A Mystery Series Set in Alaska
and how it became part of
my books.
The editor of my first book,
Murder, Madness & Love, suggested I give my heroine, Sarah, a peculiar
habit. Something that would stand out and make her memorable as she navigated
the emotions and stress of being stalked by a murderer.
I chose the song "You Are My
Sunshine." A song I recalled from a tearjerker of a movie that made an
impression on me when I was a child. The relationship of the father and
daughter is what hit home for me. Anyway, it was one of those tugs on your
heartstring movies. So, I chose the song for my character to use as something
she would recall and absent-mindedly sing when highly stressed. Sometimes not
even aware that she was. I thought it was a good choice. I thought it was an
interesting reaction for Sarah to have when troubled.
Then later, she'd share that her
father taught it to her to sing to her mother before they'd both leave for the
long work separations that took them away from her. Meant to keep Sarah and her
mother from crying. As an adult, it becomes her calming tool too.
I thought it was obscure and
unique.
But it wasn't. Did you know it's
one of the state songs of Louisiana? It's also the most commercially programmed
number in American popular music. And it's been recorded by dozens, and I mean,
dozens of artists. Google it, you'll see. No obscure little song this!
Just a little tidbit I thought you
might find interesting. I hope you have! Thanks for visiting.
***
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