Independence Day
A “meet-cute” set in Williamsburg, Virginia on the 4th of July 2020.
Carrie Elizabeth Kennedy is a 32-year-old civil rights lawyer. She has just broken up with her boyfriend and asked him to move out of her house while she delivers a birthday gift to her 2-year-old niece.
Taylor Adam Washington is a 33-year-old merchandising supervisor. He works with Carrie’s neighbor at Busch Gardens. When he stops by to drop something off to her neighbor, he witnesses the scene that unfolds when Carrie gets home and finds that her ex-boyfriend hasn’t left.
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 Fourth of July short story Independence Day:
Golden Dream - by Liberty Voices
I wanted patriotic songs for this playlist. This song is used in The American Adventure show in the American Adventure pavilion at Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. I play this song every 4th of July.
God Bless America - by Celine Dion
Another patriotic song for a story set on the 4th of July.
Lessons Learned - by Carrie Underwood
This is one of Carrie’s theme songs.
Square Pegs - by Kelsea Ballerini
This is Carrie’s sister’s theme song.
If You Ain’t Here to Party - by Luke Bryan
This is Carrie’s ex-boyfriend’s theme song.
Send My Love (To Your New Lover) - by Adele
This song is in one of my favorite scenes in the story. You’ll just have to read it.
Working Man - by Imagine Dragons
This is Taylor’s theme song.
Stardust - by Natalie Cole
This was the song Carrie’s neighbors danced to when they got married. It was added to the playlist to represent when they appear in the story.
Teenage Daughters - by Martina McBride
Carrie’s neighbors have two teenage daughters.
Try Everything - by Home Free
Carrie’s neighbors also have a son. This song represents his appearance in the story.
Found/Tonight - by Ben Platt & Lin-Manuel Miranda
When I heard the mash-up of these two songs, I knew I’d use it on a playlist. It was the 4th “Hamildrop.” Because it used a song from Hamilton, it felt patriotic and beautiful at the same time.
Cupid’s Got a Shotgun - by Carrie Underwood
This is Carrie’s other theme song.
America the Beautiful - by Straight No Chaser
A Capella + patriotic made this song the perfect fit for this playlist.
The Star Spangled Banner - by The Liberty Voices
A Capella + patriotic made this song the perfect ending for this playlist.