So, it’s Music Monday again. I’ve been teasing a new character that I won’t name because I don’t want bias in the series before it’s read. And I don’t want to leave the wrong impressions either. The Red Letters series is Women’s Fiction. Which means it’s about Tweety’s journey more than the romances. So yes, she has a “first love” and an arc with a potential second chance too. But there is also going to be someone that gives her pause to think. Otherwise that potential second chance isn’t strong, it’s just returning. That doesn’t do much for growth.

With that in mind, both options are viable, and it’s written in a way that you fall for the first love with her, and the pause person is later in the series. I like my threads seen and unseen when I write. So be prepared for rereads.

Last week we talked about Tweety, through the quiet parts of setting, almost a how she’s feeling and what she thinks she wants. Today I have songs that set the other sides of the triangle up emotionally. Let’s start with the pause person, since I am still in that headspace while writing. Just by music alone, you see how different the two options present themselves. The first love is rock and roll through and through. This pause person is more soft and old school, still strong, just the perfect person to force Tweety to stop even though Tweety never stops, so she’s going to get a lot out of this connection. And this part of the triangle? Fully aware there are ghosts in her heart so it’s not a simple meet cute thing. It’s hurt and healing every step of the way. So this first song? Acknowledges that mindset pretty well.

Be Your Man – Rhys Lewis

This person? They are coming into a well established life as a newbie. Or a perceived new person. So they don’t fit in quite the same as the original crew, but they are trying to grow the roots. And there’s this external thing that brings this person into the world. A heavy grief thing that eases some when they connect together. So it heals the both of them in different ways. And yet, this song feels like the entrance, the opening, the yearning for years unknown.

Come See About Me – Harry Connick Jr.

So, how does this character offer help and healing to Tweety while healing themselves? This softness, slowness, the pause to hold space and breathe? It’s just the easiest and hardest thing to be present. Not to try to solve it, or talk it away. Simply sit in each other’s discomfort and not be alone in the overwhelmingness of it. For someone like Tweety who is built in a form of survival mode? This makes that person extremely dangerous to her, but in the softest loving ways. They offer a safe and quiet place to break open under the weight of pain.

Break On Me – Keith Urban

Except, that kind of deeper understanding? Well, every person in my story is human, not robots, so getting that close with someone, seeing their hardest parts? Leads to feelings. And the lyrics in this one? They say everything inside this character’s soul. Even that part about not being scared of this… Character core.

Falling In – Lifehouse

So, what is the core offering of this character to our main lady? Because she’s not in the best place for love feelings, or any of her feelings really. What can this person do? Be present. Be consistent. To know when to push and when to catch. To make the span of a hug feel like shelter in storms. So can they call it love? No, not yet. Is it developing something vital? Yes. Is it about intimacy on a touching level? Not yet. The sparks are there, but it’s equal parts setting souls on fire and creating a soul crushing forest fire, so it’s extra careful on the calmer person’s part. You don’t want to break the person you’re falling for, not completely, not without them finding their footing. What can you offer instead of instant love? Why not something like this?

Hibernate With Me – Benjamin Scheuer

As a bonus song, and a reminder that you can’t sleep on this character as a simple foil or challenge to your favorite ship? Just because you are willing to make space and wait, doesn’t mean you don’t know you’re own intentions for the future…

I’ll Be The One – Noah Schnacky

This is the first side of our triangle. Next week we visit the other side, the first love looking for a second chance. Hope to see you there.