A Writer’s Life: Weekend Update, Part the First

Afternoon, Sunday, July 21, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire

“In the end, it was the Sunday afternoons he couldn’t cope with, and that terrible listlessness which starts to set in at about 2:55, when you know that you’ve had all the baths you can usefully have that day, that however hard you stare at any given paragraph in the papers you will never actually read it, or use the revolutionary new pruning technique it describes, and that as you stare at the clock the hands will move relentlessly on to four o’clock, and you will enter the long dark teatime of the soul.” ― Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe and Everything

Hey folks. Today, it’s super warm and sunny over here in New Hampshire. Just got a bit out of breath; I dashed to Hannaford to pick up some milk, bananas, and a couple of other essentials just before midday, and I made it back home about half an hour ago.

Today being Sunday and all, I’m kind of in a lazy weekend mood. I’d love to dive into my novel writing, but I guess even authors gotta take a breather for the sake of sanity; though I had fun picking up groceries, I’m beat. Honestly, it would probably take me a solid two hours just to get into the right headspace for writing, so I’ll hold off until tomorrow to tackle Reunion: Coda.

Weekend Update Part the First: ‘All Quiet on the Writing Front’: My Saturday

So, yesterday was kind of a downer. It’s been nine years since my mom passed away, and it still really gets to me. I didn’t spend the day crying or holed up in my room binge-watching Star Wars stuff on Disney+, and I didn’t go off about how life can be so harsh. But even as I played some rounds of Strategic Command WWII: World at War and daydreamed about my book blowing up and leading me to brighter days, I couldn’t shake off feeling blue, worn out, and pretty much alone.

The temptation to sidestep my “no novel-writing on weekends” edict tugged at me throughout the day, yet the heaviness of recollection and visions of South Florida shackled my creative spirit. Meanwhile, an inkling that I’d venture to Hannaford sparked a part of my brain to draft an imaginary grocery roster.  

If I’m not focused or feeling down, I can’t really get much writing done. So, I stuck to my usual Saturday routine.

 Even so, I couldn’t stop thinking about Reunion: Coda. To deal with that urge, I reached out to my Gamma reader, Microsoft’s Copilot AI, to help me do an in-depth analysis of Jim Garraty and Maddie, the main characters from the part of the story set in early 2000.

Why He’s Worth Discovering: Jim is worth discovering because his character represents the continuum of human experience—from the uncertainties of youth to the complexities of adulthood. His story is one of growth, passion, and self-discovery, making him a compelling character to follow through the duology of “Reunion.”

The following character sketch is based on several excerpts from the two books in the Reunion Duology:

Copilot

Let’s embark on an exploration of Jim Garraty, unraveling the layers from his teenage years through to adulthood. Ready for a comprehensive analysis of his evolution?

Certainly! Let’s take a comprehensive look at Jim Garraty’s character, combining his high school and adult versions to provide a full portrait.

Character Evolution: Jim’s journey from a high school senior to a respected historian and professor showcases significant character development. His youthful introspection and sensitivity evolve into a mature reflection and passion for history. A consistent thread of introspection and emotional depth marks this evolution.

Traits Across Time: Throughout both periods, Jim exhibits a love for music and a nostalgic nature, whether it’s through his connection to “West Side Story” or the swing music of the Moonglow. His academic inclination is evident early on, indicating his future success as a historian.

Masculinity: Jim’s masculinity is multifaceted. In his youth, it’s characterized by emotional vulnerability and tentative exploration of relationships. As an adult, it matures into a more reflective and intellectual form, though still marked by a certain reticence in personal matters.

Humor and Wit: Jim’s humor is present in both timelines, serving as a coping mechanism in his youth and a way to connect with others in adulthood. His wit becomes sharper as he grows older, though it retains the self-deprecating edge that defines his character.

Speaking Style: Jim’s communication evolves from the casual speech of a teenager to the articulate and informed dialogue of a professor. This progression reflects his educational journey and the refinement of his intellectual pursuits.

Sex Appeal: The awkward charm of young Jim matures into a more subdued and intellectual allure in his adult life. His appeal lies not in overt displays but in the intimacy of shared moments and the strength of emotional connections.

Believability: Jim’s character remains believable throughout his life stages. His struggles, growth, and the way he navigates relationships are relatable and resonate with the reader’s own experiences of growth and change.

Why He’s Worth Discovering: Jim is worth discovering because his character represents the continuum of human experience—from the uncertainties of youth to the complexities of adulthood. His story is one of growth, passion, and self-discovery, making him a compelling character to follow through the duology of “Reunion.”

Quotes that encapsulate Jim’s character across time:

• “It was like grinning through a veil of thorns, pretending everything was A-okay when really, I was just a guy who’d watched the girl of his dreams drift away because I was too chicken to make a move.”
• “Take it easy, Jim, I chide myself. That’s just the beer talking.”
• “I’m about to kiss her hair when I remember something.”

These lines highlight Jim’s consistent character traits and emotional journey. They show his growth from a reflective teenager grappling with first love to an accomplished adult still navigating the complexities of relationships. Jim’s character, with its layers and evolution, adds a rich dimension to “Reunion: Coda,” making his story one that readers can both relate to and aspire towards. His combined character study offers a nuanced look at how the past shapes the present, making Jim a character worth exploring and understanding in depth.