The Writer’s Grind: Triumphs and Trials of Crafting ‘Reunion: Coda’

Early Afternoon, February 1, 2025, Miami, Florida

Yesterday marked the end of my regular workweek as a first-time novelist. Despite my high hopes and good intentions, it was less productive than anticipated, especially concerning Reunion: Coda. My morning began with writing my daily blog post, followed by a refreshing midday break. Determined to make headway, I planned to tackle the fourth and final scene of Chapter 24, aiming to complete this part of the novel before the weekend commenced. Yet, the day slipped away, with my aspirations still lingering unfinished.

The closer I get to the end of Reunion: Coda, the more it feels like trying to squeeze juice from a stone. I can almost taste the climax of the story, even though (as my loyal blog readers know all too well) I don’t have a crystal-clear roadmap for this final stretch, let alone the entire novel.

Sure, I’ve got a rough idea of where I want my characters to land emotionally by the end, and I’ve jotted down a few key details on what I lovingly call my “scrap sheet.” But let’s be real; I’ve never been one for meticulous planning. I’m in my element when I’m winging it, though my off-the-cuff storytelling has a knack for throwing curveballs my way.

Despite my disappointment over yesterday’s lack of productivity, I take pride in knowing that I’ve persevered through various challenges. These include two interstate moves within 10 months, enduring a harsh New England winter, facing skepticism from unexpected quarters, battling bouts of self-doubt, and overcoming the bane of all authors: writer’s block. As I often share with my blog readers, this journey as a first-time novelist is my fourth attempt at writing a novel—the first one I haven’t abandoned after a few desultory chapters.

Each day brings its own set of hurdles, but it also offers moments of inspiration and clarity that fuel my determination to see this project through to the end. The process is a blend of exhilaration and frustration, where every small victory feels like a monumental achievement. Though the path to completing Reunion: Coda is strewn with obstacles, the passion that drives me forward remains undiminished.

Reunion: Coda by the Numbers

As I look at the statistics for Reunion: Coda, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of my junior high self grumbling about writing a 500-word essay for English class. If only my ninth-grade teacher could see me now, with a manuscript that’s over 124,000 words long! Back then, I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but it’s one thing to write mandatory stuff for school: it’s quite another when you’re channeling your inner Stephen King or Jennifer Egan.

• Number of Chapters: 23 completed, including the Prologue; one chapter is 75% complete
• Number of Pages (Based on the Required 9” X 6” Page Size): 509, including the title and copyright/disclaimer pages
• Number of Words (including those in the title and copyright/disclaimer pages): 124,644