We’re going waaaaay back to the very first song on the Solomon’s Seal playlist.
The first book. The first scene. Livi in the rental Jeep chasing down her brother–and the artifact they were both after. I’d sketched out some of the backstory already (yes, even that), knew the overall shape of the book, the artifact/location/villain, the themes.
“On a Mission” by Gabriella Cilmi. This was the first Livi song.
It’s tough for me to make a move
And I know what I gotta do
Cause I got everything to prove
I got a plan I’m sticking to
I first heard it via a Buffy fan vid to it, which is sadly no longer available, and I hate the original music video but I found one using the Captain Marvel trailer.
I ain’t nobody’s push around
If they could only see me now
I am a woman on a mission
Nothing can stop me, I’m stronger than ever
I’m gonna see this through
I am a woman on a mission
Whatever it takes I will do what I gotta do
This was the very core of Livi for me–her determination, whatever the task. That adrenaline-junkie energy of going, going, going. Her insistence she’ll see something through. Her confidence in her own abilities.
So read the writing on the wall
I’m ready and I’m standing tall
Some people think they know it all,
I guess I’ll have to show ‘em all
I still throw the song on periodically for those high-octane adventure action scenes, but in my head it’s always Livi driving in that Jeep backwards, standing and firing at her brother to stop him.
Stand aside 'cause I’m on a mission
I’m on fire, there’s no competition.
You can’t blame me I got intuition
And I never miss a trick just like a magician
You don’t need cash, you don’t need permission,
If you think I’m scared, you must be tripping.
Foot on gas, key in ignition,
Can’t stop now 'cause I’m on a mission
If you haven’t had a chance to read Solomon’s Seal yet, you can grab it free on Payhip right now.
I never do freebies for a variety of reasons, but a lot of folks are self-quarantining right now and living with a lot of uncertainty. I’m a little uncertain too–I feel in a better position than others, but I still worry that as clients feel the financial pinch right now, they’ll cancel work and I’ll be in trouble. Or that book-buying habits will drop and so will the sales I rely on.
But Livi was always meant to be a bit of an escape and adventure for others, and it feels like the kind of book that can be helpful right now. If you haven’t read it, grab a copy now. Coupon code ESCAPE at checkout.
Holla!