Where the Ghosts Feel Like Home | An Original Song Inspired by Friends & Phantoms

What if the people who understand us most are not always the ones we can see?

Inspired by Elizabeth Thompson’s Friends & Phantoms, this original song explores the imaginative world of friendship, mystery, belonging, and the unseen connections that shape our lives.

The story follows twelve-year-old Clair, whose world changes after the loss of her grandmother. Moving into an unfamiliar home and starting at a new school, Clair must navigate grief, loneliness, new friendships, and a family secret: the women in her family have the ability to see and communicate with ghosts.

As Clair discovers the mysteries surrounding Hamilton House, she faces the challenge of understanding a restless spirit while learning to trust the people around her. Beneath its supernatural mystery, the story explores meaningful themes of friendship, courage, loss, acceptance, and finding a place where one belongs.

My creative approach was to translate the book’s imaginative atmosphere and emotional themes into an original musical experience. The intention was to capture the unusual relationship between the mysterious and the comforting—the idea that even in unfamiliar or unexpected circumstances, friendship and connection can make a place feel like home.

Through “Where the Ghosts Feel Like Home,” I sought to give the book’s themes a musical identity, creating a complementary listening experience inspired by its blend of heartfelt storytelling and supernatural adventure.

This project demonstrates my approach to literary-inspired songwriting: interpreting a book’s characters, atmosphere, and emotional journey and transforming them into original music.

Creative contribution: Original song and music creation by Alias Derek.

Book inspiration: Friends & Phantoms by Elizabeth Thompson (pen name of Elizabeth Duivenvoorde).

Song title: “Where the Ghosts Feel Like Home”