I'd like to tell you that I'm late with this week's Musical Stories because I was hard at work writing or editing, but I'd be lying. The truth is, I went to bed at 8pm last night. One of these days I'll find a decent sleep pattern!

Better late than never, this week's Musical Stories are Children's Literature. They're all quite different, but each is special in its own way.

I love number one almost as much for the video as for the song itself. The singer mimics the mannerisms of a small child beautifully. I hope you're able to watch the video as well as listen, and you'll see what I mean.

Number two is a reminder that the world can be a harsh confusing place, and sometimes children have to find this out early. This one never fails to bring a lump to my throat.

The final song for this week was recommended by Margot Kingberg from Confessions of a Mystery Novelist. I do have other songs that, perhaps, tell more of an actual story than this one but it was so beautiful I just had to include it. (Sorry if there's an advert at the beginning, it was the best version).

Next week is the penultimate chapter in this series and it's horror, so be prepared to be spooked!

Musical Stories 17: Fantasy

Wow, can you believe I've been running this feature for over seventeen weeks, and we're almost at the end of the second series? This week, we're revisiting the Fantasy genre, and I've got three very different songs for you.

The first one is by special request. I mentioned last time round that this artist had been on the shortlist, thanks to Patsy Collins who introduced me to her, but hadn't made the cut, and a couple of people were disappointed. This song in particular was mentioned as a favourite by Jenny of Fulfilling Dreams. So, especially for you, Jenny :-)

I love number two. Pity the poor Angel who's been on Earth for years, witnessing misery and devastation and unable to stop it all, all he wants to do is go home.

Number three is fantasy of a different kind. What happens when you mix a wonderful story with recreational drugs? You get this!

So , that was our fantasy week. Next week it's children's literature.

Lyrics here




Lyrics here

Lyrics here

Musical Stories 16: War

First, hello to all the people who have followed me on Twitter. I'm pretty sure I'm following you all back. I'm still a bit quiet on there, but I'm slowly finding my feet. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

Our stories this week are all about War. So what have I chosen?

Number one is one of my slight cheats as it's less of a story and more of a character study. Still, it's all about the writing, no?

I know I said this week would be less girly than last week but I still managed to sneak a ballad in. This is a sweet, very sad story, that actually brought a lump to my throat, (although I think I've already mentioned I cry very easily). I found this song on someone's blog a few weeks ago but neglected to write their name down so if it was you, please let me know so I can credit you.

This week's final song is a definite cross-genre story, just right for this time of year. By the way, I refuse to be held responsible if the chorus gets stuck in your head!

Next week, it's all about the Fantasy!