Miami TV Lineup: Winds of Change Once Again
While exploring the web last night, I stumbled upon news of a forthcoming shift in Miami’s TV landscape. Local 10 (WPLG, Channel 10) will part ways with ABC programming this August, ending a remarkable partnership spanning nearly 70 years. This decision, brought about by financial disagreements, will usher ABC onto Channel Seven (WSVN), a Fox affiliate, beginning August 4th.
For Miamians who’ve lived through previous TV reshuffles, this marks the third major upheaval among the Big Three networks during my lifetime. The first, known as “The Big Switch,” unfolded in 1989, when NBC moved to Channel Four (WTVJ) and Channel Seven joined Fox. Then, in 1995, NBC’s programming made another move, swapping Channel Six for Channel Four—driven by Fox’s growing presence and technical challenges with signal reach.
As Miami enters another chapter in its broadcast history, it’s hard not to reminisce about the impact these moments have had on our viewing habits. Change can be bittersweet, but it also brings an opportunity to embrace new traditions and stories.
On Writing and Storytelling: Jim’s Journey from Heartbreak to Redemption
Yesterday another rewarding chapter was added to my journey of crafting Reunion: Coda. Chapter 29 welcomed its second scene, nudging the manuscript to 549 pages and 133,099 words—a satisfying milestone in a project two years in the making. With two more scenes needed for Chapter 29, followed by Chapter 30 and the epilogue, the finish line shimmers enticingly on the horizon. But as tempting as it is to hurry, I’ve learned that great storytelling requires patience and care.
The heart of Reunion: Coda is Jim Garraty’s transformation—a journey not defined by ambition or despair but by the raw, bittersweet aftermath of heartbreak. Jim begins as an earnest teenager grappling with loss and longing, navigating the emotional upheaval of first love. By age 35, he emerges as a man seeking redemption and second chances, confronting the ghosts of his past to find hope and healing. His evolution is marked by resilience, depth, and a delicate balance of comedy, tragedy, and drama that breathes life into his character.
Over the course of this novel-writing adventure, I’ve had the joy of:
- Developing relatable characters and crafting multidimensional co-protagonists—Marty in the 1980s and Maddie in the 2000s. Maddie’s self-agency shines, offering a compelling counterbalance to Marty’s pivotal role in Jim’s life.
- Creating a narrative that spans two timelines, rich with historical and emotional texture.
- Incorporating musicality as a sensory thread, evoking emotions and memories through original lyrics, public-domain songs, and evocative references.
- Building a story that feels authentic and alive, blending moments of humor and heartache to create an immersive experience for readers.
Writing Reunion: Coda has been a labor of love—a marathon of creativity, introspection, and growth. While there’s still work to be done, I’m incredibly proud of the progress and thrilled at the thought of sharing the final piece with the world.
A Certain Point of View, Too 
You must be logged in to post a comment.