D is for Denby (Carl).

Having decided to write a book about a young woman whose life is ruined by a song, I knew that getting the songwriter character right would be a crucial factor. I wanted the reader’s view of Carl to change as the book unfolds. Initially, we see him solely through Immy’s eyes, through the filter of someone who had endured a particularly difficult breakup. Our perspective of him is undeniably influenced by her view of what went wrong in their relationship and why the version he presents in the song is so painful to her. As the book continues, I hope that readers will find themselves revisiting their initial assessments of Carl and seeing things from his side as well.

The legendary reggae band Culture remind us that there are three sides to a story: your side, my side, and then the truth. It’s an oversimplification to see that conceit mirrored in the three-part structure I’ve used for Imogen Imagine, but having part one of the book told from Immy’s perspective, then part two from Carl’s certainly leans into that philosophy. In the final part… well, you’ll have to read the book to find out, won’t you?

D is also for Nick Drake, one of the musicians revered by Immy’s brother Toby in the flashback scenes that include his musical leanings. Back when I was writing Dead Man Singing, I considered including Nick Drake in the musical landscape of the book, but decided in the end not to. Dave Masters would certainly have been aware of Drake, particularly with the latter’s association with Dave’s (and my) musical hero Richard Thompson. However, the huge public rediscovery of Drake’s music didn’t gain critical mass until 1999 – nine years later than the setting of my novel – when Pink Moon was featured in, of all things, an advert for Volkswagon. Drake’s troubled life and his reluctance to engage with audiences made him a good fit for my character to identify with, offering a subtle hint to readers of what they might expect as the story unfolds. I love using music as part of the tapestry of a novel, but it’s important to me that it’s always there for a reason, rather than tacked on just because I happen to like a particular singer or song. Nick Drake didn’t fit with Dead Man Singing, despite being entirely the right era; he was perfect for his small supporting role in Imogen Imagine, even though most of the music in Imogen Imagine Spotify playlist is much more recent.