Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions, transport us to different times and places, and deepen our connection to stories. In novels, incorporating music can set the tone, enhance the narrative, and even signal the importance of particular moments. In my upcoming novel, “What If,” I’ve woven music into the fabric of the story to enrich the reader’s experience and underscore key themes and emotions.
Setting the tone
Music serves as a powerful tool for setting the tone in “What If.” Throughout the novel, both protagonists, Mia and Henry, use music to reflect their internal states and the dynamics of their relationship. Music provides an emotional backdrop that enhances the mood of each scene, whether it’s a moment of joy, sorrow, or tension. The choice of songs helps to create a vivid atmosphere, drawing readers deeper into the story and helping them to connect with the characters on a more profound level.
Enhancing the narrative
Music can also drive the narrative forward, providing clues about the characters’ emotions and motivations. In “What If,” certain songs hold special significance for Mia and Henry, her childhood friend and love interest. These songs are not just background noise; they carry memories and meanings that deepen the reader’s understanding of their relationship.
Lyrics as narrative devices
Lyrics can be particularly powerful in highlighting the importance of a moment. In “What If,” I’ve selected specific lyrics that resonate with the themes of love, loss, and hope. These lyrics can serve as a subtle commentary on the action or dialogue, adding an extra layer of meaning.
One poignant example is the use of Marshmello and Bastille’s “Happier.” As Mia and Henry pull out onto the street, the familiar chords of “Happier” fill the car. Mia’s gentle sway and soft whispering of the melody highlight her complex emotions. This song poignantly underscores their reunion, weaving together themes of joy, regret, and nostalgia. The lyrics delve into the complex emotions associated with fond memories that are also painful, reflecting the duo’s joyful past and the subsequent paths that led them apart. As they reconnect, the song’s blend of upbeat melody and melancholic undertones mirrors Mia’s mixed emotions—excitement tinged with apprehension. “Happier” serves as a bridge between their shared history and the present, emphasizing that while they are rooted in a shared past, they are also encountering each other anew within their current lives.
Another example is “This is the Day” by The The, which Henry plays when he decides to connect his phone and share a playlist with Mia. The song’s themes of renewal and transformative experiences mirror Henry and Mia’s rekindling relationship. The lyrics suggest a sense of optimism and the possibility of new beginnings, aligning perfectly with the emotional rebirth both characters are experiencing as they rediscover each other and explore their feelings. The song’s upbeat rhythm and nostalgic appeal, given its popularity during their high school years, invoke shared memories and a sense of youthful enthusiasm, enhancing the emotional depth of their drive and the evening they are spending together. This musical backdrop sets a reflective but hopeful tone for their journey, underscoring pivotal moments of personal significance as they navigate their past and potential future.
Music and character development
Music also plays a crucial role in character development. It can reveal hidden depths and facets of a character’s personality. For Mia, who has experienced the trauma of domestic violence and the loss of her husband, music becomes a way to express and process her emotions. It’s through music that she finds moments of solace and connection, both with herself and with Henry. Henry, in turn, uses music to bridge the gap between them, offering comfort and understanding without words.
Creating emotional resonance
Ultimately, the use of music in “What If” aims to create a deep emotional resonance with the reader. It’s not just about what’s happening on the surface but about the feelings and memories that music can evoke. By carefully selecting songs and lyrics that align with the story’s themes and the characters’ journeys, I hope to draw readers into Mia and Henry’s world, making their experiences more vivid and impactful.
Playlist on Spotify
As you anticipate the release of “What If,” why not immerse yourself in the world of Mia and Henry through the specially curated playlist on Spotify? This playlist features songs mentioned in the novel, capturing pivotal moments and the essence of their relationship, as well as tracks that inspired the writing process. Let the music set the tone for their emotional journey and get a taste of the story’s rich, auditory dimension before the book hits the shelves. Tune in and start experiencing the magic of “What If” through the power of music.
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Melissa Harkin 
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