For Ever’s Playlist

My playlist for The Ever Series is a constantly evolving thing. During the writing and editing For Ever (sequel is with the editor now!), I had a lot of songs on repeat and found that sometimes the lyrics fit a particular point in the story well. Other times, it was more the sound of a certain song. But overall, music is an integral part of my writing process, even though sometimes I don't even notice it's playing in the background!

I tend to gravitate toward stuff that isn’t top 40 (or at least isn’t anymore), and most of it’s a little eerie and/or sad. I always have iTunes going while I’m writing; it feels like something is missing if I don't. Then, when I’m not writing, I barely listen at all. Not sure why. I guess music equals inspiration and vice versa. I haven't listened to music much since finishing Never, but I'm planning to start up again -- soon -- for the third book.

So, if you're looking for a completely random list of songs, here it is:

Chapter 1: Smile Like I Mean It

- Smile Like You Mean It, The Killers

Chapter 2: This Is Nowhere

- Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans, Smashing Pumpkins

Chapter 3: Perfect

- Rest My Chemistry, Interpol

Chapter 4: Caring Is Creepy

- See My Friends, Gravenhurst

Chapter 5: Blank Page

- Rhinoceros, Smashing Pumpkins

- Right Where It Belongs, Nine Inch Nails

Chapter 6: Momentary Thing

- Elegia, New Order

Chapter 7: Run

- Jellybelly, Smashing Pumpkins

- Where Boys Fear to Tread, Smashing Pumpkins

- A Place to Hide, White Lies

Chapter 8: Tear Me Apart

- Death, White Lies

Chapter 9: Space Boy

- Alice, Cocteau Twins

Chapter 10: Disappear Completely

- Gasoline Rain, Moondog

Chapter 11: Love

- Minerva, Deftones

- Half of You, Cat Power

Chapter 12: Unfinished Business

- Popplagi›, Sigur Rós

Chapter 13: My Friends

- Kids, MGMT

- Young Folks, Peter Bjorn and John

Chapter 14: The Silence

- Everlong, Foo Fighters

- Intro, The XX

Chapter 15: Mirror

- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (Guess the song!)

- How to Disappear Completely, Radiohead

Happily Ever After Part II

In an earlier post, I talked about the idea of happily ever after in reference to For Ever. I think a little piece of me doesn't quite recover when fictional characters that I love don't get their happily ever after. I guess I'm the same way with real-life characters, namely celebrities and people I know. For instance, when I hear about celebrity couples breaking up -- take even Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise -- I'm probably one of the few people who's like, "Really?" Because I'm always kind of hoping that everyone sails off into the sunset with his or her true love. Not reality, I know.

Yeah, it may make me naive, but I think, for me, it's necessary to be a little naive and hopeful in order to tell stories. You have to believe happy endings are at least possible.

That said, I'm closing in on the end of Never. It's been a bumpy ride, but I've enjoyed every second of it. After I get done editing it, it will be out of my hands. (Once the editing process is in full swing, I'll look for some teasers to share.) Then, very soon after that, it will be in your hands.

I'm working on my guest posts/interviews for the blog tour coming up in August. Lots of fun questions and topics, so thanks to the hosts for that. And if there isn't one during the tour, I'll be releasing a playlist here to go with For Ever.

Thanks again to those of you who have reached out and said you've enjoyed the book. You're the best!