Carwyn and Brigid’s song: Not With Haste

For those who have followed my writing for a while, you probably know what a music nut I am. I make playlists for all of my books that I use while I’m writing, some of which I’ve posted on the blog. (I know, I need to update.) And there are usually one or two songs that really scream out as the main characters’ theme in my mind. For Gio and Beatrice, it was Sarah Brightman’s “Anytime, Anywhere” and Snow Patrol’s “Set Fire to the Third Bar.” But for Carwyn and Brigid… I have to confess that while lots of songs fit scenes or aspects of their story, no ONE song screamed out at me as “theirs.”

Until a couple days ago.

I’m a huge Mumford & Sons fan. I had the opportunity a while back to listen to them in Monterey, talking a little about how John Steinbeck’s work had influenced their music and songwriting. It was a joy to listen to a thoughtful discussion of how music and books often go hand in hand, and how another artist can inspire you. Like I said, HUGE fan, love their sound and their writing, so I was just itching for their new album “Babel” to come out. Got it right away, listened to it straight through. Loved it. Then, I listened again, and I REALLY listened.

And there was Carwyn and Brigid’s song. Track #12. Started out softly, with just a guitar and a voice. But the lyrics, guys. These lyrics speak to me. Speak to who Brigid and Carwyn became in this book. It’s perfect. PERFECT. So take a listen to Not With Haste:

Your eyes they tie

Me down so hard

I’ll never learn to put up a guard

So keep my love

My candle bright

Learn me hard, oh learn me right

This ain’t no sham

I am what I am

Though I may speak

Some tongue of old

Or even spit out some holy word

I have no strength

From which to speak

When you sit me down, and see I’m weak

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They’ll fulfill our dreams

And we’ll be free

And we will be who we are

And they’ll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

So as we walked

Through fields of green

Was the fairest sun I’d ever seen

And I was broke

I was on my knees

But you said yes as I said please

This ain’t no sham

I am what I am

I leave no ties

For a cynic’s mind

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They’ll fulfill our dreams

And we’ll be free

And we will be who we are

And they’ll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste

As it keeps my heart and soul in its place

And I will love with urgency but not with haste

***

“I will love with urgency but not with haste…”

Thanks guys. Truly. From one writer to four of the best, thank you. And in case you’re wondering, BUY BABEL. It’s amazing.

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Advance reviews for Building From Ashes are starting to roll in on Goodreads. Which is always nerve-wracking—I mean fun! I sent a few ARCs out to make sure readers and bloggers had enough time to read. A month should be enough, right?

I may have underestimated people’s enthusiasm for this one:

“This novel for all practical purposes is a trilogy in one cover, it is divided into 3 “books” and each has a plot and a main thrust to it while all proceed towards a main theme which as with previous works is a masterful combination of action, romance and mystery. …Each has the ability to pull you into the story and make you part of it, the writing is excellent, the story has humor, action, mystery and characters that you will love.” -Douglas C. Meeks

“This is not a love story so much as it is a ‘life story’ of Brigid and Carwyn. It is very much a character driven book, detailing the years before and after during their love story; how they grew and changed before they came to be together.” -BamaGal

“Returning readers to the world of the Elemental Mystery series in this first Elemental World spin-off, the outrageous, gaudy-Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, earth vampire priest Carwyn gets his own eternal happily ever after in a wonderful character driven story laced with a bit of mystery, sprinkled with a bit of action, warmed by love sweet love, and heated by an eventual touch of steam.” -Melindeeloo

Incredibly flattered. Incredibly grateful. Thanks for taking the time to read, everyone. And thank you for your thoughtful, well-written, and spoiler-free reviews.

And for my Chicago area readers, PLEASE don’t forget that I’m at the Palmer House in Chicago this Saturday, signing and selling the new EM paperbacks from 12-4. It’s free and open to the public, and I’ll be joined by a bunch of awesome authors. Click here for more info. I would LOVE to see you. And you do NOT have to buy a book there for me to sign it. If you already have a paperback, bookmark, receipt from Target… yeah, I’ll sign anything. (Body parts not included.)

Have a great weekend!

Elizabeth