THE MUSIC OF ONCE UPON (meet my wip's playlist)

What happens when you forget that you switched posting days? 

You also forget to write a post, and realize you're going to have to post it last minute. THEN you don't post it at all because you've spent hours working on your blog design (*coughcough*) and are sick of looking at a screen. THEN the next week you forget AGAIN that you need to post, and end up still posting late.

Me. I did all that. xD Bear with me, folks, I don't do change well.

BUT ANYWAY. That is not the topic of this post- it's actually much more fun. (At least, I think so.)

I recently read through my current WIP, Once Upon, and wrote down pages and pages of revision notes. It was SUCH  fun time going through it and reliving the story and falling in absolute LOVE with these characters again because did I mention that I LOVE THEM?? (I don't know what it is, y'all. but these characters are my babies and I can't get over how much I love them.)

If you know me, you know that I LOVE making music playlists to go along with each of my stories. And since I'm working on Once Upon right now and this music has been on my mind, I thought I'd share a few of the songs from my playlist- as well as their meaning to the story and some of my favorite lyrics! 

"Happily Ever After" by Jordan Fisher and Angie Keilhauer

Okay, first of all, this song is seriously awesome and you need to listen to it ASAP. 

It fits this story SO well, because Once Upon (as well as the whole series it's the beginning of) is all about rediscovering the magic of fairy tales, embracing the reality that they exist, and- of course- happily ever afters. One of my favorite lines of the song just about gives me chills: "The battles, the stories, the losses and all the glories..." Because that's what Trentley and Jynnia are experiencing. They're learning firsthand about all the wonderful things that happened years ago in fairy tales. They're seeing history come to life.

This song could be the theme to this entire series. 

"Ever Ever After" by Carrie Underwood

I mean, of course. "Storybook endings, fairy tales coming true..." Again, that could be the theme song of the whole story. And then "Deep down inside, we want to believe they still do." That's Jynnia. She hears the stories of how magic may have existed in the past, how fairy tales may have actually happened, and she hopes and believes with all her heart that they actually did, because what a wonder that would be.

"Never Gonna Let You Down" by Colbie Caillat

The great thing about this story is that I can include love songs in the playlist! Most of my books don't have a romance at the forefront, so I never really need any love songs. It's been really fun putting them into this one.

While this particular song doesn't strictly have to be a love song, it works so well for Trentley and Jynnia. They're always there for each other; they complement each other and build each other up. This is such a sweet song of putting your all into a relationship and it makes me smile when I think Trentley and Jynnia. 

"Today Was A Fairytale" by Taylor Swift

Again... of COURSE this had to be on the list. Because not only is it fairy tale-themed, but it's a sweet love song that just makes me want to write allll the Trentley and Jynnia scenes. 

"Speechless" by Naomi Scott

You guys know how much I love this song from THIS post, so I was happy to be able to include it in this playlist. It works because this book is the springboard to a whole series where Trentley and Jynnia are trying to show the injustice of magic being outlawed, and doing what they can to bring it back to life. Jynnia is quite spunky and outspoken, so it's safe to say that she doesn't often go speechless; this song was a perfect addition to represent her passion for what she's fighting for and her determination to make a change. If Jynnia has a theme song, this is it.

1000 Years by KT Tunstall and Bleu

This one just about gives me chills. Again, it's a love song, so of course it's for Trentley and Jynnia. But what makes it so perfect for this story is the theme of a thousand years. No, that particular number isn't a theme in the story... but it's about fairy tales resurfacing after many years of being hidden in the past. It's about not letting their legends die because people are afraid of magic. And it's about Trentley and Jynnia's love lasting through trials and tribulations. 

So, this song is a beautiful promise that Trentley and Jynnia's love will last forever, and in 1000 years, perhaps people will be telling their story just as they do the fairy tale romances of old. 

Remember Me by Ivan Torrent

I've mentioned this song before. It's super beautiful, first of all, and I've come to love Ivan Torrent's music because it's so dreamy and epic and magical all at the same time- and it's great to write to. 

This song in particular is so perfect because the lyrics are a plea to remember the past. "Once upon a time there was a charming prince..." "Please remember it..." I mean, come on. How could this not be on this playlist? 

