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Just Think of Puppies

Music helps set the mood while I write. That is why the inspiration playlists play such a vital role in my writing process. You’ll notice something a little different with this playlist. The songs are pretty much by 4 artists. I picked 2 artists to represent Grace Keckley and 2 artists to represent Sam Dawson. Mickey Guyton and Camila Cabello represent Grace’s mixed heritage that is not obvious within the story. Kenny Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini represent Sam because they were born in Knoxville, TN and he was, too. These are the songs that inspired the gagengirl.com exclusive short story Just Think of Puppies:

Safe (Acoustic) - by Mickey Guyton

A lot of people learned Mickey Guyton’s name about four years ago with her singles What Are You Gonna Tell Her? and Black Like Me. But I discovered her about four years earlier when I found this gem. This is the second time I’ve used this song on an inspiration playlist. It represents the beginning of the story when Grace has to flee her apartment and then literally runs into Sam.

half of my hometown (ballerini album version) - by Kelsea Ballerini

This is one of Sam’s theme songs. I picked it because Kelsea sings about Knoxville and that is where Sam is from.

Without A Net - by Mickey Guyton

This is one of Grace’s theme songs. “Wasn’t born to do anything halfway…” The song begins with those words and it helped me define Grace. She might not be where she thought she’d be at this time in her life, but it’s not for her lack of trying.

Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven - by Kenny Chesney feat. The Wailers

This is Sam’s other theme song. I listened to a number of Kenny Chesney songs trying to find one that sounded a little fun but that I didn’t associate with one of my vacations.

Don’t Go Yet - by Camila Cabello

This is Grace’s other theme song. She’s not exactly ready to be alone after the way her morning started. I picked this song to represent that.

Never Be the Same (Radio Edit) - by Camila Cabello

I picked this song because of the title. Because of the events of the day, Grace’s life will never be the same.

End of the World - by Kelsea Ballerini

This song represents the same feeling for Sam. Because of the events of the day, his life will never be the same.

Dream of You - by Camila Cabello

Grace is afraid to close her eyes because she keeps seeing that thing. But I imagine when she finally did close her eyes, she dreamt of Sam instead.

Easy - by Camila Cabello

“Always thought I was hard to love until you made it seem so easy…” I picked this song because of the words. It is one the songs I picked to represent what was yet to come for Grace and Sam.

Down the Road - by Kenny Chesney feat. Mac McAnally

This song is for Sam and the idea that he wants to go down the road with Grace.

Hold On - by Mickey Guyton

This song is for Grace. It represents the idea that after Sam had been there for her on that terrible day, she wants to be there for him whenever he might need her.

Dance with Me - by Morgan Evans feat. Kelsea Ballerini

This is another song for Sam and the future he envisions with Grace.

Dancing In The Living Room - by Mickey Guyton

This is another song for Grace and the future she envisions with Sam.

Me And You - by Kenny Chesney

I end the story with a flash forward to their future. When they got married, they danced to this old gem from Kenny Chesney.