Which character in the duology do you personally relate to the most, and why?
Like I mentioned when you asked if the Reunion Duology had any autobiographical bits or if it’s just fiction, Jim is the character I connect with the most. I gave him some of my teenage stories and interests––like a rough breakup before 10th grade, the emotional fallout, the electives I picked in high school, a crush that didn’t turn into anything serious, and a bunch of my hobbies. Plus, he shares my dream of writing books, along with a love for learning and a romantic outlook on life.
Teenage Jim mirrors me pretty well, especially when it comes to his issues with women and relationships. In Reunion: A Story, he’s still upset and insecure about his ex-girlfriend cheating on him and then leaving him. That’s happened to me twice, though I’m not sure the first time involved cheating. Because of Kathy Maraschino’s betrayal, Jim hesitates to start new relationships, even as he falls for Martina “Marty” Reynaud in 10th grade. Like many who’ve been through similar situations, post-breakup Jim wonders if he’s unworthy of love and is scared of Marty rejecting him. He unknowingly sets himself up for what he thinks will be a huge heartbreak in Book 1 of the Duology, just like I did back in high school.
Reunion: Coda dives into Jim’s high school days in its “Interludes,” giving us a peek into his past. We also see a more mature, open-hearted James Garraty in his mid-30s, who, despite his romantic setbacks, is ready to give love another shot with Maddie.
So, in ways that matter greatly, James Kevin Garraty isn’t much like me at all. We’re from totally different ethnic backgrounds, and he’s way smarter, more accomplished, and luckier in love than I could ever hope to be. He’s not Alex Diaz-Granados; he’s the guy Alex Diaz-Granados wishes he could be.
A Certain Point of View, Too 
Comments
2 responses to “Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Sixth”
I think you and I are more alike than we would guess. Considering we’ve never met. We have different ethnic and social backgrounds, and a host of other things. But, the description of your writing, and the way my long fiction is playing out is feeling very similar. In my piece, some of the reminiscences are fictionalized exaggerations of things that actually happened to me (both as kid AND adult). But my protagonist (I’m calling him “Sid”) is, as you said, the cool guy I wish I was. Keep up the good work, Alex. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
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I, too, can’t wait to see the finished novel. Thanks for your continued faith in my storytelling skills, Paul.
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