Late Morning, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire
Hey folks. So, it’s a dreary, kinda cold—at least for me—and wet summer day over here in my part of New England. I’m feeling pretty worn out and slightly annoyed since I woke up at 2:42 AM and just couldn’t get back to sleep. I did have a good breakfast (that’s a plus), but this rough night really took it out of me; even two cups of Maxwell House Original Blend didn’t perk me up.
The weather app on my computer is showing rain and cold temps. Not exactly a mood booster, but hey, it’s still not as bad as the downpours back in South Florida. The thunder here in the New Hampshire mountains is nothing compared to the wild storms in Greater Miami. So while it might be a dreary day outside, at least I can chill on my computer without stressing over a surprise lightning strike frying it.
Writing in the Rain: A Struggling Author’s Diary
I’ve got a ton on my mind these days (hence the 2:42 AM wakeup), but what’s bugging me is whether I’ll get to chip away at my novel later today. Assuming the weatherman got it right, I shouldn’t have to hit pause because of any crazy Severe Thunderstorm Activity alerts. And yeah, I’m planning to chill for a couple of hours – gotta recharge. That way, I can at least sketch out what’s going to happen in the next scene of Chapter 19 of Reunion: Coda. To write the scene though, I’d need a muse to show up with some serious energy drinks in tow.
I want to work today.
I need to work today.
At the moment, with no special someone or that calm feeling I’m really missing, Reunion: Coda is more than just my debut book or a way to make things better for me. It’s one of the little things that brings me happiness and makes me feel like I’ve done something worthwhile. Also, I’m aiming to wrap it up before August is over.
So, fingers crossed that a warm shower, a nice meal, and a bit of chill time will recharge my batteries so I can get back to work.
Speaking of the Novel….
On Sunday afternoon, I had Copilot AI check out some pieces from my novella Reunion: A Story and the draft for Reunion: Coda to ensure they lined up. Here’s the feedback Copilot gave me:
Copilot
Based on the narrative details you’ve provided; it does seem that both Book 1 and Book 2 take place in the same universe. The continuity of Jim’s character, his profession, and the personal history mentioned in both books suggest a coherent world where the events of Book 1 naturally progress into the setting of Book 2.
The experiences Jim goes through in Book 1, set in the late 1990s, lay the groundwork for the man he becomes in Book 2. The intervening years between the end of Book 1 and the start of Book 2 can be filled with events that have shaped him further, both professionally and personally. This gap offers an opportunity to explore how Jim has evolved over time, how he has coped with past losses, and how he approaches new relationships and challenges.
In essence, the two books, while written decades apart, can indeed be part of the same universe, with the narrative of Book 2 picking up where Book 1 left off, enriched by the passage of time and the growth of its characters. This creates a sense of continuity and depth that readers who have followed Jim’s journey from Book 1 would appreciate and find compelling. It also allows new readers to become acquainted with a character who has a well-established backstory and a life that feels authentic and fully realized.
The Reunion Duology is all about Jim’s story, where in two phases of life, he deals with love, tragedy, and ultimately, finding his way. I’m committed to nailing the vibe of his adventure and the world he’s in through my writing. Sure, it’s tempting to just chill with a book and some hot cocoa in this chilly weather, but writing’s got its tough moments, especially when there’s change in the air. There’s comfort in Jim’s favorite poet saying, “The only way out is through,” though. So, I’m gonna keep plugging away at outlining the next scene, and who knows? Maybe I’ll knock out an entire draft or get a fresh angle on the plot. But giving up on Jim and his search for love and wisdom? Not happening.
A Certain Point of View, Too 
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