Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Mel Carter
If you were to walk into any diner in South Philadelphia in the ’90s, chances are that they would have oldies songs blaring from the speakers. For the scene where Letty and Miles are enjoying a fun birthday dinner, I wanted a song that would capture the innocence of their young romance. The line, “They told me be sensible with your new love. Don’t be fooled thinking this will be the last you’ll find. But they never stood in the dark with you love. When you take me in your arms and drive me slowly out of my mind,” I think perfectly captures the intensity at which Letty and Miles had fallen for each other.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins
As Letty and Miles are running after an execution attempt on Miles’s life, a full range of emotions are flooding through their bodies, from rage and fear, to confusion and utter betrayal. I kept this song on repeat while I wrote this scene. With its tones of angst, rage and pure fury, I felt that the song matched the mood of the scene perfectly.
I Stand Alone by Theophilius London
For Miles’s interview with the reporter, I wanted a song that was fresh, upbeat, edgy and exuded an “I don’t give a shit” attitude. Miles does stand alone and he is ready to go up against the soldiers of Carrion as an army of one.
Everlasting Light by The Black Keys
I dare you to listen to this song and not feel a little more brazen, a little cockier, and a lot more badass. This song perfectly captures Miles’s attitude and smug expression as he walks through the corridors of the prison one last time.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
As Miles starts the engine of his car and the glory of his freedom floods his system, this song begins to play. There was no other song that would have done this scene justice.
Conscience Killer by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
In Miles Away, Miles may be known for his affinity for all things Bruce Springsteen, but BRMC quickly became the go-to band for when Miles was feeling any kind of rage, intensity or adrenaline. This provided to be the perfect song for writing this scene, as Miles weaved through the clusterfuck of Center City traffic with his sense of freedom and his need for vindication roaming unchecked.
Snake Eyes by Mumford and Sons
Meet the Butcher of Carrion. The line, “You hold it in your hands,” struck me. Michael holds the fates of many in his hands. He’s a tricky man and the melody of this song is perfect for him. The song snakes along, gradually increasing in intensity until it explodes much like Michael, himself.
Live and Die by The Avett Brothers
This is Letty’s song as it relates to her position of being Michael’s nurse, while still loving his son Miles. Letty is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I feel like this song captures her position perfectly.
What’s a Girl to Do? by Bat For Lashes
Letty’s mind spirals as she witnesses a brutal murder. I felt that this song grasped her emotions in the situation. What’s a girl to do?
Let It Ride by Bachman Turner Overdrive
Raging up the highway to Carrion, this song is tough, gritty and a perfect representation of Miles’s exterior.
Long and Lost by Florence and the Machine
The line “lost in the fall” most certainly describes Letty’s state in the years after Miles’s incarceration. Though she tried to move on and make her own way, Letty is lost without Miles. Letty is successful, healthy, but largely unhappy. Miles left a gaping wound where her heart used to be.
Hello by Adele
This scene was written long before the songstress released her single, but there is no song that could convey the emotions that Miles and Letty feel upon their reunion. You could cut the tension with a knife. Thank you, Adele, for writing the perfect song for this scene.
Undisclosed Desires by Muse
A once in a lifetime kiss needs a song that draws out the sexual tension of the scene. I’ve loved this song for a long time and so happy that I can finally write a scene worthy of its use in a playlist.
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
As Letty recovers from Miles’s kiss, this song plays from her radio. As Miles turns around and waves at Letty with a smile on his face, a flood of emotions rush through Letty’s body. Letty and Miles have traveled a thunder road. The Boss wins again!
War Machine by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
As Miles faces Knox, his brother who framed him, and his father, Michael, who tried to kill him, I needed a song that fit the intensity of Miles’s rage. This certainly fit the bill.
Mama Taught Me Better by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Miles’s mama did teach him better. When Miles discovers that Letty is in danger, he rushes out of the war room and gets in his car, determined to keep Letty from the destructive hands of Dante and Fish.
Moon and Moon by Bat For Lashes
Letty and Miles drive away from Town Center with Letty promising Miles that she will tell him what is going on. This song perfectly captures the high tension and emotion of the scene.
One of These Nights by the Eagles
As things heat up in the car between Miles and Letty, I needed a song that alluded to the chemistry that they share. The line, “I’ve been searching for the devil. I’ve been searching for an angel in white. I’ve been searching for a woman who’s a little of both,” is perfect to me. For Miles, Letty is the perfect mix of darkness and desire, purity and innocence.
I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
Who else would I trust with such a pivotal scene? As Miles and Letty reconnect in his car, Bruce Springsteen’s most poetic song croons from the radio.
