Speak Your Mind’s Spotify Playlist 🎶

Hey there lovely Arrowheads! Yes, I’m still gearing up for the release of my second novel, Speak Your Mind, later this month. To celebrate, I’ve decided to finally make the Spotify playlist I made while writing the book public. Today I’m going to share with you the tracklist to Speak Your Mind‘s soundtrack and share the link with you so you can jam out along with me!

Track 1: “Long Live” by Taylor Swift

This song perfectly encompasses everything about Speak Your Mind. It’s about courage, friendship, and persisting on against challenges. I actually tear up listing to “Long Live” sometimes because it relates so much to how I’ve imagined the novel playing out in my mind for the past seven years.

Track 2: “Sadie Hawkins Dance” by Relient K

I literally made the End of the Year Dance in the book have a Sadie Hawkins theme solely due to this song. Relient K’s whole vibe as a band reminds me so much of the characters, especially Aiden, for some reason. Their songs are energetic and creative, totally matching the middle school vibe I tried to capture in the book.

Track 3: “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe

This is due to a lesson Victoria learns along the way. That’s all I’m going to say to avoid spoilers. 😛

Track 4: “Outside Looking In” by Jordan Pruitt

This song is the PERFECT anthem for what it’s like to be shy. I’ve never heard another song that describes it so well, and it fits Victoria’s inner monologue to a T. It’s personally been one of my favorite songs for over ten years, since I first heard it in the DCOM Read it and Weep. Just listen to its beautifulness. ❤

Track 5: “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

This one describes the one true Voice Victoria has to learn to listen to over her anxiety.

Track 6: “Words” by Hawk Nelson feat. Bart Millard

Because words are powerful and we need to be careful with how we use them, especially around people who deal with anxiety. And, like with Relient K, Hawk Nelson has the same spunky vibe that reminds me of the middle school setting in the book.

Track 7: “Overthinking” by Relient K

The unrequited love theme in this song doesn’t relate to her, but Victoria is a chronic overthinker, and I adore the beat. The love theme may slightly relate to another character though. 😛

Track 8: “Speak for Myself” by Aly & AJ

Bullying is an aspect that is covered in Speak Your Mind‘s plot. This song describes the act of standing up for yourself against people who bully and ridicule you.

Track 9: “Still” by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

Victoria suffers from anxiety and often worries herself sick over circumstances she has little to no power to change. This song mentions how we need to be still and let God handle our worries. This is probably the biggest theme I tried to get across in the novel.

Track 10: “Oh My Soul” by Casting Crowns

For similar reasons as “I Am Not Alone”, this song has personally aided my own anxiety. This song serves as an anthem in the book during a particular scene when Victoria seemingly hits rock bottom.

Track 11: “Free to Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli

Because despite our flaws and imperfect nature, despite not being “good enough” for others, God thinks the world of us and loves us all individually… awkwardness and all. 🙂

Track 12: “Fear Is a Liar” by Zach Williams

Another theme. 🙂 That’s all I’m gonna say about that. 😛

Track 13: “Pressing On” by Relient K

It’s about leaving stress behind and the song totally just fits! It especially reminds me of Aiden, to be honest. XD

I hope you enjoy these tunes, Arrowheads! I’m usually not one to listen to music as I write, but this playlist helped inspire a lot of ideas as I listened to the songs in the car. Be on the lookout for another character interview coming up on Monday with an out of this world character, Zeeb!