Veterans Day
An engagement set in San Diego, California on Veterans Day 2012.
Taylor Louise Beckett is a 27-year-old yoga instructor. She studied theater and performance studies in college with the intention of being an actor. But after being turned down for roles “because she didn’t have the right look,” she decided to pursue a career that provided more satisfaction. She has been dating Archer for about ten years, patiently waiting for him to come home and marry her. When she’s not teaching yoga classes, she enjoys sewing and archery. She has entered several archery competitions.
Archer James McKinnon is a 30-year-old United States Marine. He has been stationed overseas for most of his service. When his girlfriend made the decision to move home to San Diego after giving up her Hollywood dreams, he suggested she move into his house. And then he adopted two dogs, a Pug named Sarge and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Major, to take care of her.
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 Veterans Day short story Veterans Day:
Love Story - by Taylor Swift
Since the main character is named Taylor, I knew I’d use a number of Taylor Swift songs for this playlist. This is the perfect song to start a romance playlist.
ME! - by Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie
This is one of Taylor’s theme songs.
Confetti - by Tori Kelly
This is Archer’s sister’s theme song.
Starlight - by Taylor Swift
This is Taylor’s other theme song.
I Wish You Were Here - by Colbie Caillat
I picked this song because it’s how Taylor feels. She respects what Archer is doing, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t wish he was with her.
Wildest Dreams - by Taylor Swift
I decided to use this song because Taylor does worry she will only see Archer in her wildest dreams.
See You Again - by Carrie Underwood
There are a few stories in this collection in which the character is getting over a loss of some kind. For Taylor, she will forever miss her brother. But she knows that some day, she will see him again.
A Year Without Rain - by Selena Gomez & The Scene
I picked this song for another way to describe how much Taylor wants Archer to come home.
cardigan (cabin in candlelight version) - by Taylor Swift
I wanted an excuse to put one of the songs from Taylor Swift’s folklore on an inspiration playlist. This one fit best.
Tailor Made - by Colbie Caillat
I picked this song because of the title. Instead of another song by Taylor Swift, I used this one.
Ours - by Taylor Swift
This is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs. And it is perfect for this playlist.
I'll Make It Up To You - by Imagine Dragons
This is Archer’s theme song.
Paper Rings - by Taylor Swift
“I like shiny things but I’d marry you with paper rings.” I picked this song because of the lyrics. In the story, Taylor would say yes to a paper ring if that was all Archer had.
Untouchable - by Taylor Swift
This is the song Taylor and Archer dance to at their wedding.