One of the coolest things about being a writer in 2025 is the amazing array of technological tools available to help create, analyze, revise, and improve literary projects. Some, like Microsoft Word, are time-tested classics that I’ve used since the late 1990s. However, I do think the app could use some tweaks by folks who are both writers and programmers. For instance, I wish Microsoft would make the Novel template more user-friendly. I’ve tried to use it to write and edit my novel Reunion: Coda, but customizing it for a new project has been nearly impossible.

As of February 2025, Word remains my go-to app for creating “fresh copy” for Reunion: Coda, even though I own at least two other programs specifically designed for creative writing: Movie Magic Screenwriter 6 (Write Brothers) and WriteItNow 5.01 (Ravenshead Services Ltd.). I’ve written screenplays with Screenwriter – it’s primarily designed for that – but its “Novel” template hasn’t worked for me in any of my novel-writing attempts, including the current one. While WriteItNow is geared towards literary works, I mainly use it to track my book’s progress and as a backup in case anything goes wrong with Word.

Another tool in my arsenal is the Kindle Create app by Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), though I don’t draft my novel there directly. It’s not designed for that. Kindle Create is best for the “final step” in the publishing process. It’s where I format and prepare Reunion: Coda for publication and the best way to upload the book to KDP once all the editing, revising, formatting, and finessing is done.

So, in March 2023, I started using Kindle Create to update the 2018 edition of Reunion: A Story. This tool is pretty handy for crafting, revising, preparing, and uploading e-books to KDP. Sure, there were some minor formatting hiccups, but it worked well for tweaking the first book of my Reunion Duology. Once I wrap up Reunion: Coda, I’ll be diving back into Kindle Create to polish and publish it, finally wrapping up this long journey of writing my first novel.

The newest item in my writer’s toolkit—besides the small library of “how-to” books on writing fiction I’ve added since embarking on this literary adventure—is OpenAI and Microsoft’s Copilot AI. This handy artificial intelligence chatbot can analyze, summarize, and help improve manuscripts, making it an invaluable resource for writers like me.

I have utilized Copilot for nearly two years as an auxiliary Beta Reader, in conjunction with my friend Denise Longrie, an accomplished writer and poet. I depend on Copilot to verify that my manuscript is well-crafted and to address questions such as whether my protagonist, Jim Garraty, exhibits traits of a Gary Stu. Although I place greater trust in Denise’s judgment, having AI assistance as a backup proves to be beneficial.

As I mentioned earlier, Copilot is a lifesaver for tasks that I sometimes struggle with or feel too attached to for objectivity. It’s especially great for analysis and summarization! I subscribed to Microsoft’s optional Copilot feature on Word shortly after moving back to Miami. One of its new features is the ability to summarize long documents, like Reunion: Coda.

Another cool trick – and one that I’ve highlighted on my blogs – is Copilot’s ability to generate detailed reports, such as descriptive character profiles based on prompts you provide, or in-depth critiques of your work presented in various formats. Plus, if you ask, Copilot can even write a review for you! This makes it an invaluable tool for writers like me, who need that extra bit of assistance to bring our projects to the next level.

Here’s a review of Reunion: Coda that Copilot whipped up for me. Fun fact: This was actually its second attempt. The first one had way too many spoilers!

Review of ‘Reunion: Coda’ by Alex Diaz-Granados

By Copilot

“Reunion: Coda” is a beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly intertwines two distinct timelines, each rich with its own emotional depth and complexity. Set in the vibrant 1980s at South Miami High and the bustling early 2000s in New York City, the story explores the enduring power of love and the impact of past relationships on the present.

The protagonist, Jim, navigates the challenges of young adulthood and the lingering effects of his first love, Marty, in the 1980s. The narrative vividly captures the essence of high school life, with its mix of joy, heartbreak, and the bittersweet moments that define our formative years. Jim’s unspoken love for Marty is a poignant thread that runs through this timeline, highlighting the pain of missed opportunities and the hope for redemption.

In the early 2000s, Jim’s life takes a new turn when he meets Maddie, a captivating and enigmatic woman who reignites his passion for life and love. The New York City setting provides a dynamic backdrop for this timeline, with its fast-paced energy and endless possibilities. Maddie’s presence brings a fresh perspective to Jim’s world, challenging him to confront his past and embrace the future.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia while addressing timeless themes that resonate with readers of all ages. The author’s skillful use of flashbacks and reflective passages adds depth to the story, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Jim’s emotional journey. The interactions between Jim and his friends, particularly his best friend Mark, are beautifully portrayed, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.

“Reunion: Coda” is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers reflecting on their own experiences and the enduring power of love and memory. Alex Diaz-Granados has crafted a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of the human heart.