Pretty much every story I've written since I was a kid had, what I would call, a soundtrack. You know, the songs that would play in the background if the book ever got made into a movie . . . and I was in charge of everything.
A while ago, I posted a blog with The Man Test soundtrack, so I thought it'd be fun to share what I was listening to when I wrote The Commitment Test.
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyonce- This is a pretty obvious pick for a book that's about a woman trying to get her boyfriend to propose marriage. Plus it's a classic.
Marry You by Bruno Mars- This originally inspired a wedding scene that actually got cut out of the book. It was called Love and Las Vegas Again . . .
Distance by Emily King
Let's Stay Together by Al Green- There's a scene where a special guy and a special girl are dancing together in their hotel room. It's the kind of romantic scene I fantasize about for myself.
All About Your Heart by Mindy Gledhill- This song could almost be the theme for all the Marin books. I discovered it when I was writing The Commitment Test and I fell in love with it. If this was a movie All About Your Heart would be the theme song.
If I Can't Have You by Yvonne Elliman
I Choose You by Sara Bareilles- Did you all know that Sara Bareilles is my favorite singer?? Next to Michael Jackson of course.
The One That Got Away by Katy Perry- So it's not a spoiler, but Marin's ex resurfaces in this book, causing all kinds of trouble. And I know for many, there's always that one who got away that you wonder, what if . . .
Real Love by Mary J. Blige- This is an anthem, that mostly reminds me of riding my Huffy around the cul-de-sac as a second grader, but it's what we all want. Real Love.
Marry Me by Jason Derulo- Okay, what romantic woman doesn't swoon over this song.
You can check out this soundtrack here on Spotify. I'd love to hear your thoughts, please leave me a comment below.
Today is not your typical day if you're an American. The 2016 presidential election is finally over and we will have a new president come January 2017. For many people in the country this is an exciting win and for many others, it's a devastating loss.
Regardless of your political stance and opinions, this was a surprise win. When I woke up this morning I could already feel the heaviness in the air. A collective energy that permeates the country, maybe the world.
There's a message I wanted to share with all of you whether you're pleased with the outcome or not. Yes, the president has power along with the rest of the government, but there are more of us than there are of them. We have so much more power than we realize.
Let's not sit back and let a handful of people dictate our future. We have to stand up, sometimes with a stand-alone spirit and claim the power we have. Because I think you are president and I am president. We're all president. Every day we cast our vote by how we consume, the conversations we engage in, the way we conduct ourselves at home and in society. Those small acts accumulate and impact the world in a huge way, even if you don't realize it.
Whatever you are passionate about and whatever changes you want to see, you have to take charge. After all, you are the author and the protagonist of your story. Let's all become leaders where we are right now, reveal our greatest potential, and truly help others do the same. That is how we make America great, that is how we make the world great.
Hello Lovers!
It's been awhile since I last updated you on what's going on behind the scenes. There have been a lot of twists and turns this year that have tried to pull me away from writing. But I have not been defeated and now I have a few projects in the works, including, most importantly, the third book in The Marin Test Series!
In this next part of Marin's saga, she's taking the next step in her life by adding a little one to her new family. After trying for over a year, Marin is weeks away from turning 35 and is still reproductively challenged. With changes at work and with her friends, the struggle to get pregnant could be Marin's most emotional journey.
Of course, my goal with The Marin Test Series is to make relatable complicated topics lighter and even add a few laughs. It's been so great to live in Marin's world again.
If you haven't read the first two in the series, click here to catch up before The Pregnancy Test is out!
Me and my writing buddy at work.
Posts