What Are You Waiting For? by Gwen Stefani
Letty going toe to toe with her father over the letters needed a song full of the same energy that raged through her body. This fit the bill. Seriously, Juan. What gives?
Into the Ocean by Blue October
This song perfectly represents the creeping feeling of dread as Letty read through Miles’s many letters to her.
White Demon Love Song by the Killers
As the chemistry between Letty and Miles builds, I listened to this song on repeat. It helped me perfectly convey the tricky situation at hand.
Set the Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol
As Miles’s letters intensify so does the mood. Snow Patrol never fails to give an emotional musical experience.
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
In many books I read, when a couple comes together, there’s absolute ravaging going on. They can’t get enough of each other. But in this instance, I tried to take a more realistic approach. These are two people who love each other desperately. They missed each other tremendously, and as the feeling of gratitude settles into their hearts, they are relieved simply to be in each other’s presence. I feel like this song perfectly set the tone as Miles joined Letty in bed.
Today by Smashing Pumpkins
Waking up in a joyous mood, Letty goes downstairs to find her guys settled on the living room floor. Her happiness in this moment is unrivaled, and I feel like this song perfectly matches her emotions.
American Girl by Tom Petty
As the upbeat mood continues in the diner, this song plays from the jukebox. This is most certainly a Letty song.
In The End by Linkin Park
For the assassination attempt on Miles life, our playlist takes another turn towards the dark and edgy. This song helps capture the mood I was looking for.
Light Up the Dark by Gabrielle Aplin
Recovering from her shock this afternoon, Letty is surprised that her father has agreed to babysit for the night so she and Miles can enjoy a night out.
Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon
For this particular song, listen to the melody not the lyrics. The chemistry between Letty and Miles is building and I feel like this song perfectly conveys their connection.
Assassin by Muse
For the break-in at Juan’s house, I needed a song th
at did the scene justice. The danger, the shock, and the utter despair in this scene is captured in this edgy song.
Dream a Little Dream of Me by Mamas & the Papas
This song plays while Letty and Miles are at dinner, and I feel like it hints at the couple’s sweet endearment to one another.
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones
Engaging in a sensual dance under the dim lighting of the restaurant, Miles and Letty connect on a deeper level, swaying to the sultry tone of Norah Jones’s voice.
Ain’t No Easy Way by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
For assassination attempt number two, I wanted a song that showed off the heightened anger and rage Miles felt. I think this one fits the bill!
Luck Be A Lady by Frank Sinatra
Recovering from the assassination attempt, Miles seems determined to salvage the getaway. Taking to the craps table, Miles shows Letty some of the skills he’s learned in prison. For me, there was no other song that will do. Casinos, Frank Sinatra and Atlantic City are all brothers in arms, and Luck Be A Lady always sends my mind segwaying to the bright lights of the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.
A Sky Full of Stars by Cold Play
Using his winnings from the casino, Miles makes a very important purchase that sends Letty’s heart soaring. This song captures the feelings and emotions of the scene perfectly.
Stop by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Outside of the casino as Miles comes face to face with a member of the Pena crime family, tensions run high. Once again, leave it to BRMC to offer a song that matches the intensity of Miles’s emotions.
Tonight Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins
What better song for an engagement seventeen years in the making than Tonight Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins? This song captures the tender feelings of the scene perfectly.
Sonnet by The Verve
The mood changes as Letty gets an unnerving text message from Michael. No matter what they seem to do, Michael finds a way to pull them back into his path of destruction. This song represents the sadness and the feeling of hopelessness as Miles and Letty prepare to head back to Carrion.
Interstate Love Song by Stone Temple Pilots
Letty cannot get ahold of her father as worry starts to kick in. This song is a good representation of the worry that plagues her heart.
Ascendance by Lindsey Stirling
This song was playing on repeat as I wrote the scene where Sasha was preparing for the dinner party. As her nerves become more and more on edge, the clock ticks down the minutes to three o’clock.
Creep by Stone Temple Pilots
Michael is a duplicitous fellow. As he begs Sasha to get everyone to dinner, he looks so desperate, but as she leaves the room, a slick smile grows from his lips. Michael is a creep. Pain and simple, thus this song.
The Wolf by Mumford and Sons
As Corina’s tires screech against the winding driveway of the Capadonno compound, all of the Capadonnos are on edge as the prodigal son returns home. This song was a big inspiration for this scene.
Numb by Linkin Park
You can certainly say that Miles’s second arrest had left him feeling a bit numb, a bit out of sorts. I felt that this was the perfect song for this scene.
