Playlist for THE MAGIC WAKES, by Charity Bradford

Does music inspire your writing? It does for me, and probably for many other authors too. Today I'm hosting Charity Bradford, author of THE MAGIC WAKES. She'll be sharing the some of the songs that inspired her debut novel.

Music has always played a huge part in my writing process. A good song can put me in the right emotional mindset to write a scene or give me an idea for a short story. The Magic Wakes was no different. Certain songs spoke to me. Saying they belonged to certain characters or the situations I wanted to put them in. Talia embodies “Stand My Ground” by Within Temptation. Especially these words: “I won’t give in. No more denying I’ve gotta face it. Won’t close my eyes and hid the truth inside…It’s all around, getting stronger, coming closer into my world. I can feel that it’s time for me to face it. Can I take it? Though this might just be the ending of the life I held so dear, but I won’t run. There’s no turning back from here.”

“Cry” by Kelly Clarkson also made me think of Talia. Not the verses, but the chorus. The chorus has layers of meaning to match the story line. “Is it over yet? Can I open my eyes? Is this as hard as it gets? Is this what it feels like to really cry?” 1. She dreams in nightmares. 2. Most of her life she’s managed to shut her emotions off as a survival technique. Certain events (or lips) put an end to that. ;) 3. Even when it’s over, it isn’t really over.


Now Landry has been really hard to find “the” song. I don’t know if it’s because he’s so complex, or because we only get a hint at his full person in book one. When I think of him I think more of his entire character arc. So a lot of his songs cover parts of the story that are still in the making. “I Will Not Bow” by Breaking Benjamin has the right feel to it. A lot of their songs could be attached to Landry in different aspects of his life and along the story line. He’s a tough (although well educated and refined royalty, so not crass in any way) military man who has done things to keep the kingdom safe that aren’t even hinted at until book two.

“Save You” by Kelly Clarkson is a softer side reserved just for Talia. All the words, every one.

There’s one character that is trapped by some choices from his past. It’s not who he is, but what he carries with him. Jaron’s song is “Falling Inside the Black” by Skillet.

And a few more songs I listened to a lot while writing. “Arms” by Christina Perri “I tried my best to never let you in to see the truth, and I’ve never opened up. I’ve never truly loved ‘till you put your arms around me, and I believe that’s it’s easier for you to let me go.”

“If No One Will Listen” by Kelly Clarkson. There are so many great phrases in here that I imagined Talia’s mother and then Landry saying to her. It’s about love, trust and loyalty to me. It lends itself to Talia's entire story arc as well. “No one can tell you, where you alone must go. There’s no telling, what you’ll find there. And god I know the fear that eats away at your bones. Screaming every step ‘Just stay here’.”

“Save Me” by Shinedown

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Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She has kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.

Talia's work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton is not looking for a friend. He is looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.


Charity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. She lives in Arkansas with her hubby and children, and firmly believes that a smile can solve most problems. The Magic Wakes is her first novel.