The Destiny Soundtrack

When I was writing Destiny and Destiny Unveiled, I was working at an insurance company with my good friend and unofficial editor, Erin Coffey.  Erin and I used to proof read a chapter together each day after hours. After spending a day dealing with a bunch of angry and obnoxious clients (some of which became characters in Destiny), making fun of my typographical errors was therapeutic for us. I still laugh at her side comments on my original manuscripts. Things like, “Um, are you sure you want Darron toying his hoagie? That sounds a little dirty.” LOL

As we were reading, another thing that we did was create a soundtrack for the Destiny series, in the hopes that the books might someday be made into a movie. There were a few songs I already had in mind, but Erin was an essential part of picking out the full soundtrack.  So I had to give her some credit, especially since we spent literally hours proof reading together.  Now, this soundtrack is probably going to show our age. Erin and I, in addition to being co-workers for years, are also proud alumni of the Wildwood Catholic graduating class of 1994. Most of the songs we picked are ones that were popular in our high school and college years.  So without further ado, here is the soundtrack for the Destiny Series.  

Disc  One - Destiny

Do You Believe In Magic - The Lovin' Spoonful   - Yes, this song is almost too cliché, but it just fits so well because the very first question posed to my heroine is whether or not she believes in magick. I can see the opening credits rolling as this song plays, leading up to Gabby and her friends at their lockers. 

So She Dances – Josh Groban – It may be true that Josh Groban is the only man alive I would actually consider having an affair with, but that’s not the only reason he’s on my soundtrack. This song would work wonderfully in Chapter 6 when Darron meets Gabriella’s mother for the first time.

I Can’t Get Next to You – Annie Lennox  This song was destined to be in the coffee house scene in Chapter 12, a scene where Gabrielle and Darron get into a heated argument.  It has a nice beatnik beat that would fit a coffee house theme, and the lyrics are perfect for this pair of star crossed witches.

“I can turn the grey sky blue

And I can make it rain whenever I want it to

And I can build a castle from a single grain of sand

And I can make a ship sail on dry land

But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue

'Cause I can't get next to you”

My Destiny – Kathleen McPee   This is my favorite song in the whole soundtrack. It would play in the background during the dance scene. I can see the circles of light swirling as Gabby and Darron gaze into each other’s eyes   Just listen to the video below, and if you read the book, you’ll know why I love it so much. It’s more than just a track on the soundtrack. It’s the official Destiny theme song. 

Lullaby - Josh Groban   Yes, Josh is back again. I admit it. I’m a Gronbanite. But can you think of a better man to sing at a funeral? Yes, someone is going to die, but you’ll need to read the book to see who doesn’t make it to the sequel. 

Underneath My Clothes – Shakira   I think the title of this song speaks for itself. I picked this ballad for a love scene because I like that it’s told from the point of view of the woman getting all that she knows she deserves.

Oh, Ho Ho, Its Magic – Pilot   This is the closing song for book number one. But don’t think that just because it’s a little upbeat, that everything turns out okay. Obviously, there are still going to be issues to resolve or we wouldn’t have…

Disc Two -  Destiny Unveiled

Graduation (Friends Forever) – Vitamin C  Okay, so I told you I’m a dork from the nineties. But you have to admit, this is the perfect opening song for a high school graduation scene. Although Erin did threaten to kick my butt if I ever played this tune anywhere near her. 

Miami – Will Smith   I am nothing if not diverse, so we have to throw a little Will Smith into the mix. When the gang’s plane arrives in Miami, I can imagine this song playing as scenes from all the Miami hot spots flash by.

Magic – Colby Caillat  This would be the beach scene, and these lyrics totally sum up Gabriella’s feeling for Darron. 

“You've got magic inside your finger tips

Its leaking out all over my skin

Every time that I get close to you

your makin’ me weak with the way you

look through those eyes”

Brain Stew – Green Day  There is one scene in Destiny Unveiled where Darron really loses control, and this song comes as close as possible to describing his emotions at that time. Of course since this is a YA book, we would have to bleep out a few curse words...  

I Feel the Magic – Belinda Carisle – This one Erin hand picked out for me, mostly because she got really sick of me singing Yo Ho, Ho Its Magic all day.   I had never heard it before, but I knew it was perfect. It really helps tie things up in the final chapters. 

It’s the End of the World – R.E.M. – This would be the closing credits, and I definitely think it hints that there is more to come…and guess what they’re will be….

Destiny’s Path (tentative title), the third book is the Destiny series is well underway, and will be dedicated to Erin to thank her for all her hard work.  Time for us to start planning the next soundtrack! In the meantime, I still have these soundtracks in my car. Yes, I actually made CDS and listened to them every single day at work the whole time I was writing the books, much to Erin’s displeasure. I know. I’m such a dork… In closing, I just want to thank my friend Erin Coffey one more time, for her help in the soundtrack selections, for her unwavering support, and of course, for not killing me the 66^th time I belted out “Miami” while she was trying to work.  I’m really not very good at rapping…Love you Erin!!

Erin & I at my wedding (March 2009)