Kaylah Walton
Taylor Swift’s music has been central to many emotional experiences, from love stories to breakups. For author Megan Collins, however, Swift’s songs served as a remarkable source of inspiration for her newest psychological thriller, Cross My Heart, set to be released on January 14. This novel offers a unique twist that goes beyond conventional romantic tales.
How does a fan of Taylor Swift evolve from singing along to “You Belong With Me” to penning a gripping thriller? Collins opened up about her journey as a dedicated Swiftie in a People exclusive. She recounted how Taylor’s music, especially “Dear John”, became her comfort during a challenging time in her twenties. Fast forward years later, the emotional depth in Taylor’s lyrics helped Collins explore more complex and darker facets of love in her book.
Now, diving into Cross My Heart, we meet Rosie, a woman who has received a heart transplant. Upon learning about her donor’s widower, Morgan, she becomes obsessed, believing that their connection is fated due to her possessing the heart he once cherished. The plot thickens as Taylor’s music intricately shapes Rosie’s intense and obsessive journey.
It all began with “You Belong With Me.” While many see it as a classic song about unreciprocated feelings, Collins uncovered a more profound and unsettling aspect. The line, “Think I know where you belong, think I know it’s with me,” reflects a sense of delusion mistaken for fate. This belief serves as a powerful motivation for Rosie, pushing her into a realm where reality and boundaries fade.
Evolving from romantic melodies to chilling narratives: The influence of Taylor Swift’s lyrics on a suspenseful tale
The inspiration didn’t end there. Other tracks such as “Labyrinth” and “Treacherous” enriched the narrative further. “Labyrinth,” encapsulates the complexity of love mixed with fear, illustrating Rosie’s internal struggles. The lines from “Treacherous,” especially the notion that “Nothing safe is worth the drive,” mirror Rosie’s readiness to gamble everything for love.
Collins also drew inspiration from Taylor’s “Mastermind,” crafting a crucial plot point around its themes. The song reveals Taylor’s intention in creating a charming encounter, with lyrics like “None of it was accidental.” This inspired Collins to write a scene where Rosie deliberately engineers her “accidental” meeting with Morgan—charming in Taylor’s universe, yet sinister in Rosie’s.
The outcome is a gripping tale that explores obsession, delusion, and the sacrifices made for love, even if it’s unreturned. Collins expresses gratitude to Taylor’s music for illuminating the darker aspects of love, stating, “Without Taylor’s songs, this would’ve been a very different book.”
For fans of both Swift’s music and compelling thrillers, Cross My Heart offers a thrilling journey that intertwines emotions, obsession, and the right touch of eeriness. Is this not the ideal blend we seek from a story inspired by Taylor?
