Writing Progress: Chapter 20 of Reunion: Coda

Mid- to Late Morning, Friday, November 8, 2024, Miami, Florida

Greetings, Constant Readers.

It’s another warm, humid late fall day here in South Florida as I prepare for the last day of my regular workweek. The temperature is 82°F (28°C) under sunny skies, but with humidity at 73% and the wind blowing from the east at 10 MPH (16 Km/H), it feels like 88°F (31°C). Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high of 85°F (29°C). It’s the kind of day where you feel like a human popsicle, slowly melting under the sun.

That’s quite a contrast from what I’d be seeing in Madison, New Hampshire, the small rural community where I lived from December 15, 2023, till October 17. Right now, the temperature there is 47°F (8°C), though various factors make it feel like 51°F (10°C). A nice day for going on a long, leisurely walk down Huttwil Drive at midday, which was one of the things I loved to do during my midday break on working days. It’s funny how a “nice walk” in Miami means dodging sunburns, and in New Hampshire, it’s about making sure you don’t turn into a snowman.

Nonetheless, I find myself back in my hometown. Although readjusting to life in Miami after an absence of eight and a half years comes with challenges, it also presents a fresh chapter brimming with potential. With optimism, I embrace this new reality and look forward to the opportunities it may bring.

On Writing and Storytelling – Reunion: Coda…The Story Continues

One sure sign that I am finding a modicum of balance in my life is that I had a productive writing day yesterday and finished the 20th chapter of Reunion: Coda. It’s a relatively short chapter, featuring just three scenes set entirely within Jim’s Manhattan apartment. I had already drafted the first scene while still in New Hampshire, so completing the chapter was smoother than expected. Initially, I worried the confined setting might make the scenario feel claustrophobic and tedious, but it turned out to be quite the opposite.

Last night, I notified my Beta Reader, Denise Longrie, that the new material is now in our shared Google Drive document for her to review. I eagerly await her feedback on Chapter 20. I uploaded the entire chapter, rather than scene by scene, to ensure a cohesive critique. While I believe I’ve struck a good balance between advancing the plot and adding depth to Jim Garraty’s character – including interactions with NYPD detectives, his concerns about a disgruntled former student, and his evolving relationship with Maddie – Denise’s insights will be invaluable.

Here’s a taste from the beginning of Chapter 20. Keep in mind that this revised first draft of Scene One might not reflect the final version that makes it to print:

Jim Garraty’s Apartment, 1 PM

The detectives from the Midtown North Precinct have been talking to me in my living room for an hour, taking my statement about the incident in a relaxed environment. Detective Stephanie Wallace, who leads the investigation, maintains a professional demeanor throughout the interview. She occasionally smiles and is dressed conservatively, wearing a wedding ring on her left hand. She’s intelligent and has an aura of quiet authority. Detective Frank Lacerenza assists her. He’s tall, and slim, and wears a navy-blue Pierre Cardin suit with a light blue shirt and red-white-and-blue tie under a beige trench coat. I think he looks like he needs a 1930s-style fedora. In his early 40s, Lacerenza occasionally asks questions and takes notes in a notepad similar to those used by my students.

Wallace leans forward, her eyes steady on mine. “So, Professor, this happened in an alley near Fajitas de Guadalupe around 11:30 last night?”

I nod, wincing as the movement sends a fresh wave of pain through my bruised jaw. “That’s about right. Of course, I wasn’t exactly looking at my watch.”

Lacerenza chuckles softly, jotting down my reply in his notepad. He doesn’t say anything, just keeps writing.

Wallace’s voice is calm, almost soothing. “So, Professor Garraty, you say Hernandez was about to punch you again when he was spooked by the sound of a police car’s siren in the distance and got out of Dodge. Do you remember in which direction he went?”

I rub at my jaw, feeling the slight swelling under my fingertips. “North, I think. I can’t say for sure, though.”

Wallace nods, her expression thoughtful. “What do you know about Miguel’s Army stint?”

I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the throbbing pain. “Not too many details. He joined the service at 17 in 1989 with his parents’ permission right after high school. He was in the 1st Infantry Division as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Left the Army after eight years, including four years on active duty and four in the Army Reserve, in 1997. Three years ago.”

“And his Military Occupation Specialty?” Wallace asks.

“11 Bravo – Infantry,” I reply, though I’m not entirely sure.

“Well, at least we’re not dealing with an 18X…that’s Special Forces,” Lacerenza says, glancing up from his notepad.

“Yeah, I know. My dad was in the Army, and I –”

“You teach military history,” Lacerenza finishes for me. “I know. I’ve read some of your books, Professor.”

