Playlist for One Night with a Millionaire

With: Shannyn Schroeder

As a writer, I tend to be a pantser, which means I don’t really plot out a whole book before I start writing. I do, however, do a lot of pre-writing and thinking about my characters and what will keep them apart. I create collage of pictures with actors to act as placeholders for my characters (I also put this up on Pinterest if you want to see my inspiration). I take quizzes to know my characters’ personalities. But one of the most important things I do is create a playlist. I spend HOURS creating songs that I feel will represent the characters and the plot. Sometimes, I choose songs and by the time I finish the book, the some might no longer fit (goes with the territory of not plotting), but the music is always a trigger for my brain. I can step away from a book for months, write other things, and when I have to do revisions or copy edits, the first thing I do is put that playlist on and I’m back in that book immediately.

Here are the songs on my playlist for One Night with a Millionaire:

Brand New Day – Kari Kimmel I added this song because it’s kind of like the anthem for the entire group of Tess’s friends. They all met in a divorce support group and they formed their friendships based on the idea of moving on to the next phase in their lives. Tess is the first to find love again. 



 One Night Stand – Janis Joplin Although this song is about a woman being on the road, it has the same sentiment Tess has when she goes out the night of the gala. She has one night and that’s it. 



 Stay – Rihanna This song is perfect for showing how confused Tess is. She wanted a one-night stand and found Miles. She doesn’t know what to do with him. 



 Be Wary of a Woman – Darius Rucker Darius Rucker has a friendly warning for Miles- oops! Too late. Tess sucked him in. 



 Smile – Sixx AM This song is like when Miles realizes he’s in deep. 



 These next songs are all about the commitment Miles is willing to make. He has to do some convincing to make Tess believe he really is all in. He wants to take care of her and ease her worries. 

 All In – Lifehouse 


 
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz  

 I Never Want to Let You Down – Lennie Kravitz  

 Love It Gone – Luke Bryan  

 Carry You – Union J  

 Because We Can – Bon Jovi Side note for this song – My youngest daughter loves this song. I’ve written 3 books since finishing One night with a Millionaire and with every new playlist, she asks if I’ll put this one back on.  

 Follow Through – Gavin DeGraw  

 I Can Love You Like That – All 4 One This one is my least favorite song on the soundtrack. I don’t know why, but I found myself skipping it a lot when it came on.