Megan Collins, a well-known author of psychological thrillers, has captivated readers with her ability to explore complex emotions and relationships. In her latest novel, Cross My Heart, Collins draws inspiration from an unexpected source: the music of Taylor Swift. The author credits Swift’s lyrics for influencing the novel’s intricate themes, adding depth and emotion to her storytelling.
Collins shared that her connection to Swift’s music began during a tough period in her life. At the age of 26, she became a fan of the pop star while going through personal heartbreak. Listening to songs like Dear John gave her clarity and helped her process her emotions. Over time, her admiration for Swift’s music grew, and it became a significant influence on her writing.
The Impact of Taylor Swift’s Lyrics
Taylor Swift is known for crafting songs that delve into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Collins explained that these themes resonated deeply with her, particularly the way Swift combines poetic lyrics with raw emotions. This lyrical depth inspired Collins as she developed the plot and characters in Cross My Heart.
In an interview, Collins described how Swift’s song Labyrinth played a pivotal role in shaping the emotional journey of her protagonist, Rosie. The song speaks about falling in love again but with hesitation and fear. This sentiment became a central theme in the novel, guiding Rosie’s experiences and decisions.
Collins wanted to capture the intensity of emotions often found in Swift’s music. The novel explores love in its most obsessive and dangerous forms, showing how passion can blur the line between devotion and destruction. Without Swift’s influence, Collins admitted, her story would have lacked the same emotional intensity and complexity.
Themes in Cross My Heart
At its core, Cross My Heart is a story about love, loss, and the search for truth. The protagonist, Rosie, is a character shaped by deep emotions and personal struggles, much like the themes present in Swift’s songs. Rosie’s journey mirrors the emotional highs and lows that Swift often sings about, including moments of vulnerability and strength.
One of the main ideas explored in the novel is how love can become both a source of happiness and pain. Collins skillfully portrays this duality, showing how the characters’ relationships evolve in ways that are both beautiful and unsettling. The story challenges readers to question the nature of love and its impact on their lives.
Another theme in the book is the idea of uncovering hidden truths. Collins explained that Swift’s lyrics often contain layers of meaning, encouraging listeners to dig deeper to understand the full story. Inspired by this approach, Collins designed her novel to keep readers guessing, with twists and turns that reveal surprising truths about the characters.
Megan Collins’ Writing Journey
Megan Collins has earned a reputation for her gripping psychological thrillers. Her earlier works, such as The Winter Sister and Behind the Red Door, have received widespread acclaim for their intricate plots and emotional depth.
The Winter Sister explores family secrets and unresolved mysteries, while Behind the Red Door delves into the lasting effects of childhood trauma. Both novels showcase Collins’ talent for creating multi-layered characters and suspenseful narratives.
Another notable work, The Family Plot, focuses on obsession and betrayal, offering a darkly twisted story that keeps readers on edge. Collins’ ability to explore themes like memory, identity, and hidden truths has made her a standout author in the psychological thriller genre.
With Cross My Heart, Collins continues to build on her strengths, using Taylor Swift’s music as a source of inspiration to push her storytelling to new heights.
Why Taylor Swift’s Music Resonates with Writers
Collins is not the first writer to find inspiration in Taylor Swift’s music. Swift’s ability to convey universal emotions through her lyrics makes her songs relatable to people from all walks of life, including authors. Her storytelling often blends personal experiences with imaginative elements, a quality that aligns with the creative process of writing fiction.
For Collins, Swift’s music provided a framework for exploring the darker aspects of love and relationships. The themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery found in Swift’s songs served as a foundation for Cross My Heart, adding richness and complexity to the story.
Swift’s influence also extended to the way Collins approached her writing. The author explained that she often listened to Swift’s albums while working on the book, drawing inspiration from the emotions conveyed in the music. This immersive process helped her connect more deeply with her characters and their experiences.