Melting Ice
A “meet-cute” set in Anchorage, Alaska on the first day of summer 2022.
Ainsley Jade Williams is a 26-year-old diversity and inclusion trainer. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she ends up on vacation in Alaska with her best friend. She learns of her friend’s ulterior motives for their vacation location after arriving.
Jensen Oliver Fischer (Oliver) is a 34-year-old letter carrier. Born and raised in Anchorage, he lives a quiet life with his dog, an Alaskan Malamute named Oscar.
Music helps set the mood while I write. That is why the inspiration playlists play such a vital role in my writing process. These are the songs that inspired the First Day of Summer short story Melting Ice:
Cruel Summer - by Taylor Swift
The story takes place on the first day of summer so I picked this song to kick off the playlist.
Ready or Not - by Bridgit Mendler
This is Ainsley’s best friend’s theme song. It also represents the moment she reveals the real reason for picking Anchorage for their vacation.
Today Was A Fairytale - by Taylor Swift
This is one of Ainsley’s theme songs.
Follow You - by Imagine Dragons
This is one of Oliver’s theme songs.
Let’s Be Friends - by Emily Osment
If you’ve heard this song, you can probably guess part of this story’s plot. And if you haven’t, you’re missing out on a fun song.
Hot As Ice - by Britney Spears
The title of this story is Melting Ice. So I picked this song for the playlist.
Untouchable - by Taylor Swift
This is the song Ainsley’s best friend dances to with her husband at their wedding.
Love Me Harder - by Ariana Grande & The Weeknd
After listening to the lyrics of this song, I added it to the playlist. It’s the perfect song for two people who were meant to cross paths when Ainsley and Oliver did.
Born to Be Yours - by Kygo & Imagine Dragons
This is Oliver’s other theme song.
Lover (Remix) - by Taylor Swift feat. Shawn Mendes
This song hints at what happens after Ainsley and Oliver cross paths.
Legendary Lovers - by Katy Perry
I picked this song for the same reason I picked the last one.
Wildest Dreams - by Taylor Swift
This is Ainsley’s other theme song.
Never Worn White - by Katy Perry
I love this song. So I put it on this playlist.
Chasing After You - by Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris
This is the song Ainsley and Oliver dance to at their wedding.