On Writing and Storytelling – Writing Exercise: What Do Jim and Marty Love About Each Other?*

* Besides their physical attributes….

Writing Exercise for Reunion: Coda:

I’m not in the mood to write a typical slice-of-life blog post today. I also don’t feel like reviewing anything or discussing my upcoming move back to Miami. Instead, I’d prefer to concentrate on writing fiction. Therefore, here’s another exercise from How to Write a Romance: Or, How to Write Witty Dialogue, Smoldering Love Scenes, & Happily Ever Afters.

Reunion: Coda is a novel sharing two parallel love stories from different phases of Jim Garraty’s life. The first, “Love Lost,” covers his high school years at South Miami High School, from the midway point of his sophomore year to his graduation in June 1983, focusing on his relationship with the charming and British Martina Elizabeth Reynaud, also known as Marty.

The second story, “Love Found,” unfolds in early 2000. James Garraty, a 37-year-old Columbia University history professor and renowned author on World War II, falls for Madison, a charming pianist with the New York Philharmonic.

In my previous post, I listed five non-physical things Jim and Maddie love about each other. Now, let’s explore what Jim and Marty secretly adore about each other, even if they won’t admit it.

Things Marty Loves About Jim

1. His Kind Deeds: When Marty needs Mrs. Quincy, the choral director, to sign her form after a successful audition, Jim is the first to offer his pen. Marty recalls how often her shy, admiring classmate praised her singing or encouraged her to conquer her fear of solo performances at the Christmas concert during their junior year.
2. His Musical Talent: Although Jim is destined to become a notable World War II historian, he possesses a keen musical ear and a pleasing baritone voice that grabs Marty’s attention. While he supports her singing activities at school, she believes he underestimates his singing abilities.
3. Respectful Attitude Toward Marty: At 16, Marty joins South Miami High’s Women’s Chorus and later sings in Mixed Chorus I with Jim. When she stops dating JV Quarterback Kenny Garcia, Marty is surprised that Jim never makes a move on her, even when she’s single. Throughout high school, Marty doesn’t realize that Jim secretly loves her but is too afraid to say so. She just finds his kindness charming.
4. His Loyalty to His Friends: Although Marty and Jim mainly interact during chorus activities, she’s aware of his close friendship with Bruce Holtzman and Mark Prieto, which she finds comforting.
5. His Gentle Humor: Marty might overlook Jim’s profound love for her, yet she appreciates his knack for humor and how he can make her laugh, often by poking fun at himself.

Things Jim Loves About Marty

1. Her Sweetness: Healing from past heartache, Jim finds himself attracted to Marty, captivated not merely by her looks but profoundly by her genuine kindness. Despite his fear of unrequited love, he is compelled towards her, appreciating her sincerity and straightforwardness—qualities that starkly contrast with the skepticism and deceitfulness he’s encountered in others, notably his former girlfriend, Kathy Maraschino.
2. Her Harmonic Gift: Reflecting the bond he will later share with Maddie, Jim finds a musical connection with Marty during Mrs. Quincy’s choir rehearsals. As sophomores, they sing in separate groups: Jim in the Men’s Chorus and Marty joining the Women’s Chorus on a clear January day in 1981. By their junior and senior years, they unite in the Mixed Chorus. Marty’s pristine and angelic alto voice not only enchants Jim but also moves the audience. Wishing for more time together, Jim suggests they perform the duet “Somewhere” from West Side Story at the 1983 Spring Concert.

3. Her Vibrant Zeal: Marty’s spirited zest for life is infectious, and Jim is drawn to her boundless energy and the way she embraces each day with a bright-eyed fervor.

4. Her British Charm: Originating from the heart of London, Marty’s unique background is a tapestry of intrigue for Jim. Though he knows little of her family—only that her father’s career anchors him in Miami and her elder sister imparted piano basics to her back in England—Jim is spellbound by her melodious “BBC accent” and the allure of her being the sole British envoy amidst the diverse tapestry of South Miami High.

5. Her Open-Hearted Expressions: While Jim is deeply enamored with Marty, the shadows of his past heartbreak with Kathy hold him back from displaying too much affection. As the school year draws to a close and the inevitability of parting looms, it’s Marty who boldly steps forward, bridging the gap between them with an uninhibited show of affection.