Spring Showers
A “meet-cute” set in Chicago, Illinois on the first day of spring 1999.
Cassandra Juliet McDowell (Cassie) is a 26-year-old high school French teacher. She spends most of her time hanging out with her best friend or her brothers and their wives. When she’s not doing that, she spends her “spare time” running or baking cookies.
Hunter Joseph McKinnon is a 22-year-old architect. Born in San Diego, he moved to Chicago for school and stayed when he was offered a good job after graduation. When he’s not working, he is trying to get to know the city he now calls home.
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 Spring short story Spring Showers:
Chicago (Acoustic) - by Sufjan Stevens
This short story is set in Chicago, which is why I picked this song.
See You In the Spring - by Court Yard Hounds with Jakob Dylan
I looked for songs that had spring in the title. And this is one of the songs I found. After I listened to it, it felt like it fit with the other songs I had picked.
Bring on the Rain - by Jo Dee Messina feat. Tim McGraw
I also looked for songs that had rain in the title. When this one came up, I instantly added it. It used to be one of my favorite songs.
Leading With Your Heart - by Barbra Streisand
This is Cassie’s theme song. I picked it because at this point in her life, despite only being 26, she has given up on the idea of finding someone.
Singing In the Rain/Umbrella - by Gwyneth Paltrow, Matthew Morrison, & New Directions (Glee cast)
Cassie meets Hunter when they are standing in the rain and she offers to share her umbrella. So the mash-up was perfect for inspiration.
Chapel of Love - by Bette Midler
This is Cassie’s best friend Jenny’s theme song. She is getting married in three months.
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most - by Bette Midler
I wanted another song with spring in the title.
Can’t Help Falling In Love - by Elvis Presley
This song represents Cassie’s older brother and his wife, who appear in the second half of the short story.
She - by Elvis Costello
This song represents Cassie’s twin brother and his wife, who also appear in the second half of the short story.
Spring Again - by Lanae' Hale
Another song with spring in the title. I really recommend this one.
You Must Believe In Spring - by Barbra Streisand
Another song with spring in the title. But I also picked it because at the time the story takes place, Cassie’s favorite artists are Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand. (The playlist has 2 songs by each artist. Plus another song below.)
Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started - by Bryan Adams
Finally a theme song for the male love interest Hunter. After the time they spent in the rain that afternoon, he wants to get to know her better.
I Finally Found Someone - by Barbra Streisand & Bryan Adams
This song represents Cassie & Hunter’s happy ending. Spoiler alert: this is one story in a of collection of romances. So each story does have a happy ending one way or another.
Rain On Me - by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
I picked this song because I knew what the last line of the story would be before I started writing. And that’s all I can say about that.