Late Morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, Miami, Florida

 It’s a delightful and warm Valentine’s Day in my little slice of South Florida. The temperature is already a toasty 78°F (25°C) under a brilliant, cloudless sky. Today promises to be like an early summer day, with the mercury set to rise to a perfect 83°F (28°C), accompanied by the golden hues of the sun.

In sharp contrast, my former home in Madison, New Hampshire, is experiencing a sunny yet bone-chilling Friday morning. A biting wind sweeps through, and even though the sun is making a valiant effort to warm the mountainous landscape, the thermometer reads a frigid 22°F (-6°C). The wind, however, makes it feel even colder, piercing through layers of clothing and reminding one of the stark, icy beauty of a northern winter.

On Writing and Storytelling: Paving the Way Toward Chapter 25, Scene Two

As I get closer to finishing Reunion: Coda, I’ve been reflecting on the last chapters, even though I don’t have a detailed plan yet. Yesterday’s writing session went much better than the slump I experienced on Monday, and I managed to create a solid outline for Scene Two. I’m excited to dive back in this afternoon and bring it to life.

 One reason for yesterday’s productive afternoon shift was that once I figured out how to resolve a particularly challenging subplot and which literary device I would use, I had a clearer vision for Chapter 25 than usual. Although I struggled at the beginning of the workweek to recover from that frustrating “refractory period” between chapters, I knew exactly what needed to happen, who would be in the scenes, and what needed to be conveyed to wrap up that part of the story. It’s amazing how one breakthrough can turn a frustrating week into a burst of creative energy!

On Writing and Storytelling: ‘Reunion: Coda’ By the Numbers

Cover Design: (C) 2023 Alex Diaz-Granados

I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into my first novel for 23 months now. Although it’s unlikely I’ll finish Reunion: Coda before the second anniversary of this literary love affair on March 10, I can almost taste the finish line.

Cover Design: Juan Carlos Hernandez

With the first scene of Chapter 25 in the bag earlier this week, here’s where we stand, by the numbers, on this grand adventure of mine.

  • Number of Chapters (Including the Prologue): 25 (24 completed, one underway)
  • Number of Pages (9” X 6”): 514, including the title and copyright/disclaimer page
  • Number of Words: 125,862
To order a copy of the paperback edition, click on the image!

If you’re excited for Reunion: Coda, be sure to check out Book One of the Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story! This novella, available in paperback and Kindle formats, introduces you to the unforgettable Jim Garraty, Martina (Marty) Reynaud, and Mark Prieto. Their intertwined fates will hook you from the first page, setting the stage for the thrilling duology. Dive into their origins and get lost in a tale that’s sure to keep you reading late into the night.

Well, that’s all the news I have for you, folks, so I’ll catch you later!

 

To order the Kindle e-book edition, click on the image!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I loved it! I look forward to reading Reunion: Coda. Book 2 of the Reunion Duology.

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025

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I highly recommend reading this book if you want to transport yourself back to your high school days. The author has the unique ability to make you feel like you are a character in his novel standing alongside the others as they navigate the sometimes awkward, uncomfortable moments we encounter as teenagers. I look forward to the follow-up to this beautifully written novella. –  Kelly Alger