And that's it! There are a bunch of other songs on this playlist, but I could talk about them forever so I won't go there. xD If you haven't heard any of these songs, go listen to them!! This playlist is so fun and magical, and really gets me excited about this story. Funny thing, though... I rarely actually listen to it while I'm writing. Every now and then I will, but lately I've been needing to listen to just music when I write, because lyrics distract me. xD So, usually I'll end up listening to it when I'm driving to and from work (which results in a long, miserable day of missing my characters). 

Speaking of the story... happy Camp NaNoWriMo! July's Camp sneaks up on me every. year, and I was completely unprepared. Hehe. This month I'll be working on... you guessed it... Once Upon! It's time for revisions, so me and my pages of notes are going to become real good friends these next few weeks. (or enemies. I mean, it could go either way.)

And one more thing... *casually points up* I redid my blog header! And renamed my blog! *confetti* 

I LOVED "The Ones That Really Matter". It came straight from of my favorite books, from the mouth of one of my absolute favorite fictional characters. 

But... it was time to let it go. (Sort of.) I wanted a tagline that was a little more original, and I wanted to make my name more prominent on my blog. (which sounds super narcissistic but you guys know what I mean. xD) I came up with "Words That Really Matter" as a way to keep my original tagline alive, while also putting my own spin on it. We're all writers and/or readers here- so I don't think I need to explain to you all what I mean by words mattering. And since this blog is like a big conglomeration of things that matter to me, I think it's fitting. I hope you guys like it too! < 3

I hope you all have a most lovely July! Let me know if you're doing Camp NaNoWriMo! *cheers you on anyway*

Do you make writing playlists? Do you listen to them when you write or at other times? Any recommendations for great writing music? And who's doing Camp NaNo? Tell me about your project!

THE MUSIC TAG (in which I have great taste)

Happy Saturday, everyone! You may have noticed I randomly skipped posting last week. Whoopsies. xD Me and planning posts ahead don't get along, but we're working on our relationship. 

BUT here I am this week, and I'm doing a tag for the first time in quite a while! (at least, it's been a while since I did one I was actually tagged for. xD) Nicole tagged me almost a YEAR ago (hehe whoopsies again) for the Music Tag, and I'm super excited to just ramble about music and share my slightly random music taste with y'all!

THE RULES

-Write ten songs that come on shuffle (no skipping). I'm not really sure how they want me to do this so I guess I'll just do my "on repeat" playlist on Spotify?

-Write your favorite lyric from each song. 

-Tag some people. Lol. We all know I'm not gonna do that.

ALL RIGHT. Here we go. Prepare yourself, because I have no idea how this is gonna go. xD

(okay I technically broke the rules already because literally the first song that I came to was the Skyrim theme which had no lyrics so)

1. WORN by Tenth Avenue North

I love this song. I LOVE THIS SONG. It's hard to choose a favorite lyric because they're all fantastic. And it's kind of hard to say I have a "favorite" lyric anyway, because the whole song is kind of sad. don't be deterred it really is a great song But here's one part that means a lot: 

I know I need to lift my eyes up

But I'm too weak

Life just won't let up

And I know that You can give me rest

So I cry out with all that I have left

I first started loving this song last semester, when I was just feeling so tired and, well, worn. I was exhausted mentally and physically, and all I could do was trust God and try to rest in Him. 

2. NEVER ENDING STORY by LIMAHL

*screams at top of lungs* TUUUUURN AROUUUUND

Ahem. This song gets me very excited. xD I can't really pick any favorite lyrics from this song, because they're kind of odd honestly, so I'll just put the first few lines; but just know that this song is very nostalgic and that opening music will get me pumped every time. (go listen to it if you haven't heard it. and watch the movie. YOU NEED TO WATCH THE MOVIE.)

Turn around

Look at what you see

In her face

The mirror of your dreams

3. IMMORTALS by FALL OUT BOY

Another song with odd lyrics. Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard a Fall Out Boy song that's made much sense. xD 

Sometimes the only payoff for having any faith

Is when it's tested again and again every day

I'm still comparing your past to my future

It might be your wound but they're my sutures

(like seriously what are they talking about) (but the first couple lines in that part are kind of neat)

4. DARE by STAN BUSH

ANOTHER SONG I LOVE! It's from the eighties and I just think it's so cool. I have it on my college playlist to motivate me. xD

Sometimes when your hopes have all been shattered

There's nowhere to turn

You don't know how you'll keep going 

Think of all the things that really matter

And the chances you've earned

The fire in your heart in growing

You can fly if you try leaving the past behind

Heaven only knows what you might find

Dare

Dare to believe you can survive

You hold the future in your hand

Dare

Dare to keep all your dreams alive

It's time to take a stand

You can win if you dare

(I know that was a lot of lyrics but like I said I love this song so xD)

5. THE WHOLE OF THE MOON by CELTIC WOMAN

I've been getting back into Celtic Woman lately after not listening to them for a long while, and I forgot how fantastic they are. This is one of my favorite songs to hear them sing, and it takes a couple times of really listening to it but the lyrics are beautiful!

