If OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE Had a Soundtrack

Brad Arnold, lead vocalist & lyricist for 3 Doors Down

Some people have asked if I write to music. I don't, unless it's instrumental and very soft in the background. I'm a lyrics girl and I find myself distracted by the words of songs if I'm trying to write. Really easily. It's like being distracted by bacon. That easy.

But, being a lyrics girl, as I'm writing a story and I'm doing dishes, working out, driving my car, I catch songs that resonate with what I'm working on. So when I come across a song or two that work really well with a character, scene, a choice, a mood, I add it to that book's Playlist.

I was sewing today, working on the last bridesmaid dress for the wedding, and pulled up my Playlist for OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE. I tweaked it a little, moved a couple songs around, and I think it does a pretty good job of capturing the novel. Wanna listen? Here you go. Afterward, I'll tell you why I chose each song, if you're interested. *may be spoilers, though I'll try to be careful*

CLICK: OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE PLAYLIST

Times Like These, Foo Fighters. This song is a great summation for the whole novel.

It's times like these you learn to live againIt's times like these you give and give againIt's times like these you learn to love againIt's times like these time and time again
And the song isn't about good times. It's about turning points, trials, decisions.
Breathe In, Breath Out, Matt Kearney. Taking things one breath at a time. Jill's very set world is crumbling and she has to do this, learn this.
Hold on, hold tightMake it through another nightAnd everyday, there comes a song with the dawn.
Away From the Sun, 3 Doors Down. This song actually makes an appearance in the book, and the band does as well. It's Scott's ringtone. Jill isn't the only one who's had it rough. I hesitated to put an actual song and band in the book for fear of dating it, but this song is pretty timeless, in my opinion. And later when a concert was needed, I didn't want a made-up band.
I'm over thisI'm tired of living in the darkCan anyone see me down here
It Doesn't Matter, Alison Krauss and Union Station. Jill's mother was an alcoholic. This song is for the tricycle scene. It just is. 
If you've made up your mind to goI won't beg you to stayYou've been in a cageThrow you to the wind, you fly away
It doesn't matter if I cryDon't matter if I bleed
Best of What's Around, Vitamin String Quartet. This reflects Scott's upbeat attempt in asking Jill out. It's a nice break from the more serious tones. I wish I'd found more songs like this for the lighter parts. I'll keep my ears open.
So Long, So Long, Dashboard Confessional. Perfect. Costa Rica. Flashback. Song.
How the girls can turn to ghosts before your eyesAnd the very dreams that led to themAre keeping them from dying
And how the grace with which she walked into your lifeAnd stayed with you in your stepsAnd paced with you a whileFor so long, so long, so long, so long
That I Would Be Good, Alanis Morissette. Introduction to Evie. This song tears at my heart every time, and I think it's what a lot of young girls yearn for.
That I would be loved even when I numb myself.
Your Arms Feel Like Home, 3 Doors Down. Scott and Jill find each other.
I felt so many things this weary soul can’t takeMaybe you just caught me by surprise.
The Only Exception, Paramore. Jill is breaking her own rules.
The Road I'm On, 3 Doors Down. This song reminded me of Trey and Evie.
What you thought was real in lifeHas somehow steered you wrongAnd now you just keep drivin'Tryin' to find where you belong.
Blinding, Florence and the Machine. Evie makes her choice. No more dreaming of the dead as if death itself was undoneNo more crawling like a crow for a boy, for a body in the gardenNo more dreaming like a girl so in love, so in loveNo more dreaming like a girl so in love with the wrong world
It Stops Today, Colbie Caillat. Jill makes her choice. This is such a stark contrast to the above song, but both girls are attempting the same thing: to face their fear.
You can hide from all the pain but it will find you anywayYes I know, now I know
That I can't keep on running.
Plastic Bag, American Beauty Soundtrack. The alley scene. All the movement, the lights, the sound, the terror, all muted and slowed . . . bittersweet.
Better Off Alive, Train. End credits. These guys are lyrics people, too.
Hey, thanks for being interested enough to stick around! I really do love the emotion songs can lend to writing. What do you think?