I have to admit, music played a significant role when I was writing Chaysing Dreams. Although, I’m not a musician myself, I’ve always been drawn to music. Depending on the song, it has always helped set the right mood for me.

Studies have shown that pitch, tone, and rhythm all affect different parts of our brain. There is a strong correlation of how music may affect our emotions as well. I know we all have listened to a particular song or a type of music that may have brought tears to our eyes or fill our hearts with joy.

That being said, I use music quite a bit in Chaysing Dreams. First of all, one of the main characters plays the guitar and is a phenomenal singer. There are three different parts in the book when I utilize music to really enhance the scenes.

In Chapter Two, I use “You Are Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera. This song is sung to kids and adults with Autism. Since I work with special population in my “day job,” I really wanted to use a song that came from the heart. For me, some of the lyrics from this song really go with the scene.

 “You are beautiful,

No matter what they say.

Words can’t bring you down.”

Later on, as the story develops, I use Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park. I don’t know how many of you have heard this song, but it really is one of my favorites. Originally, I heard it first on the Twilight soundtrack. 🙂

This scene in Chaysing Dreams is huge. I had to get it right. The heroine, Tess, learns things that she was expecting at all. Furthermore, it is basically a goodbye song. Writing this scene, I played this song over and over. Honestly, it really put me there- I could feel the pain radiating through every verse, every word. Here’s the song:

 I dreamed I was missing

You were so scared

But no one would listen

Cause no one else cared

 After my dreaming

I woke with this fear

What am I leaving

When I’m done here

 So if you’re asking me

I want you to know

 When my time comes

Forget the wrong that I’ve done

Help me leave behind some

Reasons to be missed

 And don’t resent me

And when you’re feeling empty

Keep me in your memory

 Leave out all the rest

Leave out all the rest

 Don’t be afraid

I’ve taken my beating

I’ve shared what I made

 I’m strong on the surface

Not all the way through

I’ve never been perfect

But neither have you

 So if you’re asking me

I want you to know

 When my time comes

Forget the wrong that I’ve done

Help me leave behind some

Reasons to be missed

 Don’t resent me

And when you’re feeling empty

Keep me in your memory

 Leave out all the rest

Leave out all the rest

 Forgetting

All the hurt inside

You’ve learned to hide so well

 Pretending

Someone else can come and save me from myself

I can’t be who you are

 The last song I use in Chaysing Dreams is called “A Drop In the Ocean” by Ron Pope. I think this is probably one of the most romantic songs I’ve ever heard. In Chaysing Dreams, the main male character sings this song to the heroine.

With their “relationship” so complicated, this is the only way he can express his feelings for her. I actually had goose bumps writing this scene. This song really symbolizes their love for one another and somehow, against all odds, they find one another.

 A drop in the ocean

A change in the weather

I was praying that you and me might end up together

It’s like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert

But I’m holding you closer than most ’cause you are my heaven

 And still I can’t let you be

Most nights I hardly sleep

 Heaven doesn’t seem far away anymore, no, no

Heaven doesn’t seem far away

 A drop in the ocean

A change in the weather

I was praying that you and me might end up together

It’s like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert

But I’m holding you closer than most ’cause you are my heaven

You are my heaven

I absolutely love this song. If you haven’t heard it, I strongly recommend that you do. This song will forever remind me of the two main characters in my book. ❤

 For my sequel, no worries- more amazing songs coming your way! 🙂