Category: Comings and Goings (Short Story)
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🎭 Socks, Subplots, and Second Chances: The Accidental Novel I Wrote on Purpose
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Amazon, Comings and Goings (Short Story), Comings and Goings: The Art of Being Seen, Creative Writing, Garratyverse, Kindle, Kindle Create (Publishing App), Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Life in New Hampshire (December 2023 – October 2024), Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: CodaBack in the summer of 1978, I made a solemn pronouncement over breakfast toast: “Mom, someday I’m going to write a novel like Stephen King does.” She smiled with a bemused expression that said, “Sure, sweetie—after you remember to pick up your socks.” Forty-seven years later, I’ve finally made good on that promise… and yes,…
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Movie Review: ‘Summer of ’42’ (1971)
Summer of ’42 (1971) Directed by: Robert Mulligan Written by: Herman Raucher Starring: Gary Grimes, Jerry Houser, Oliver Conant, Jennifer O’Neill, Christopher Norris, Lou Frizzell Music by: Michel Legrand Studio: Warner Bros. Summer of ’42: The Art of Being Seen Originally reviewed in 2003. This expanded reflection carries forward the emotional imprint of that first…
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On Writing and Storytelling: More (Unsolicited) Advice to Aspiring Writers
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Books, Comings and Goings (Short Story), Comings and Goings: The Art of Being Seen, Creative Writing, Kindle Create (Publishing App), Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), On Writing Well: 30th Anniversary Edition, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: Coda, Writing a First Novel, Writing as a CraftMore (Unsolicited) Advice to Aspiring Writers The Path from There to Here – Some Backstory I’ve been a storyteller and a writer for as long as I can remember. Early on, I accepted that my disability meant I probably wasn’t destined to be an astronaut or a United States Marine—two jobs that seemed very cool…
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On Being Seen (Even When You Weren’t There)
📚 Comings and Goings Update We’re now up to three reviews (and one quiet rating) for Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen, and all three are graciously positive—resulting in a global average rating of 4.7 stars ⭐️. That’s a lovely surprise. The latest review comes from Jan Peregrine, who highlights the story’s…
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On Being Understood: Reflections on the Response to ‘Comings and Goings’
It’s been just over a month since Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen was released into the world, gently and without fanfare. I didn’t expect a wave of attention—not for a story that doesn’t chase drama, but rather leans into stillness, nuance, and the kind of empathy that often goes unnoticed. Jim…
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On Writing and Storytelling: When a Reviewer Truly ‘Gets’ My Story: Denise Longrie Reviews ‘Comings and Goings’
When a Reader Sees What You Meant to Say There are moments in a writer’s life that feel like exhaling after holding your breath for years. Reading Denise Longrie’s review of Comings and Goings was one of those moments. “The story is not a romance, but rather an enjoyable, insightful journey into empathy and the…
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$31.91 of Validation
On rest days, royalties, and the ripple effect of honest storytelling Writer’s Log – Stardate 0725.20Sunday, July 20, 2025 – Miami, Florida This morning, I received a cheerful email from Amazon Accounts Payable: my Kindle Direct Publishing royalties for May will arrive around July 29. The EFT won’t be anything to frame—just $31.91, according to…
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✨ Three Stories. One Heartbeat. ✨
✨ Three Stories. One Heartbeat. ✨ If you’ve ever stood at the crossroads of memory and longing or wondered what might have been if you’d spoken up when it mattered most, then Jim Garraty’s journey may feel achingly familiar. 📚 Reunion: A Story follows Jim in 1983, a quiet high school senior with unspoken feelings…
