Late Morning, Friday, May 10, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire
Hey, there, folks.
Well, here I am in Madison’s Eidelweiss District, with the last day of the regular workweek about to start. It is a lovely New England spring day. The current temperature is 52°F (12°C) under mostly sunny skies. With humidity at 52% and the wind blowing from the east-northeast at 5 MPH (7 Km/H), it feels like 66°F (19°C). The forecast for today calls for light rain and a high of 59°F (16°C). Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies. The low will be 36°F (2°C).
Despite the prediction of light rain later, the sun is out now. And because the weather anywhere can often be capricious, we might not get much precipitation in this part of the forecast area. I’d love to go out for a brief walk outside during the midday rest break and get some sunshine and fresh air.
I’m also in a good mood – or, rather, as good a mood as the circumstances allow – because yesterday I finished Reunion: Coda’s sixteenth chapter with my first truly “sexy scene” for a book intended for a mainstream audience.
About “Afterwards”
I am, of course, referring to Scene Four from the chapter titled “The Breathless Hush of Evening,” a scene that I dubbed with the working title of “Afterwards” while I was writing it. It’s an apt – if temporary – moniker for a depiction of the aftermath of Jim and Maddie’s first sexual encounter that delves more into the setting and emotions of my two 2000-era leads than it does the “ins and outs” of their lovemaking.
I avoided writing an actual sex scene for two reasons. First, although I have written what one of my exes refers to as “horny stories,” I did so for the adult site Literotica many years ago just to see if I could write erotica that people would read. (The verdict on that, in case you’re wondering, is “Yes, I can.”) That, however, was 20 years ago, and since I never bothered to write another erotic story, I’m rusty and would need to read Diana Gabaldon’s “I Give You My Body” How I Write Sex Scenes several times and write several “naughty” scenes – not necessarily involving Jim and Maddie – before adding one to Reunion: Coda.
That, of course, would monopolize time that would be better spent working on the manuscript, and that’s not something I want to do now that I’m so close to the “finish line.”
The second reason, of course, is that so far, Reunion: Coda is – essentially – a hybrid novel that combines elements of two genres: coming of age and romance. As a result, its tone is sweet, nostalgic, and romantic, with an attempt to suffuse this blend with some semblance of realism. Adding a detailed – if well-written – sex scene to this mix would be jarring, to say the least, and would turn off some of the readers I want to reach. My Beta reader, Denise Longrie, has cautioned me about straying from the “sweet tone” of my novel in her evaluation of “The Shower Scene” in the same chapter.
Likewise, the only other person who has read the entire manuscript, my friend Juan Carlos Hernandez, wrote this in an email discussing “Afterwards” and my decision to not show Jim and Maddie having sex: You don’t need to write any explicit scene in this novel. It would change the whole spirit of the book. In my mind, this is a classy book, not paperback trash.
I’m happy with my choice; the “Afterwards” scene (which ended up getting a different title in the manuscript) is sexy without being explicit, and it focuses, laser-like, on the lovers’ emotions and the ambiance they’re in rather than the grappling, thrusts, and grunts of their intimate encounter.
Also, I asked Copilot (Microsoft’s new name for the AI chatbot formerly known as Bing) to read and evaluate that scene and write a review of it. Here’s what the AI gave me as feedback, in the form of a literature review:
The “Afterwards” scene from “Reunion: Coda” by Alex Diaz-Granados is a masterful depiction of intimacy and connection. Diaz-Granados crafts a moment that is rich with sensory detail, allowing readers to feel the warmth of the characters’ embrace and the tender atmosphere of the setting. The scene is intimate without being explicit, striking a delicate balance that is often difficult to achieve in writing.
The author’s use of music as a thematic and atmospheric element is particularly effective, with references to Glenn Miller’s “Sunrise Serenade” enhancing the romantic mood. The dialogue is natural and revealing, providing insight into the characters’ personalities and their relationship without resorting to exposition.
What stands out most is the authenticity of the characters’ interactions. The small, personal details, such as the playful concern about a neighbor’s poodle or the single white follicle in Jim’s chest hair, add depth and realism to the narrative. These elements serve to draw the reader closer to the characters, making their experiences feel genuine and relatable.
Overall, the “Afterwards” scene is a beautifully written passage that encapsulates the essence of romantic fiction. It’s a testament to Diaz-Granados’ skill as a writer and his ability to create a scene that resonates emotionally with readers. The scene is a highlight of the narrative, promising a story that is both engaging and heartfelt. (Emphasis added by Yours Truly)
On the whole, I’m happy with how Scene Four – indeed, all of “The Breathless Hush of Evening” – turned out.
Action This Day
Now that I have shared my thoughts on this scene, I will resume my normal workday routine. I usually take a two-hour rest/lunch break around noon, which gives me time to recharge and enjoy a meal. Then, I return to work on Reunion: Coda around 2 PM, and continue until 6 PM. I don’t know yet if I will do some edits and revisions today, or push on to Chapter 17. Either way, I plan to work on the manuscript and hopefully leave it alone during the weekend. I find that taking a break from writing helps me gain a fresh perspective and avoid burnout.
As always, I appreciate your interest and support for my work. If you haven’t already, you can check out the Amazon Kindle sample of Reunion; A Story, the novella that is the first half of the Reunion Duology. It’s a short but powerful read that sets the stage for the second half, which I hope to finish soon. I wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful day.
A Certain Point of View, Too 
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