The Write Time Playlist
Listen while you read!
ARCs are in the world! That means it’s time for a new book playlist. I’m writing all about the reason why I included each song on the newsletter today, and I’m going to try to talk a little bit about my process of making these playlists on the podcast, too! But first…
If you’ve been following along for the past few weeks, you know how excited I’ve been to be out of school for the summer and sip my coffee on my back yard patio.
Well, I am happy to report that summer has *arrived*. I have been running in the mornings, but I’ve also found a few quiet minutes to sip some coffee while my kiddos play in their sandbox and the birds chirp overhead. It. Is. Bliss.
And yes, I know I’ve said iced coffee or bust in the summer, but this first summer coffee on my patio called for my new favorite mug, don’t you think? (Also, it was like 40 degrees because May is still technically midwest spring.)
I’m so excited to write about The Write Time playlist today! I’ve been listening to some version of this thing since I started writing the book, and narrowed it down to 14 songs for your listening pleasure. I do think they pair well with the book—some are character anthems, some fit the vibe of the book in general or pair well with a certain moment, and some are all of the above! The Spotify playlist is embedded at the end of this section, so I hope you give it a listen and let me know what you think.
For the first song, I have “I’m So Tired” by Lauv and Troye Sivan. When you hear the lyrics, you’ll know why this fits so well at the beginning, when Jenny isn’t fully admitting that she’s over the dating scene, but she’s definitely feeling it. Ben is for sure ready to settle down, too (he probably always has been), but we also know he’s waiting for Jenny to get it together and realize he’s The One.
“Like a Girl” by Lizzo is Jenny’s anthem. You know she turns this song up every time it comes on, and it is for sure on her running playlist. Jenny is not only a woman who prides herself in her femininity, but fully embraces everything about being a woman, including her own strength. Eventually.
Next up, we have “All Time Low” by Jon Bellion. This is a vibe song, for sure, but the lyrics fit, too. I love the pop-intensity of this song, which fits the vibe of the book well, but also, the idea of being with someone and then not being with them anymore, but also not being able to get them off your mind is Jenny and Ben to a T.
To be totally honest, I’m not sure how “Moneymaker” by Fitz and the Tantrums ended up on here. I pictured Jenny and Mac cackling at Tony’s over this song, shaking themselves ridiculously and laughing while everyone else sort of rolled their eyes at them. That’s not a scene in The Write Time, but it’s part of their friendship in my mind. Also, I’m absolutely sure this song is the one playing when Jenny is on the treadmill at the gym and Ben comes over to say hi.
“Wild Things” Alessia Cara is a song that would remind Jenny of her younger days with Mac. I picture Jenny hearing this song and feeling a pang of remorse for the friendship as it was (until she realizes the friendship as it will be is even better).
“Magic Mountain” by firekid is the first song I added to the more massive playlist I would shuffle during every writing session. This is a total vibe song. It doesn’t really relate to the book in any other way, but when I first heard it, I was like, Yes. This is Jenny and Ben.
The next song is “Pierre” by Ryn Weaver. This was a late addition, but the song is about a woman who is a little wild until she meets the right guy. At least, that’s how I interpret the lyrics. If Jenny could sing, she’d belt this one out, and probably have a hard time admitting it relates perfectly to her.
“Lose that Light” by Folly and the Hunter is another late addition, but it makes me think of the time Jenny is crying in her classroom after a fight with her ex, and Ben—even though he knows she’s going back to the ex and he doesn’t stand a chance—takes the time to talk to her and help her through it. He tells her, “Don’t let anyone dim your light,” and this song fits that scene perfectly.
“Call On Me” by Eric Prydz is Ben’s theme song. I mean, come on. “Call on me/I’m the same boy I used to be”? Yeah, that’s Ben.
Every relationship has a tipping point scene, and Jenny and Ben’s is when she’s still hesitant, but he kneels in front of her on the kitchen floor and asks her to take a chance on him. “Where We Land” by Ed Sheeran encapsulates that moment perfectly. (And, yes, the tipping point scene in The Write Place was also Daniel on his knees in Mac’s driveway. What can I say? I like a scene where the man is on his knees.)
“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd is sexy as hell, and that is what I wanted for these two. I wanted a story that was sexy. These two share a love language, and it is physical touch, so this song seemed appropriate for them.
“Let It All Go” by RHODES and Birdy is another vibe song, but it is specifically for the moment Jenny realizes she is worth the love and attention the people around her want to give. That she doesn’t have to hold on to every criticism people have made of her. She’s perfect the way she is.
In my original epilogue, Ben and Jenny dance at Mac and Daniel’s wedding to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and it becomes their song. It’s perfect for them if you look at the lyrics. And, you know how Ben is really agile for being such a big guy? Well, it’s because his sisters made him take dance lessons with them, so he’s an amazing dancer. That scene didn’t make the final cut, but this is their song, and Ben is still a great dancer.
“Fire Under Water” by Girl Blue also perfectly encapsulates Jenny and Ben’s relationship. He’s such a warm character—both literally and figuratively—so “every time you look in my eyes/it's like fire under water.” It felt like the perfect song to end this playlist.
Give the playlist a listen, especially as you’re reading or after you’ve read the book and let me know how I did!
As I said before, ARCs are out in the world! If you got one, I hope you love it. Please let me know if you did! I love hearing from readers. It’s my favorite thing.
If you didn’t get an ARC, you can still pre-order The Write Time on Kindle for $0.99 until release day. And, as always, it’ll be free on Kindle Unlimited.
I’m also happy to report that I’m about a quarter of the way through book 3! Yes, you’ve met the characters already. No, I haven’t formally announced anything about them yet. One book at a time! But it does look like I can get this one ready for you for late fall/early winter.
Okay. I held off on hockey romances for a long time. Why? I don’t know. And I certainly don’t know why now after reading Offside Hearts by Nikki Lawson. I needed something fun while I was laying awake at like 2:00 AM one night, and I finished this by the morning. Hot athlete? Check. Accidental elevator hookup? Check. Playboy who becomes obsessed with her? Check. Found family? Check. TEA PARTY WITH HER LITTLE NIECE? CHECK AND CHECK. This one is really fun, y’all, and it brings the heat, too!
That’s it for now. Hop over to my very first podcast episode (EEEEK) to listen to me talk a little about the process of creating these playlists if you want! Otherwise, I’ll catch you next time!