Melissa Etheridge, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce... What The Amnesia Projects's protagonist would be listening to
The Amnesia Project (Dani Ryder)
After her friend’s sister Paige disappears without a trace during a trip to NYC, Dani dedicates her life
to finding out what happened to her. The hope that against the odds, Paige is alive and well somewhere,
keeps her going on her decade-long search. In my stories, the lead characters often make up their minds
about each other quickly, and deal with the consequences and obstacles later. The Amnesia Project is
different, because of the long, forced separation between Dani and Paige.
to finding out what happened to her. The hope that against the odds, Paige is alive and well somewhere,
keeps her going on her decade-long search. In my stories, the lead characters often make up their minds
about each other quickly, and deal with the consequences and obstacles later. The Amnesia Project is
different, because of the long, forced separation between Dani and Paige.
To me, it would make sense that Dani would be drawn to mostly female artists and dramatic, emotional
themes—as she figures out how to deal with the challenges along the way. She tries hard not to lose hope,
but finds herself in a darker place from time to time.
themes—as she figures out how to deal with the challenges along the way. She tries hard not to lose hope,
but finds herself in a darker place from time to time.
What would represent your protagonist's state of mind at the start of the story?
Melissa Etheridge “Come To My Window”
Before Paige’s disappearance, Dani had planned to come out to her friends. She had only recently
come to the realization that she’s attracted to women, and she was both unsure and hopeful as to
how her friends would react. Melissa Etheridge would be the first go-to music for her mindset.
come to the realization that she’s attracted to women, and she was both unsure and hopeful as to
how her friends would react. Melissa Etheridge would be the first go-to music for her mindset.
Little Big Town “Girl Crush”
This song came out later, and it’s not about coming out, but Dani would have a rare giddy moment over it in the beginning of the story, and feel guilty and wistful about it in later parts.
Kaleo “Way Down We Go”
A darker song with a haunting melody: For Dani, every once in a while, the realization sinks in
that a happy ending is not likely.
that a happy ending is not likely.
What will be blaring out the windows when it comes on the radio?
Kelly Clarkson “People Like Us”
An affirming song, especially after Dani finds out the truth about what happened to Paige. She
will not rest until the world knows the truth.
will not rest until the world knows the truth.
Pick a song that they’d dedicate to the antagonist.
Christina Aguilera “Fighter”
This is a song from an album that came out a few months before, in the story, Dani and her friends
go on the trip to New York. In the present, it would have a different meaning to her, a message to
her antagonist that due to having to deal with their actions, she’s become smarter and stronger.
go on the trip to New York. In the present, it would have a different meaning to her, a message to
her antagonist that due to having to deal with their actions, she’s become smarter and stronger.
What song do they want to have playing at their funeral?
Beyoncé “I Was Here”
Dani’s motivation has always been to find Paige, but also to make a difference for women in the
same situation. It would matter greatly to her to leave the world in a better place.
same situation. It would matter greatly to her to leave the world in a better place.
Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Check out Barbara's interview about The Amnesia Project, what she has to say about her book called Secrets and who she'd cast in the leading roles if she could choose the movie/TV leads for Secrets.
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