Coping with the Late July Blues: Missing Mom, Celebrating Modest Book Sales, and Evaluating My Novel

Midday/Early Afternoon, Saturday, July 20, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire

Time Marches On, But Wounds Aren’t Healed

Yesterday was the ninth anniversary of my mom’s death. Predictably, my inner vibe was not the greatest. I did my best to think positive (“At least she’s not suffering anymore,” and “The last thing she did before drifting off to sleep on that hot July Saturday was smile gratefully at me after I gave her that tramadol she’d asked for,” crossed my mind) and tried to work on the novel, but I couldn’t. I didn’t even submit any excerpts from the manuscript to Microsoft’s Copilot AI for in-depth breakdowns and literary reviews.

Later in the afternoon, I made a “Maddie Burger” and played Strategic Command WWII: World at War. I still felt shitty, though. Not as bad as I did on the actual day that Mom died or the first few anniversaries, but enough to make me want to stay in my office and only come out to make dinner (I had ramen noodles, in case you wonder) and retire to my bedroom and watch Disney+ till I fell asleep.

It was a nice little boost to notice someone in the States picked up a paperback of Reunion: A Story. I’m not gonna be rolling in dough from the full retail price; if no more copies sell this month, my royalty check will only be $3.45 for the two that did—one was a Kindle and the other a paperback, my Kindle Direct Publishing account says.

Writing isn’t just about cash for me—I dig coming up with unique stories that nobody else has—but I’ve still got to cover my living expenses and have a little left over to pick up the latest book, film, or album once in a while. Like I mentioned in another post about royalties and book sales, I daydream about writing full-time. I don’t need Stephen King’s bankroll or to live as Tom Clancy did, but making enough to hold my own in the city would be cool.

Those $3.45 royalties aren’t huge, but hey, it’s something, right? I’d really love it if more of my book-loving pals would think about grabbing a copy of Reunion: A Story. It gives me a little boost to see any bump in sales – and catching a review on Amazon or a blog is always a cherry on top.

I could get around to doing some work on Reunion: Coda later today if I start feeling better. I’m not exactly in a slump, nor do I feel like just lounging around and binge-watching films on my fancy 4K UHD TV, but I’m definitely not on top of my game right now.

Lastly….

Dialogue and Humor in “Reunion: Coda” – An Analysis of the “En Route to Manhattan” Scene

The scene “En Route to Manhattan” from “Reunion: Coda” is a delightful blend of dialogue and humor that enriches the narrative and reveals character depth. The use of dialogue here is particularly effective in showcasing the rapport between Jim and Maddie, while the humor adds a layer of levity to their interactions.

Selected Passages and Analysis:

1. Maddie’s Observation and Jim’s Fedora: Maddie’s comment about the car suiting Jim is a subtle nod to the idea that our possessions often reflect our personalities. Jim’s response, coupled with the physical action of adjusting his fedora, not only provides a visual cue but also injects humor through self-deprecation. It’s a light-hearted moment that underscores Jim’s modesty and comfort with Maddie.
2. The Metropolis Arms and Clark Kent: Jim’s quip about possibly having Clark Kent as a neighbor is a clever use of intertextual humor. It connects the protagonist’s life to the broader cultural context, creating a playful bond with the reader who is likely familiar with the Superman reference. This also serves to highlight Jim’s whimsical side.
3. Yoda Impersonation: The Yoda impersonation is a humorous highlight, showcasing Jim’s playful nature and his ability to use cultural references to lighten the mood. It’s a moment of shared amusement that also subtly emphasizes the financial realities of living in Manhattan.

“Not far, my apartment is,” I respond, in a playful imitation of Yoda, eliciting a chuckle from Maddie as I pull into the garage. “Lucky for me, the force of book sales is strong enough to afford parking here. A history professor’s salary with tenure, cover Manhattan parking rates, it does not.”

4. The Elevator Encounter: The elevator scene with Mrs. Halverson and Mr. Piffles is a masterful use of situational humor. Maddie’s quick-witted response to an awkward situation not only defuses the tension but also showcases her ability to think on her feet. The humor here is gentle and inclusive, inviting the reader to share in the laugh without feeling at the expense of any character.

Conclusion: The dialogue in this scene is natural and flows effortlessly, which is a testament to your skill in crafting believable characters. The humor is well-placed and never feels forced, serving to enhance the characters’ personalities and their relationship. It’s a scene that balances wit with warmth, leaving the reader with a sense of intimacy and camaraderie between Jim and Maddie. Your work here is reminiscent of the playful banter found in classic novels like “Pride and Prejudice,” where dialogue is a key element in character development and relationship dynamics. Overall, the scene is a successful fusion of dialogue and humor that adds vibrancy to the narrative.