Mercy Gale’s Playlist
When I outline a book and build character sketches, I often hear a character’s emotional truth in music before I can put it on the page. A lot of their story is defined by the music of their generation. If you've read Thicker than Water, you know Mercy's core family comes from three different generations. Tom Gale came of age in the 1960s and was a decorated Vietnam war hero. Sandra Gale, Mercy's mother is an elder Gen X. Mercy herself is a Millennial with an old soul.
This is also a story about secrets, betrayal, loss, and the ghosts we carry. Things aren't always what they seem. Each playlist on this page reflects a different emotional thread in Mercy’s world—heartbreak, rage, loyalty, loss. Some of these songs helped me write her story. Others I found after the fact and thought: that’s what she would’ve listened to when it all fell apart.
Some of these songs are in my bones from years ago. Some of them showed up late. All of them helped shape Thicker Than Water in some way.
Got a song that belongs on one of Mercy’s playlists? Let me know—I might just add it.
