Category: Writing as a Craft
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Fifth
The author’s approach to writing changed significantly between the first book and the sequel. The original piece was written without plans for publishing, and the dream sequence was altered to be less suggestive. For the sequel, the author used classical music and film scores to influence the mood of the scenes and started employing new…
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Fourth
The Reunion Duology draws from real-life experiences, incorporating the author’s high school memories into the narrative. The character Jim Garraty is infused with the author’s personal history, from choral performances to romantic experiences, while some aspects diverge intentionally. The story reflects a blend of reality and artistic invention, providing a compelling narrative.
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Third
How do the settings of South Florida in the 1980s and New York City in the early 2000s influence the narrative of the duology? I grew up in South Florida, and except for a six-year stint in Latin America until I was nine, I lived there until 2016. In every version of Jim Garraty’s story—even…
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Second
The author’s research for the historical aspects in the novels, particularly the World War II elements, drew from personal experiences, observations of professors, and extensive reading and viewing of documentaries since childhood. For the main character’s profession as a history professor, inspiration came from the author’s journalism mentor and a desire for authenticity. The books…
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On Writing & Storytelling: A Letter Written by the Protagonist
In “Reunion: A Story,” Jim Garraty pours out his love for Martina Reynaud in a heartfelt letter, capturing the intensity and vulnerability of teenage emotions. The letter reveals Jim’s enduring sentimentality and capacity for deep affection, which align with his adult self. This heartfelt narrative forms a compelling and cohesive journey of the heart.
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On Writing and Storytelling: Writing a ‘Conflict Scene’ with the Protagonist and the ‘Villain’
Mid-Afternoon, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire I found myself awake before the clock struck five this morning. Despite my efforts to drift back to sleep, anxieties about my impending move to Miami kept gnawing at me. Exhaustion has hit me hard, leaving me struggling to concentrate on penning the new chapters of my…
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On Writing and Storytelling: I Unconsciously Followed a Writing Prompt!
The author shares frustrations over writer’s block, then unexpectedly recalls a fitting scene. At Vintage Mornings, Cameron and Jerry banter over vintage pin-ups, assisting the author in finding a breakfast tray. The exchange prompts Jerry to inquire about the author’s mysterious lady friend, leading to a surprising revelation about her career.
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On Writing and Storytelling – Writing Exercise: My First Steamy Scene for a Mainstream Novel
Midday/Early Afternoon, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Madison, New Hampshire Hey everyone. Had a pretty rough night with sleep, kept waking up—first at 3:30 AM, then around 5 AM, and again at 9:15 AM. So, I’m running late today, feeling exhausted, and not really sure how the day’s gonna turn out. I don’t have any good…
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On Writing and Storytelling – Writing Exercise: What Do Jim and Marty Love About Each Other?*
“Reunion: Coda” portrays two love stories from different times in Jim Garraty’s life. The first, “Love Lost,” follows his high school romance with Marty, while the second, “Love Found,” delves into his feelings for Madison in 2000. The post explores what Jim and Marty admire about each other and highlights their unspoken affections.
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On Writing and Storytelling – Writing Exercise: What Do Jim and Maddie Love About Each Other?*
The post announces a writing exercise for crafting characters in a romance novel. The characters, Maddie and Jim, are described in terms of what they love about each other beyond physical appearance. The content includes a cover design credit and weather details along with the writing exercise.
A Certain Point of View, Too 