Stuart talked about the inspiration for writing The Crimson Script. A holiday to Venice and walking the streets inspired him, with the magnificent architecture and the history of feuding powerful families. Lyra, a member of the nobility, is terribly wronged. This traumatic event, and her response of the need for revenge leads her to question her identity and whether this is the only path. Stuart stated that it took him years to write the book. However, he felt that during that time it was important to be disciplined and write something every day, even if it was only a sentence. He felt it was essential to pay a professional editor. He also paid an artist to design the book jacket. He used a company that will helps an author digitally publish a book and also physically publish. The Crimson Script, 334 pages long, is available in paperback and also as a Kindle e-book. Stuart noted that there has been interest particularly in America and Germany. However, he emphasised that the motivation for a writer has to be the desire to tell a story, not to look for a particularly level of success.
Playlist
Brentwood School Big Band – Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Mike Lindup – Time to let go
Howard Shore – Breaking of the fellowship. Stuart chose this track from the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings.
Theme from The band of Brothers. Stuart chose this track as the TV series was one of his favourite shows and was instrumental in inspiring him to become an Army chaplain.
Elmer Bernstein – The Magnificent Seven. Stuart’s favourite film as a child.
The Friday Teaser.
Benny Andersson in 1974 above. Below in 2021.
Benny celebrated his 75th birthday. We played the 1977 ABBA track from the soundtrack for ABBA – The Movie – Thankyou for the music.
Taylor Swift celebrated her 32nd birthday. We played the 2010 track – Today was a fairy tale. This is from the soundtrack for Valentines day.
Brenda Lee was 77 years old on Sunday. We played her 1958 track Rocking around the Christmas tree. This has re-entered the UK singles charts every year since 2014. This week it is at number 10.
The competition was played by guest Stuart Hull, Stewart Pink our drive-time host, Chris in Harlow and Patrick in Ingatestone. Stewart won this week, with correct answers for Benny and Taylor. Patrick was closest with Brenda Lee.
John Legend – What Christmas means to me.
Elton John – Step into Christmas.
Vivienne Neville & Liz Clarke – Angels – from their 2011 album Emmanuel.
Chart this week in
No 1. T’Pau – China in your hand
No 7. George Harrison – Got my mind set on you.
No 14. Communards – Never can say goodbye.
Pentatonix – Never can say goodbye
Bill Withers – Lean on me
Mal Pope – Won’t be Christmas
Join me next week, Christmas Eve between 1-3 pm and also on Boxing Day 1-4 pm.