A Story That Insisted: Approving ‘Comings and Goings’

Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Orlando, Florida

Great news!

As of yesterday afternoon—at exactly 5:49 PM—I officially approved the audiobook production of Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen: A Jim Garraty Story, a companion to The Reunion Duology.

The timing felt serendipitous. Just hours earlier, I’d received another message from Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), letting me know that Bryan Haddock, the talented producer behind this project, had finished uploading the final audio tracks. ACX asked me to listen and check for any quality issues before giving my final approval.

At the time, I was feeding the three spirited dogs who share the house with me here in Orlando. It wasn’t until 5 PM that I finally settled at my desk, anticipation buzzing through me, and immersed myself in Bryan’s quietly masterful narration of Comings and Goings—a story close to my heart, nestled emotionally and chronologically between my 2018 novella Reunion: A Story and its much-anticipated 2025 sequel, Reunion: Coda. (Though “sequel” doesn’t quite capture it—Coda is both prequel and sequel, refracting memory rather than following plot.)

Listening to Bryan bring Jim Garraty’s journey to life filled me with pride and gratitude. I’d first heard Bryan’s voice during his audition for Reunion: A Story, and his performance moved me deeply. He captured the bittersweet blend of nostalgia and quiet grief that permeates Jim’s reflections on lost love, regret, and the vulnerable courage it takes to face past mistakes. Though Brandon Padilla was already committed to Reunion, and Stefan Lee was set to narrate Reunion: Coda, Bryan and I exchanged enthusiastic messages on ACX. I was honored when he chose to record Comings and Goings—and the result is a collaboration I’m thrilled to share.

The audiobook includes 11 tracks in total: seven chapters, plus opening and closing credits, the copyright and disclaimer page, and an Author’s Note explaining the genesis of the novelette. I’d already heard Bryan’s 15-minute “checkpoint” track a few weeks ago, so I knew I was in for a warm, honest, and drily humorous narration in a voice that closely matches the version of Jim I hear in my head when I write.

The total runtime is 42 minutes and 25 seconds. I was so pleased with Bryan’s work on the first three tracks that I approved the project before listening to the rest. I know, I know—reckless! But I’ve since heard the complete recording, and I believe the quality of my first audiobook is top-notch.

Comings and Goings is now in ACX’s hands as it undergoes final quality assurance checks. Barring any issues, it should go live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes within 10 business days. That timeline is just a guideline—similar to Kindle Direct Publishing’s 72-hour window for print and e-book editions—but it’s why I approved the project early. I’m not the most patient person on Earth, and this is the first time one of my stories has been adapted into an audiobook by a professional producer and narrator.

Comings and Goings is now in ACX’s hands as it undergoes final quality assurance checks. Barring any issues, it should go live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes within 10 business days.

Alex Diaz-Granados

As I wait for the green light, I’m reminded how fortunate I’ve been to work with three remarkable producers—Bryan Haddock, Brandon Padilla, and Stefan Lee—whose enthusiasm and talent have brought Jim Garraty’s world to life in ways I never imagined. Their dedication, along with my own deep connection to the story, has made this experience genuinely special.

When Comings and Goings finally goes live, I invite you to listen. Let Bryan’s narration carry you through Jim’s bittersweet journey, and become part of the story’s ongoing adventure. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait for you to discover what we’ve created together.