Because what's a story about the music industry without a little music?
In all honesty, I wrote Shooting Stars Over Hollywood Skies as a screenplay before anything else.
I don't read many novels because I have the attention span of a pigeon, but screenplays? Gosh, I LOVE screenplays.
There's just something about reading a script and watching the entire scene play out in your head. The camera angles, the lighting, the dialogue, the music. All of it.
And one thing about me is that when I read screenplays, I almost always listen to music. I'll find a song that fits the scene, put my headphones on, and suddenly it's like I'm watching a movie that doesn't actually exist.
So naturally, that's exactly what I did while writing Shooting Stars.
And let me tell you, some of these scenes played out so vividly in my head that I genuinely wish I could just plug my brain into a television and show you guys what I was seeing.
Unfortunately, technology hasn't gotten there yet. So for now, you'll just have to settle for my Spotify account.
Every scene deserves a soundtrack.
If you haven't noticed already, music is a pretty big deal in this book.
I mean, we're talking about rockstars, rappers, pop stars, and an entire world built around the entertainment industry. It would be a little weird if music wasn't involved.
But beyond the obvious, music played a huge role in how I developed these characters.
Certain songs helped me understand Vincent's emotions. Others reminded me of Star's personality or Lena's experiences. Some songs inspired entire scenes before I had even written a single word of dialogue.
And sometimes, I would listen to the same song approximately 47 times in a row because I was convinced it was the only thing that could capture exactly what I wanted a scene to feel like.
(My Spotify Wrapped is probably deeply concerning.)
Seriously, anytime I mention an actual song in this book—and trust me, it happens A LOT—I highly recommend putting that song on and listening to it while you read.
Whether it's playing in the background of a party, blasting through someone's car speakers, or accompanying a particularly emotional moment, there's usually a reason I chose that specific song.
Sometimes it's the lyrics. Sometimes it's the production. Sometimes it's just the overall feeling it gives me.
But I promise, there's a method to my madness.
A little glimpse inside my brain.
Here's a fun fact about me: One of my biggest dreams is to work in film scoring someday.
I know, I know. As if I don't already have enough creative hobbies.
But I've always been fascinated by how music can completely change the way we experience a scene.
Think about your favorite movie for a second. Now imagine watching its most emotional moment without any music.
It just wouldn't hit the same, would it?
That's the kind of experience I wanted to create with Shooting Stars.
I wanted the music to feel like another character in the story. Something that could tell you what Vincent was feeling when he couldn't find the words, or help you understand Star in moments when she didn't quite understand herself.
And while I obviously can't control what you hear in your head while reading, I figured I could at least give you a little guidance.
So, what's on the playlist?
I've created a Spotify playlist to accompany Shooting Stars Over Hollywood Skies, filled with songs that inspired the story, influenced the characters, and helped bring some of my favorite scenes to life.
You'll find a little bit of everything. Some songs are directly mentioned in the book, while others are simply tracks that I associate with certain characters, relationships, or moments.
Consider it your backstage pass into the creative process.
My recommendation? Keep the playlist handy while you're reading. When a song is mentioned, pause for a second, find it, and press play.
Or just throw the whole thing on shuffle and enjoy the vibes. I'm not your mother.
Either way, I hope the music helps you fall into this chaotic little universe I've spent years creating.
And who knows? Maybe one day you'll get to hear some of these songs in an actual Shooting Stars film adaptation.
A girl can dream, right?
Until then, happy reading and happy listening.
With love (and probably some hearing damage),
Allie ⋆⭒˚.⋆