Slow Dance

Author Rainbow Rowell firmly believes musical inspiration is vital in writing, particularly for creating emotionally powerful novels. Rowell listens to music as she writes, incorporates music into her stories, and meticulously creates playlists for each book. When writing scenes, Rowell often finds a song that fits the mood she is trying to develop and uses it to help her craft the emotional moment. The playlists set the tone for critical scenes and dive deep into the characters' inner lives. Rowell believes the playlists elevate the reading experience and encourage readers to forge a deeper, more personal connection with her stories. The playlists act as an indispensable component of her storytelling, providing readers with a multi-sensory experience and serving as a soundtrack that intensifies the emotional impact of the stories.

For Eleanor & Park, Rowell carefully selected songs that reflect the characters' intense emotional journey and the 1980s setting, including tracks from iconic bands like The Smiths and Joy Division. These choices effectively transport readers, capturing the characters' angst and alienation. In Fangirl, Rowell's playlist, a mix of indie tracks and ballads, mirrors the