Like Keeping the Distance, for instance? (Hey, that rhymes!)
Okay, enough with the cheesy attempts to reel you in. Haha. Today, I'm going to share the playlist I listened to while working on Keeping the Distance. Over and over. The playlist is honestly a little weird with its mix of pop, country, and indie. (Wait, is Lauv considered indie? I'm sorry. My lack of music knowledge is showing.)
Time to press play.
*WARNING: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
1. "Ugly Heart" by G.R.L.
This is basically the soundtrack to every scene where Lance acts like a huge asshole in the beginning of the book.
2. "One Night" by Matthew Koma
I can't remember a specific scene I wrote while listening to this song, but it reminds me of Lance. A lot. In ways that aren't positive. Do with that knowledge what you will.
3. "Reforget" by Lauv
When they both try to move on.
4. "Secret Love Song" by Little Mix
This is basically Lance and Melissa's theme song when they try to hide their relationship from her father, from everyone.
While I was writing Keeping the Distance, this song was EVERYWHERE. I honestly got a little sick of it, but I couldn't stop listening to it because it was so perfect. Writers are weird, I know.
5. "Perfect" by One Direction
This is just a very Lance-ish song.
And, yes, I'm still sad that One Direction is no more.
6. "Love Me Like You Mean It" by Kelsea Ballerini
This, I imagine, is Melissa's song for Lance before they actually get together, during that wonderful stage where she's having second thoughts about him. It's kind of perfect.
7. "Dibs" by Kelsea Ballerini
When you fall for that gorgeous, popular boy everyone else seems to want, what do you do? You call dibs. Haha. Sometimes, I lamely attempt to make jokes.
8. "For a Boy" by RaeLynn
If you've read Keeping the Distance, remember that scene where Mel records a ukulele cover for Lance and ends up playing it for him as her grand gesture? In my head, this is the song she played.
It's perfect for the two of them, because the song talks about all the things this boy does for the girl. She wants to do things for him too--little things, big things, doesn't matter--but she's afraid or maybe a little hesitant. At the end of the song, I think she breaks through her fear or hesitation or whatever is stopping her and goes for it. Kind of like Mel.