Tag: Creative Writing
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Venturing into Fiction: My Journey from Journalism to Novel Writing
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Amazon, Blogging, Kindle, Kindle Create (Publishing App), Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Life in Florida, Life in Miami (1972-2016), Life in Miami….Again, Life in New Hampshire (December 2023 – October 2024), Miami-Dade Community College, Personal Thoughts, Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: CodaNavigating the Quirky Seas: From Journalism to Zany Fiction Adventures Even though I’ve been writing for many years—having studied journalism in high school and majored in it at Miami-Dade Community College (now Miami-Dade College)—and have penned thousands of articles, reviews, and blog posts, my ventures into fiction have been few. The first two pieces—a short…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: A Day of Mixed Emotions and Creative Triumphs
Late Morning, Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Miami, Florida Yesterday was a day of mixed feelings. On one hand, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, starting his second term with controversial actions like abandoning Afghan refugees, pardoning the January 6 insurrectionists, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: ‘Reunion: Coda’ – Characters’ Views on History, Politics, and Personal Beliefs
What are your protagonists’ political or religious views (if any)? What do they believe in? Professor James K. Garraty: A Centrist Democrat with a Passion for History In Reunion: Coda, Professor James K. Garraty stands out as a centrist Democrat, often casting his vote for the party. As a dedicated educator, he lives by the…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Reunion: A Fragrant Journey Through Time
What is your protagonist’s main trigger (a plot device which causes flashbacks, insightful internal dialogue, etc.)? Is it a certain smell, certain song? When I wrote the first draft of Reunion: A Story in the fall of 1998, I didn’t have any “how to write fiction” books nor a textbook from my creative writing course…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: A Writer’s Weekend: From Cloudy Days to Vivid Scenes in Miami
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Amazon, Blogging, Creative Writing, Florida Weather, Going Full Circle: Back to South Florida I Go, Kindle, Kindle Create (Publishing App), Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Life in Florida, Life in Miami….Again, Personal Thoughts, Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: Coda, Writing as a CraftLate Morning, Saturday, January 18, 2025, Miami, Florida It’s another cloudy winter day in South Florida. As I write this, the temperature is a balmy 77°F (25°C) under mostly cloudy skies. Unlike yesterday’s deluge, which turned the neighborhood into a temporary water park, today promises warmth and mostly sunshine—a delightful start to the weekend in…
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A Writer’s Afternoon in Miami: Battling Laundry and Literary Demons
Mid- to Late Afternoon, Friday, January 17, 2025, Miami, Florida It’s a cool, gray afternoon here in South Florida. As I sit in my dimly lit room on this final weekend of President Joe Biden’s Administration, the temperature is a mild 70°F (21°C) under cloudy skies. It’s not exactly postcard weather, but hey, it’s warmer…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Revised with Insight: ‘Reunion: Coda’ Blurb Thanks to Beta Reader Denise Longrie
After an insightful consultation with my Beta Reader, Denise Longrie, I have revised and refined this blurb to sound more professional and polished. I hope it now captures the essence of Jim Garraty’s ongoing journey more effectively. Here it is: Reunion: Coda In the sequel to the heartfelt Reunion: A Story, Jim Garraty’s journey continues…
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Writing Wisdom from a Jedi: Mastering Your Novel with a Clear Mind and Steady Hand
Early Afternoon, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Miami, Florida Random Thoughts About Writing
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Big News: My 2018 Novella ‘Reunion: A Story’ Is Officially Copyrighted—Plagiarism Fears, Be Gone!
📚 Big News! My Novella “Reunion: A Story” is Now Copyrighted! 📚 It’s finally happened! 🎉 After much dithering, procrastination, and nail-biting over plagiarism fears, I’m thrilled to announce that my 2018 novella, Reunion: A Story, is officially registered with the Copyright Office! 🚀 Why the delay, you ask? Well, let’s just say navigating the…
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Finally Copyrighted: The First Book in the Reunion Duology Journey’s from Amazon to Officially Protected!
📚🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟📚 After years of blood, sweat, and plot twists, the first book in the Reunion Duology is officially copyrighted! 🎉 Yes, it’s been a long journey since Reunion: A Story’s first edition hit Amazon in July 2018, but good things come to those who wait (and wait… and wait). 😉 Sure,…