Manly Music

All of my novels have playlists that I listen to while I write them. The characters choose the songs so if you don't like them do not blame me.

Here is the playlist for my YA novel How to Be Manly which will be released by Giant Squid Books next month.

Lose Yourself by Eminem  

Matty plays this on his way to summer morning football practice. It keeps him from going back to bed.


Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur

Matty and Grandma. Ride or die.


Gunpowder by Wyclef Jean 

Don't you know that we can't stop the violence. The song makes me cry every damn time.


Dem Boyz by Wiz Khalifa.

Matty tries this persona for about twenty-four hours.  It's about all he can take.


Revolution by Kirk Franklin

Grandma likes this song.  This is the only singer they can agree on in the car.


Can You Stand the Rain by New Edition

A little old school for when Matty is feeling sorry for himself over Cassie.


Who's That Lady by The Isley Brothers

Woah. Jessica is a girl.