The Song that Started the Story/Poetry Monday

Alot of you know that Regina in the Sun, which will be released by Samhain Publishing on April 22nd, was born out of a distraction.

An RPG game played with fellow authors at the writer's forum Romance Divas-where I was bitten and consequently had to create a character storyline, pick an avatar and a song that best represented my character etc.-in an effort to prove I was still actually doing something constructive while I awaited word on my first ms submission.

The picture was what first drew me, by an artist I had found on a random search. http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6495/vfwimagen3yy.jpg

As I stared into her eyes I began to hear a song. A song I knew vaguely by an artist most people wouldn't associate with Vampires (ie not NIN lol-though I do love them too), and lyrics that also didn't exactly fit the darkly sexy image usually attributed to creatures of the night.

The song wouldnt stop playing in my head, the image wouldn't leave my mind. I'd stopped playing the game and still she was there. Then one night not long after I had a dream.

Regina was running from something, injured and terrified. She reached a safe haven, a pub of all places, and she heard it...that song. When I woke up I knew I'd just dreamt the first chapter of her story. And though I struggled-having never imagined that I would write a story about vampires-I'm so glad that I got to meet her. To know her. Not to mention finding out about Zander and Lux Sariel ;)

So for Poetry Monday I offer up a haunting melody by Ben Harper called She's Only Happy in the Sun-with lyrics below.

She's Only Happy In The Sun
Written by: Harper/Butterworth

i know you may not want to see me
on your way down from the clouds
would you hear me if i told you
that my heart is
with you now

she's only happy in the sun
she'd only happy in the sun

did you find what you were after
the pain and the laughter
brought you to your knees
but if the sun sets you free
sets you free
you'll be free indeed

she's only happy in the sun
she's only happy in the sun

every time i hear you laughing
hear you laughing
it makes my cry
like the story of life
of life
is hello goodbye

she's only happy in the sun
she's only happy in the sun