Mid-Morning, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Miami, Florida

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” Bob Dylan

It is just past 7 AM on this Wednesday in South Florida. I sit at my desk, still groggy, the golden rays of the morning sun filtering through my window. The thermometer already reads a comfortable 73°F (23°C), promising a warm day ahead with temperatures expected to soar to 82°F (28°C).

Yesterday was no ordinary day. I completed a detailed outline for the first scene of Chapter 25 in my novel, Reunion: Coda. This isn’t just any outline—it’s a 511-word blueprint, meticulously crafted, that will serve as the backbone for what I hope will be a captivating and dramatic scene.

Another possible cover design for “Reunion: Coda” Image Credit: Juan Carlos Hernandez

Why does this matter? Why does this detailed outline make me so optimistic about the potential of the upcoming scene? Because an outline, especially one so thorough, provides a clear roadmap. It lays out the structure, the key events, the emotions, and the dialogue in a coherent sequence. This organization allows me to focus on the creative aspects as I write, ensuring that every word, every action, and every piece of dialogue perfectly aligns with the overarching narrative.

In essence, a detailed outline acts as a foundation. It ensures that the scene is built on a solid base, allowing for spontaneous bursts of creativity within a well-defined framework. It’s like having a safety net – it frees me to explore the depths of the characters’ emotions and the intricacies of their interactions without the fear of losing direction.

So, as the day progresses and the tropical warmth envelops Miami, I am ready to dive into the writing process, confident that this scene will not only meet but exceed the expectations set by the outline. Today, I am not just writing; I am building a world, one word at a time.

As a quick reminder, the Kindle edition of the first book of the Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, is still available for free until Saturday, February 15. If you haven’t already, make sure to grab your e-book version while the promotion lasts. Happy reading!

Pooja

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic story about love, loss and regret

Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2024

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The plot was what drew me to the story. I’m not usually drawn to romance novels or anything particular romantic. But the summary for this book really drew me in because it’s something most of us can relate to- lost love. We all have “the one that got away.” Well, most of us anyway. Also, as a historian myself I loved that Garraty’s character was a historian and was intrigued by that.

The author also explores multiple philosophical aspects of life such as true love, happiness, friendships, loss and regret. Things most adults are familiar with. We also learn the importance of confessing our feelings when we have the chance because life is so incredibly unpredictable.

The characters were relatable, emotion evoking, thoughtful and I loved that the characters grew and evolved. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.