One of the most enjoyable and immersive parts of writing Marked by Fate was curating a playlist that perfectly matched the essence of my story. And let me tell you, this wasn’t just any playlist—it was a soundtrack, a companion to the book that would make Noa and Christopher’s journey even more alive. With two main characters alternating points of view in each chapter, I wanted to choose songs that resonated with both of their voices, their struggles, and their triumphs. The result? A playlist packed with alternative rock songs that align with the story’s timeline (everything released before June 2019), each handpicked to set the tone and evoke emotion.

Why Music Matters to Marked by Fate

For Noa, music is a source of strength and reflection, so it only made sense that her favorite genre—alternative rock—would set the soundtrack for the book. Christopher, on the other hand, would probably prefer the classic depth of a violin sonata, but for this playlist, I wanted something that matched the intensity, grit, and raw emotion of the story. Alternative rock was the perfect choice to capture the energy and complexity of Marked by Fate’s world.

The Fun (and Challenges) of Picking the Songs

There’s something wonderfully chaotic about curating a playlist for a novel. It’s like being part DJ, part author, and part obsessive researcher. The rules I set for myself were clear: every song had to be released before June 2019, and it had to fit the mood, themes, or pivotal scenes of the book. Some tracks were no-brainers, while others had me wading through endless song lists, searching for the perfect match.

The first 20 songs on the playlist are chapter titles—one for each chapter, switching between Christopher’s and Noa’s perspectives. Picking these titles was like a game of emotional Tetris, making sure each song fit its chapter’s tone, whether it was tension-filled, hopeful, introspective, or rebellious.

My Favorite Chapter Picks

While every song has its place and purpose, there are a few that I’m particularly attached to:

• “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park (Chapter 1, Christopher’s POV): This song captures Christopher’s feelings of isolation and longing for a place where he can truly belong. It sets the tone for the beginning of his journey, drawing readers into his struggle with identity and purpose.

• “The Unforgiven” by Metallica (Chapter 7, Christopher’s POV): Dark and haunting, this song mirrors a turning point in Christopher’s character arc, reflecting themes of regret and redemption.

• “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed (Chapter 18, Noa’s POV): Noa’s journey takes on a somber, reflective tone in this chapter, and this powerful cover of a classic song resonates with the sense of silence and internal battles she faces.

Building Easter Eggs and Themes

One of the best parts of crafting this playlist was adding little musical Easter eggs for readers to find. For readers who decide to listen while they read, these songs act as hidden layers, reinforcing the scenes and adding an extra emotional punch. The lyrics, the tone, the energy—everything was chosen to amplify the experience of reading Marked by Fate. There’s something thrilling about knowing a specific song will play during a scene where the lyrics perfectly echo what’s happening on the page.

Take “Going Under” by Evanescence (Chapter 11, Christopher’s POV), for example. It wasn’t just the dark, powerful sound that made it perfect; it was the lyrics that spoke to feeling overwhelmed and out of control—exactly what Christopher feels in that chapter.

The Playlist and You

Now that the playlist is live on Spotify, I can’t wait for readers to experience Marked by Fate with its soundtrack. Whether you play it while reading, listen before diving into a new chapter, or just enjoy it on a road trip, I hope it brings a new layer to the story and lets you connect with Noa and Christopher in a different way.

The first 20 songs make up the chapter titles, a detail that I had so much fun integrating into the book. The rest of the playlist continues with songs that are thematically in tune with the story, giving readers over 100 tracks to explore the world of The Chronicles of Fate.

A Peek at the Full Playlist

• Chapter 1 (Christopher’s POV): Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park

• Chapter 2 (Noa’s POV): The Only Exception by Paramore

• Chapter 3 (Christopher’s POV): Break by Three Days Grace

• Chapter 4 (Noa’s POV): Sparks by Coldplay

• Chapter 7 (Christopher’s POV): The Unforgiven by Metallica

• Chapter 18 (Noa’s POV): The Sound of Silence by Disturbed

• Chapter 20 (Christopher’s POV): Centuries by Fall Out Boy

…and the list goes on with songs like Yellow by Coldplay, Numb by Linkin Park, and Creep by Radiohead making appearances to fit pivotal scenes.

Why It Was All Worth It

Curating this playlist wasn’t just fun; it was a way to deepen the connection between the book and its readers. Music has the power to elevate a story, and by pairing songs with chapters, I wanted to create an immersive experience that would linger long after the final page. This playlist is a love letter to Marked by Fate, to Noa’s resilience, to Christopher’s inner battles, and to anyone who has ever found solace in a song.

While the book itself isn’t out just yet, I’m thrilled to share that the prologue will be released as a preview on Friday, November 8, 2024! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss this exclusive sneak peek. Plus, find, like, and share the Facebook post advertising the prologue release for a chance to win a $10 gift card to Amazon.

So, plug in your headphones, press play, and let the music guide you through the world of Marked by Fate. You can find the full playlist on Spotify here. Let me know which songs resonate with you the most and which chapter-song pairing you loved!

Happy listening and reading!