I fight the urge to ask which books, but the flare of pain from my jaw silences me.

Wallace shifts in her seat, her eyes never leaving mine. “Has Miguel ever mentioned friends, family, or girlfriends who might help him hide from the police or, conversely, might convince him to turn himself in?”

I shake my head. “No, he hasn’t.”

The detectives exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between them. Wallace turns back to me. “Is there anything else you can think of that might be of use in our investigation?”

I think about it for a moment, then shake my head again. “Sorry,” I manage to say, trying to suppress the pain in my jaw.

Lacerenza closes his notepad and stands up. “You should either go to Urgent Care or apply an ice bag on your jaw to ease the pain and reduce the swelling.”

Both detectives thank me for providing the information, and Wallace gives me a reassuring smile. “We’ll do our best to find Miguel.”

As they leave, I close the door behind them and lean against it, the events of the previous night replaying in my mind. The alley, the punch, the siren. Miguel’s face, twisted in anger and fear. I walk to the kitchen and grab an ice pack from the freezer, pressing it gently against my jaw. The cold seeps into my skin, dulling the pain slightly.

I retrace my steps and sit on the sofa in the living room, which is bathed in a soft, golden light. The sun streams through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. It’s a clear day, the kind that makes you forget it’s still technically winter. I sit down on the couch, the ice pack held to my face, and stare at the notepad in front of me. It’s filled with notes for my next lecture, but my mind is far from the classroom. I think about Miguel, about the choices he’s made and the path he’s on. I wonder if there’s anything I could have done differently, anything that might have prevented this.

On Writing and Storytelling: Action This Day

As I said earlier, today marks the end of a regular workweek for me. Even though it usually takes me three days to a week to finish a chapter and start another, today I will work on the novel one way or another. When I return to my desk after my daily two-hour break, I will read the last few chapters of Reunion: Coda – edited and unedited – to ensure the tone and style are consistent, and the story remains logical and entertaining. I won’t fiddle with it unless I discover a grievous error or an egregious plot hole – especially one overlooked during my last stressful weeks in Madison before October 17 – so  I can focus on Chapter 21.

As they say, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan. Life has a curious way of throwing us in the deep end when we least expect it. Yet, it’s precisely these moments that shape our journey and add depth to our stories. So, here’s to embracing the unexpected and turning each twist into a tale worth telling. With every chapter, we not only chronicle our progress but also forge ahead with hope and determination, knowing that the best is yet to come. 

I don’t know exactly when I’ll finish the novel. Earlier this year, I predicted that Reunion: Coda would be ready for a Holidays 2024 release, but my move back to the Sunshine State, precipitated by conflicts with the Other Tenant, disrupted both my schedule and mindset. If the last act of Reunion: Coda only requires a few more chapters, I am confident I can have it ready for a mid-December publication, assuming no further delays arise from my transition from New England to Miami. Realistically, though, I will focus on the present and keep writing diligently until I can type “The End” and prepare the novel for its release in print and e-book format. Despite the challenges, I am optimistic that this journey will lead to a successful completion of the project, and I look forward to sharing the final product with my readers.

As I sit here, reflecting on the journey of writing Reunion: Coda, I can’t help but marvel at the path that led us here. The first book of the Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, has been a cornerstone in this literary adventure.

Set in June 1983, it introduces us to Jim Garraty, a senior at South Miami Senior High. Jim is a promising young man, a staff writer for the school paper and a college-bound scholar with aspirations of becoming a historian and author. His future seems bright, yet he is haunted by unfinished business. The girl he loves from afar is about to leave for the summer, and Jim’s unspoken feelings weigh heavily on him. An opportunity to confess his love arises on the last day of classes, but hesitation seals his fate. Fast forward 15 years, and James Garraty is now an acclaimed history professor with a flourishing literary career. However, despite his professional success, he still yearns for true love.

Reunion: A Story has resonated deeply with readers, earning an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon, with 16 glowing reviews applauding its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters. This novel not only sets the stage for Reunion: Coda but also stands as a testament to the power of unresolved emotions and the enduring quest for true connection.

As I continue to work diligently on the final chapters of Reunion: Coda, I am filled with optimism and determination. The journey has been challenging, but it is the unwavering support of readers and the profound impact of Reunion: A Story that fuels my resolve. I eagerly anticipate sharing the culmination of this duology with you all, confident that it will be a worthy successor to its beloved predecessor.

Thank you for accompanying me on this literary journey. Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I am excited to bring you the final installment of the Reunion Duology soon.

Here’s to embracing the unexpected, cherishing each moment, and continuing to write our own stories with hope and determination.

Until next time, sayonara!