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Soundtrack of a Twisted Love Story
The Music Behind the Pages of a Romantic Suspense Novelist
Storytelling and music are inseparable forces, harmonizing to create worlds rich with suspense, romance, and the tangled threads of human connection.
From the rhythmic beats of ‘80s anthems to the fresh new sounds of the ‘90s, my playlist isn’t just background noise—it’s a muse, shaping character motivation, driving plotlines, and inspiring emotions that leap off the page.
Author B. Elward reveals how music and imagination intertwined to bring the story to life.
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Masquerade, by Berlin (Pleasure Victim, 1982)
Elward says, “My junior year in college, I played Pleasure Victim so much that my roommate threatened to break the album if I didn’t play something else. As a tribute to the band and the many hours of joy their music has given me, I incorporated them into the story through Dorie’s love of the band and her love of synthesizers and keyboards.” Originally called Evil Twin, the story’s darker tone shifted as Elward listened to Berlin’s Pleasure Victim album. “When I heard the line, ‘When you see the price they paid, I’m sure you’ll come and join the Masquerade,’ I knew this was the perfect title for my novel.”
Here and Now, by Letters to Cleo (Aurora Gory Alice, 1993)
Dorie’s spunky college band, Ostrich, covers this 1993 classic, reflecting her rebellious, vibrant personality. “This song’s energy mirrors Dorie’s early defiance,” Elward shares.
There She Goes Again, by Sixpence None the Richer (Sixpence None the Richer, 1997)
“With its wispy vocals and cheery tone, Sixpence’s version of the La’s original 1988 release captures Dorie’s lighter and carefree side.” Elward even gives Sixpence a fun cameo in a fictional Jacksonville club performance.
Found Out About You, by The Gin Blossoms (New Miserable Experience, 1992)
“The Gin Blossoms were definitely on my playlist while writing,” says Elward. The song absolutely sets the tone for Parker’s heartbreak as the masquerade unravels.
Visit Spotify to experience the playlist that inspired the writing of Masquerade.
NOTE: The references to various artists and their music does not constitute their endorsement of this book or the author.