I was grounded

While you filled the skies

I was dumbfounded by truths

You cut through lies

I saw the rain-dirty valley

You saw Brigadoon

I saw the crescent

You saw the whole of the moon

I love picturing the dreamy person these lyrics could be about. Someone who sees so much magic in life, who isn't afraid to live and do the important things. This song isn't new to me, but after rediscovering it recently it's one of my new favorites. 

6. NEVERLAND by ZENDAYA

WE'RE REALLY PULLING OUT ALL THE GOOD ONES HERE. I LOVE this song. I first listened to it when I was putting together my Trentley and Jynnia playlist, and fell in love with it. I'll use the word "dreamy" again, because this song is dreamy, and magical, and nostalgic, and just so lovely. It also gives me major Dust vibes (Kara Swanson's book) and I would like to see Dust made into a movie with this song as the theme song, please and thank you very much. 

We can sail away tonight

On a sea of pure moonlight

We can navigate the stars to bring us back home

In a place so far away

We'll be young, that's how we'll stay

Every wish is our command

When we find ourselves in Never, Neverland

7. SHADOWS by TENTH AVENUE NORTH

I'm not as familiar with this TAN song, but it's from the same album as Worn, and the whole album is seriously great. Go listen to it.

Oh, Lord, light up my dark eyes

Teach me to let go

I’ve been runnin’

Chasing nothing but shadows

8. THE STRUGGLE by TENTH AVENUE NORTH

I told you this album is great. xD 

Hallelujah, death is overcome

And we are breathing

Hallelujah our stone hearts become flesh

A flesh that's beating

Hallelujah chains have been undone

And we are singing

Hallelujah the fire has begun

Can you feel it?

9. RISE by DANNY GOKEY

Another great song! And another one I find hard to find favorite lyrics from. So, here's a pile of lyrics (and they're all even before the chorus so that shows you how good the song is).

There's a brokenness inside of you

There's a wound that still reminds you

Of the fear, shame and rejection

You have seen it, you have seen it

You know it's time to get up

But your heart's paralyzed, you're so stuck

You're past the point of trying again

You're defeated, you're defeated

But something inside you can't deny

You hear the call of your creator

I made you for more, unlocked the door

I wanna restore your glory

(This song is on the playlist for my story in the Warriors Against the Storm anthology, After the War, which you should definitely go listen to *nudges you toward my Spotify which is linked at the bottom of this post*)

9. THE TOUCH by STAN BUSH

Another eighties song, hehe. This one is also super cool!

You never bend, you never break

You seem to know just what it takes

You're a fighter

It's in the blood, it's in the will

It's in the mighty hands of steel

When you're standing your ground

10. DREAMS by VAN HALEN

...and another eighties song. xD

This is another one of those songs that just screams "nostalgia" to me. It was in Power Rangers: The Movie, so it takes me back to my childhood. It's also the song that inspired my Havok story Higher!

So baby, dry your eyes

Save all the tears you've cried

Oh, that's what dreams are made of

'Cause we belong

In a world that must be strong

Oh, that's what dreams are made of

Yeah, we'll get higher and higher

Straight up we'll climb

Higher and higher

Leave it all behind

Oh, we'll get higher and higher

Who knows what we'll find

And that's it! That was super fun and I'm actually really pleased with all the songs I ended up with. I guess I've just been listening to some great music lately. xD Like I said, I'm not going to tag anybody specific... so if you're reading this and want to do it, consider yourself mass tagged. You're welcome.

As promised, here's my Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/emilyd98?si=Aw5FR80oSCae7sencJgrqg

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend! I'm finishing out my spring break (very sad), and also took the weekend off from work (very happy), so I'm hoping to get some serious reading done today! I haven't been reading as much the past week or two, but hopefully today will change that. 

I also have a new YouTube video coming, probably tomorrow! Stay tuned for that. :D Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Have you heard any of these songs? What are some of your random favorite songs? Do we have any other 80's music fans in here?