Music has always played a large role in my writing process, both for inspiration and to get me in the right mindset when writing. When working on my debut medieval fantasy novel, THE PRINCESS KNIGHT, I used countless playlists to help me and keep me focused (that I have available on spotify for anyone who wants to listen). These are just a few songs that I would listen to nonstop during the writing and editing process:
“Hazel Eyes” by Sabrina Jordan
Sometimes, songs just feel like a book, and that’s why I’m starting with “Hazel Eyes”. While taking place in an entirely separate world, THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is loosely inspired by Irish folklore and history, and this song is exactly how I want that world to feel. Also, it doesn’t hurt that one of the protagonists, Clía, does have hazel eyes.
“I fell astray, but in you, I have found
That I am ever bound to your hazel eyes”
“Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo
“I feel like no one wants me
And I hate the way I'm perceived
I only have two real friends
And lately, I'm a nervous wreck”
In THE PRINCESS KNIGHT, Clía’s life is thrown upside down when a neighboring prince, Domhnall, backs out of their betrothal agreement, claiming she’s not strong enough to be his queen. Not only is this a political disaster, but it makes Clía rethink how she and her kingdom is viewed. Clía’s someone who is very focused on perception and so preoccupied with what people think of her, and when she goes on her quest to change their opinions, she finds herself even less prepared and more alone than she ever expected.
“The Archer” by Taylor Swift
I could probably make this list using entirely Taylor Swift songs (“ivy”, “mirrorball”, “You’re On Your Own, Kid”, “You Are In Love”, “Bejeweled”… the list goes on), but if I had to pick one, it would be “The Archer”.
“Screaming, who could ever leave me, darling?
But who could stay?
(I see right through me, I see right through me)”
The main romance in THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is a slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers arc that is soft and tender. As I mentioned, Clía feels unprepared and alone— she’s been humiliated and her insecurities are at an all-time high— but then she meets a warrior named Ronan. He offers her unwavering comfort and support. Ronan sees and understands Clía, something that's both amazing and terrifying for her.
“Rät” by Penelope Scott
“I wanted to be you and do what you do”
I’m going to keep this song explanation brief to be careful of spoilers. Ronan is the other POV protagonist in THE PRINCESS KNIGHT, and this song is one I always connected to him. Like Clía, he cares deeply about approval, but for him, it’s specifically the approval of one person. However, it’s important to be careful of putting people on pedestals.
On that note, the song “Father Figure” by Taylor Swift is another great one for him.
“The Calling” by The Amazing Devil
I adore The Amazing Devil with every fiber of my being and could not finish this list without including one of their songs. There are a few different interpretations to the song “The Calling”, but at its core, I see it as a song about growth and that desire to grow and change from your old ways, something I feel that Clía would connect deeply with, especially towards the end of the book.
“Shoulder the sky (I can't wait to show you how much)
Open those eyes (I know you can be, just let the rain come)
There's a kind (let the rain come down, darling)
(Can't you hear it howling?) Of calling (calling), calling (calling)”
Avoiding spoilers again, but Clía goes on quite the journey during THE PRINCESS KNIGHT, from desperate people-pleasing to slowly finding herself and realizing her worth. But the road is never smooth, and growth always comes at a cost.
And on a less analytical/serious note, I think Clía would love the line “Do you like my dress? It's got pockets”.
A Novel
A princess desperate to win back the prince who broke her heart follows him to his kingdom's prestigious military academy—and in doing so, falls in love, saves the realm, and continues to look fabulous in this delightful debut fantasy.
Domhnall and Clía are an ideal match—or so everyone says. They are prince and princess of neighboring kingdoms. An alliance the gods will smile on. Until Domhnall ruins everything by refusing to propose.
Heartbroken but determined, Clía makes the perfect plan: Follow Domhnall to Caisleán Cósta, the military academy he’s attending. Show she can protect her kingdom. Secure the betrothal. Sure, the castle has a brutal reputation. But how hard can dueling really be?
Warrior Ronan promised himself he’d never lose his focus. He fought and sacrificed for his place at Caisleán Cósta, and he has no time for blonde princesses who waltz into arenas like they’re attending a ball. Even if she and her otter-like pet are…well, cute.
He doesn’t want to be intrigued by Clía. But her hunger to prove herself is something he understands. He tells himself there’s no harm training her. Even if his heart does race around her. Even if Domhnall is his best friend.
But as they say, love is a battlefield—and unfortunately for them all, a very real war is looming on the horizon. It’s a fight that will threaten all their kingdoms…and test all their hearts.
Audiobook Narrator- Alana Kerr Collins
Romance Fantasy | LGBTQ | Romance Comedy [Harper Voyager, On Sale: October 14, 2025, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780063321151 / eISBN: 9780063321144]
Cait (they/them) grew up somewhere between the many farms and beaches of the North Fork of Long Island, NY. There, they found escape through the fictional worlds of books. Their love of literature inspired them to found BookTok and The Bookington Book Club. When they aren’t writing or scrolling on social media, they spend their time obsessing over theater, Dungeons and Dragons, and caring for their many dogs and pet snake (known professionally as Jake from Snake Farm). The Princess Knight is their debut novel.
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