Author: Alex Diaz-Granados
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Writer’s Shop Talk: My Twist on the ‘Meet Cute’ Trope
The discussion revolves around the “meet cute” trope in storytelling, specifically in romance genres. While the author acknowledges its challenges, they reflect on their own successful execution of it in their novel featuring Jim Garraty. In a noisy Brooklyn nightclub, Jim encounters a captivating stranger, Maddie, whose eloquence and charm draw him in. Their conversation…
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Reflections on an October Evening and Hurricane Milton
On the evening of October 9, 2024, in Madison, New Hampshire, the weather was cold and dark. The author shared a brief update about their day, mentioning a writing exercise, meals, and concern for friends in Florida facing Hurricane Milton. They hope for safety as they prepare to return to Miami.
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Outline THIS!
“Reunion: Coda” intertwines Jim’s high school and college professor years, exploring his emotional journey towards love. The narrative follows Jim’s struggles with unexpressed feelings for Marty, his romance with Maddie during his teaching career, and eventual reconciliation of his past. It emphasizes personal growth, emotional conflict, and unconventional romantic resolutions.
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Chilly Autumn Day in Madison, New Hampshire
On October 8, 2024, in Madison, New Hampshire, the author describes a sunny yet chilly autumn day with a current temperature of 58°F and a forecast low of 40°F. A walk on Huttwill Drive is noted while reflecting on the beauty of the area, despite contemplating the impending cold and first frost warning.
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Setting the Stage for the ‘First Time’
In this excerpt from “Reunion: Coda,” the author describes the setting where Jim and Maddie take their relationship to “the next level.”
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Musings on a Cold, Rainy New England Monday Morning
On a gray and rainy autumn Monday in Madison, New Hampshire, the author reflects on the gloomy weather, noting a temperature of 52°F and off-and-on rain throughout the day. They compare it to the chaos of Hurricane Milton in Florida, indicating relief at their current location. The weekend was uneventful, consisting of routine activities, including…
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Weekend Update, Part the First…and the State of the Novel
On October 6, 2024, the author reflects on their writing journey for “Reunion: Coda” amid stress from an upcoming move to Miami and online banking issues. Despite having completed 19 chapters, the dream of a holiday release seems dim. The weekend was spent relaxing and engaging in leisure activities while contemplating the future.
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Musings for an Autumn Saturday: A Late Start…and a Writer’s Concerns
The author reflects on a chilly Saturday in Madison, New Hampshire, while writing their 1,705th blog post. They express frustration over unproductive novel writing and impending relocation to Miami. Financial stress from moving complicates their creative process, alongside concerns over book sales and perceived validation as a writer. Despite these challenges, they aim to complete…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Meet the Parents!
In the moments leading to Marty introducing Jim to her parents, the atmosphere is filled with curiosity and tension. As they stroll through a picturesque campus, Jim feels anxious about the unexpected introduction. The meeting, filled with pleasantries, reveals Jim’s aspirations to study history at Harvard. Afterward, the farewell between Marty and Jim is poignant,…
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A Thursday Musicale
On a cold, sunny autumn day in New Hampshire, the author anticipates moving back to Florida in just over two weeks. Feeling unmotivated to write extensively, they share a collection of music videos instead, while acknowledging their lack of focus on their novel and absence of engaging topics.
