Category: Writing Exercises
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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.
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On Writing & Storytelling: Writing Exercise #16 – In His Own Words – Jim Garraty Speaks (As a Teen…and as an Adult)
Writing Exercises for Reunion: Coda Monday, April 1, 2024 What does your hero say the first time he sees the heroine naked? “As a historian, I’ve always believed it’s the unseen details that hold the true essence of beauty. Now, standing before you, I realize some histories are felt rather than told.” And this is…
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On Writing & Storytelling: Writing Exercise #14: Emotions
Jim is a history professor with a compelling backstory. He carries the weight of his father’s death in Vietnam and the loss of his high school love, Marty. These losses deeply affect him, leaving him with a sense of longing and grief. His interactions with others reveal the depth of his emotions, as shown through…
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On Writing & Storytelling: Writing Exercise #13: Travelers to the Undiscovered Country – My Protagonist’s Major Losses in the Reunion Duology
In “Reunion: Coda,” Jim, a history professor and author, navigates his relationships with Maddie and his best friend Mark. Unseen details and a symmetric balance characterize Maddie’s beauty, while Jim’s reflections highlight his academic interest and past losses. Maddie, an accomplished pianist, displays intelligence, talent, kindness, determination, and wit; however, she can be impulsive and…
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On Writing & Storytelling: Writing Exercise #12: “The Twins from Different Families” – The Best Friend & His Role in the Reunion Duology
Writing Exercises for Reunion: Coda Monday, April 1, 2024 What does your hero say the first time he sees the heroine naked? “As a historian, I’ve always believed it’s the unseen details that hold the true essence of beauty. Now, standing before you, I realize some histories are felt rather than told.” And this is…
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On Writing & Storytelling: Writing Exercise #11: “I Love the Sound of Her Voice….” How My Leading Lady Speaks
The novel “Reunion: Coda” revolves around James K. Garraty, a history professor, and Maddie, a talented pianist. Maddie’s initial meeting with Jim is at a 1940s-themed nightclub, culminating in an electrifying reunion at JFK airport. Maddie’s distinctive charm and elegant presence are complemented by her complexities, showcasing a fusion of British and American influences. Their…
A Certain Point of View, Too 