A couple of weeks ago, I was bopping along on the elliptical instrument of torture at the gym when I Ran by Flock of Seagulls came on the 80’s music channel (listening to peppy music at the gym is the only way I can get myself to go). The lyrics, which I had never really thought about before, were so perfect for Penelope that I was staggered. Literally.

Once I regained my balance and untangled myself from my headphones, I got to thinking about the music that had resonated for me while I was writing the other five books. All of the books, for whatever reason, have had their own signature songs, some of which make sense, and some of which, quite frankly, are more than a little random. For example, while I was writing Black Tulip, I listened to tons of Bach. I still have no idea what Bach had to do with Henrietta and Miles, but, for some reason, it worked for them. (I wrote a post about all this on Access Romance).

Thus the Pink Carnation Playlist Project was born.

Every month, I’ll be posting a playlist for a different book, finishing up with Blood Lily just in time for its debut. Once all are done, they will be permanently available on the website, hopefully with links to iTunes, if I can figure out how to do that.

So, without further ado, here’s my playlist for The Secret History of the Pink Carnation:

I Want You to Want Me, Letters to Cleo.

I love soundtracks. They’re like having a mix tape with none of the bother of having to mix one. While I was writing Pink I, I was a little obsessed with the Ten Things I Hate About You soundtrack. This song, to me, just screamed Amy—it had her verve, her impetuousness, and it was great for getting up and dancing around the computer.

Cruel To Be Kind, Letters to Cleo

Yep, more Letters to Cleo. The title sounds like something Miss Gwen would say (and does, at one point), but also fits quite well with Richard’s philosophy of life. Silly Richard.

Enjoy the Silence, Depeche Mode.

Richard and Amy in the study. ‘Nuff said. I’ve always loved this song. There’s something very dark, seductive, and powerful about it.

Please Forgive Me, David Gray.

Please forgive me if I act a little strange? Hmph. Just because a man has a dual identity….

One Girl Revolution, Superchic[k].

Hell hath no fury like an Amy scorned. Hurrying to finish Pink I in the late spring of 2003, I moved on from the Ten Things I Hate About You soundtrack to Legally Blonde (gearing up for law school in the fall). The defiant tone of the music perfectly suited Amy.

Do you have any good Richard and Amy songs to add to the list? When I post the lists to the Diversions page in January, I’ll be adding a “Readers Recommend” section to each list. So please recommend away!