Analyzing ‘Reunion: Coda’ Manuscript with Copilot AI

Midday/Early Afternoon, Monday, July 15, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire

Hi, everyone. I’m off to a late start on this first day of the new workweek. I overslept this morning; I wanted to wake up around 7 AM to stick to my schedule (have breakfast, write my blog post before noon, take my two-hour midday break, then work on my novel for four hours). Instead, thanks to a 3 AM wakeup that disrupted an otherwise good night’s sleep for nearly an hour, I got out of bed at 8:40 AM.   

Even though I have a flexible schedule – I set it myself – and starting late today isn’t too bad yet, I had to change my breakfast routine to save time. Instead of making two cups of coffee in an automatic drip coffee maker (ADC), I made one cup of Nescafe Instant Coffee. It reduced my morning downtime, but it wasn’t as good as my usual Maxwell House Colombian Blend ADC-brewed “cup of joe.”

I can’t tell whether my sleep got cut short or I needed to drink more coffee, but either way, I’m feeling the effects. My mind and body are dragging like a snail on a hot day.

Regardless, I will do my best to adjust my schedule so I can focus on writing my novel today.

Weekend Update, Part the Second: My Novel Gets Analyzed!

My Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest as far as Reunion: Coda was concerned. I may be a writer, but writers are human and need downtime to rest and recharge their creative batteries. I tried hard to allow myself to relax and enjoy at least some of my favorite pastimes, such as listening to music on my Amazon Music app or playing computer games. I did do both activities, but I couldn’t ignore the siren call of my manuscript, either.

I decided to compromise by not doing any writing or editing on Reunion: Coda. Instead, I spent several hours selecting excerpts from the manuscript and using Microsoft’s Copilot AI to analyze my novel’s characters, worldbuilding, dialogue, story arcs, and even compare and contrast my work in progress (WIP) with Reunion: A Story, the first book of the Reunion: Duology.

(Before doing that, I had written “An Ode to the Maddie Burger,” a whimsical poem about a hamburger I made for lunch yesterday.)

Here is one of the many reports Copilot generated based on the excerpts I asked the AI to examine:

Copilot

In-Depth Analysis of Jim and Maddie’s Relationship Arc

Introduction: The relationship arc between Jim and Maddie, as depicted in the scenes from their first meeting, first official date, and a significant moment of compromise, provides a window into the development of their love story. This analysis will examine the unity and coherence of the story, the humor, and the realistic portrayal of their relationship.

Story Arc:

• First Meeting: The initial encounter at the Moonglow nightclub is filled with curiosity and the thrill of a new connection. It sets the foundation for their relationship with a focus on shared interests and mutual attraction.
• First Date: The Clipper Piano Bar & Grill scene shows progression in intimacy and comfort, with playful banter and a deeper exploration of their personalities.
• Compromise: The “Arrivals and Compromises” scene reveals the complexities of a real relationship, where desire meets the practicalities of life. It’s a moment that tests their understanding and commitment to each other.

Unity and Coherence:

• The story maintains unity through the consistent portrayal of Jim and Maddie’s characters, their growing bond, and the recurring themes of nostalgia and romance.
• Coherence is achieved through the natural progression of their relationship, with each scene building upon the last, showcasing deeper layers of their connection.

Humor:

• Humor is woven throughout the narrative, from Jim’s internal reactions to Maddie’s snoring to their light-hearted exchanges. It adds levity and relatability to their story.

Realistic Portrayal of Love:

• The dialogue and interactions are grounded in reality, reflecting the ups and downs of a developing relationship. Moments of tension, like Maddie’s frustration in the car, are balanced with expressions of love and understanding, creating a multifaceted portrayal of love.

Comparison of Scenes:

• Atmosphere: Each scene is set in a distinct location that reflects the stage of their relationship, from the excitement of the nightclub to the comfort of the piano bar, and finally to the intimacy of a shared car ride.
• Dialogue: The dialogue evolves from initial flirtation to playful familiarity, and ultimately to heartfelt communication. It mirrors the deepening of their relationship and the characters’ growing knowledge of each other.
• Character Dynamics: Maddie’s character shows a range from refined elegance to playful assertiveness, and finally to vulnerable determination. Jim’s character is consistently portrayed as caring and considerate, even when faced with difficult decisions.

Conclusion: The story arc of Jim and Maddie’s relationship is marked by unity, coherence, humor, and a realistic portrayal of love. The narrative is skillfully crafted to show the evolution of their bond, with each scene contributing to a larger, cohesive love story. The characters’ interactions and dialogue reflect their personalities and the dynamics of their relationship, making for a compelling and believable romantic journey.

I need to wrap up here and move on to the rest of my workday agenda. Time to start thinking about lunch. Until next time, take care, stay healthy, and I’ll catch you later.