Resistance by Muse
Letty and Landon flee from the Capadonno compound and I needed a song that matched the intensity of the scene. This song certainly fits the bill.
The Child is Gone by Fiona Apple
As Letty realizes that her child has been taken, a flood of emotions, dread, fear and anger course through her body. She feels numb for a moment. I feel that this song captures the mood.
Dark Times by Weeknd
This song was instrumental in writing this scene. These are dark times indeed, and as Miles sits in a jail cell, his thoughts are stormy. His heart is set on revenge, and as Nunzio Rigatti strolls into his midst, Miles gets the information he needs to set him completely over the edge.
Beat the Devil’s Tattoo by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
To keep the intensity going, BRMC is back, as Landon takes Letty to the police station and attempts to break his brother out of his holding cell.
American Woman by Lenny Kravitz
As Letty berates Tony Pena on the porch of her home, I imagined this song playing. She so thoroughly intimidates Pena, that I felt this song was highly appropriate.
Bad Blood by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
For the scene where Miles is getting out of jail, I needed a song that was both edgy and gritty. This song hits of the joyous feeling of freedom, and Miles’s desperate need for vindication.
Love Burns by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
As Miles chases down Ruin in the club, I needed a song that was as badass as the man I was writing about. This song is perfect for the scene. BRMC wins again!
Cat’s In the Cradle by Harry Chapin
As Miles is going through the storage unit, many memories of his childhood with his parents and his siblings come to play. The sheer difference in the men that Miles and Michael are is staggering. This is a song that is very meaningful to me with my own life experiences, and I wanted to use it. I’m sure if Miles and I had a conversation, we’d both agree, this song is very meaningful.
Loaded Gun by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
For the stand-off at the Capadonno compound, I needed a song that dripped with angst, darkness and rage. This song certainly meets my needs.
Blue Blood Blues by Dead Weather
Driving up to New York to handle business, I needed a song that would put me a little on edge, and hint at the danger that was to come.
Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Bill West
As Miles pulls up in Brooklyn, he knows the danger of the situation at hand. There is a feeling of dread in his belly, but he knows what he needs to do to get Letty’s baby back. He knows what he needs to do in order to get Letty and G out of harm’s way.
Down by Stone Temple Pilots
This song represents the absolute fury exuded from Miles as he confronts Nunzio Rigatti. No other words needed. It is the perfect song for this scene.
Uprising by Muse
What better song to start a fire to than this? This is my ultimate rebellion song and I had to put it to good use.
First Time I Ever Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
As Landon is pulling away from La Fortuna and Letty is full of grief, this song was being played on repeat. Sometimes, only a classic will do. Roberta Flack’s song is absolutely perfect for this gut-wrenching scene.
Red Eyes and Tears by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Letty is red-eyed and grief-stricken over the loss of Miles. This song is representative of the emotions and utter grief, anger, and solitude that Letty feels as she prepares herself to say goodbye.
Long Way Down by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This song has a distinct funeral march feel to it. As Letty walks up the aisle towards Miles’s closed casket, dread fills her as reality sets in.
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
When I was writing the funeral scene, this song was playing on repeat. There is no explanation needed. A strange feeling of calm washes over Letty. Knowing that his battered heart was at peace gave Letty some calm. A terrible, heart-wrenching calm complicated by her absolute sadness.
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
As Miles’s casket is lowered into the ground, and Letty approaches it to drop her rose atop it, her grief is only overpowered by her anger. This song most certainly played a crucial role in my creative process.
Plush by Stone Temple Pilots
“Come with us, Letty.” This song offered inspiration when writing my final plot twist. As fear and rage flood through Letty’s system, she goes with Miles’s brothers unsure of what to expect.
Plug In, Baby by Muse
As Letty faces the man in the dark suit, her emotions change from hostile rage to absolute relief. This song, I think, captures that range of emotion.
Starlight by Muse
Walking away from the beach, hand in hand with Miles, Letty’s heart soars. It was all a ruse. It was all a dramatic cover up to get Miles, Letty and G out from under the Capadonnos control. This song, I think, captures the joy of the scene.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Twice on one playlist? YES! No other song would do!
At Last by Etta James
This song plays in the epilogue and I felt it was very suiting for Letty and Miles. At last, they could be together. Swoon.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I have many people that I need to thank that assisted in the creation and publication of this book.
First and foremost, I need to thank my family. My husband, Edwin, my sons, my parents, and my siblings. Thank you so much for your continued support and for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
To my grandmother Charlene, I wouldn’t have become a writer without your encouragement. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself.
Miles Away (Carrion #1) Page 30