Writing Life: How Music Helped Me Write My Novel

I have always being into music. Probably as much as I'm into books. I'm the girl that would rather listen to good music than watch TV.

And when it comes to writing, I find music really helps me get in the mood of whatever scene I'm trying to write. Especially if that scene is on the opposite side of the spectrum from where I personally am that day. So I thought I would share with you some of the songs that help me write Playing with Fire and the feelings I wanted them to elicit.

When Paige lands in Brazil:

Awe, curiosity, excitement

Luisa Maita, the singer, is from São Paulo—the Brazilian city where Playing with Fire is set. The music video was also recorded in the city, so it's a really nice introduction to São Paulo itself and Brazilian music.

When Paige meets Marcelo:

Mystery, curiosity, physical attraction

Anavitoria is one of my favourite Brazilian bands/duets. I've actually watched them perform live in London and they were amazing!

When he figures out he's into her:

Internal conflict, attraction, temptation, resignation

With this one, the lyrics resonated as much as the melody. So you'll need the translation to really understand how it inspired the scenes in the book where Marcelo is grappling with wanting to get closer to Paige, but not wanting to open the can of worms he knows it'll open.

Apesar de Querer - Despite Wanting To

Não consigo tirar da minha cabeça esses olhos que eu nunca vi tão perto a ponto de bater o cílio no meu

I can't get out of my head the eyes that I've never seen close enough for your eyelashes to touch mine

Não sai da mente o sorriso entreaberto

I can't forget when your smile parts your lips

Penso se eu 'tô errado ou se eu 'tô certo em cultivar esse bem querer

And I wonder if I'm wrong or right to nurture this want

O problema é que já tem alguém do seu lado

The problem is that you already have someone beside you

E eu me sinto tão errado em tentar me aproximar

And it feels so wrong when I try to get closer

Por isso mantenho a distância necessária pra que não se esqueça, minha cara, que ao meu lado é um bom lugar

That's why I keep the necessary distance so you don't forget, my darling, that next to me is a good place

Mais que isso eu não vou fazer, não

But more than this I will not do, no

Apesar de querer

Despite wanting to

Como eu quero, e como eu quero

And how I want to, how I want to

When they kiss:

Surprise, excitement, defiance, unease

This song by Selena Gomes has heartbreak and want all wrapped into one. Which is pretty much where Paige and Marcelo are when they first get together. The emotional stakes being particularly heavy on one of them.

The first time they sleep together:

Excitement, sensuality, consuming physical attraction

I mean... is there are more perfect song for sexy time than the remix of this 1975 Minnie Riperton classic by the super talented Delilah with her equally as insane vocals? Me thinks not. It's tension charged, high intensity, voltage and emotional stakes—perfect for Paige & Marcelo.

When things start to go wrong:

Anger, confusion, betrayal

I love Jacob Lee's smooth vocals and dark undertones in this songs. And it definitely makes me feel what both Paige and Marcelo were feeling, both with the lyrics and the melody.

Film credits song:

And when Playing with Fire gets made into a movie (yes, I'm manifesting here), this would be the song to roll with the credits for sure. Yes, I know it sounds a little bit like an action movie, but Twilight had Paramore, so I can have this. It has the words on it people!!

If you want to listen to the whole playlist, check the link below. Can you guess what scenes were inspired by what song?