Tag: #ReunionCoda
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Tenth
The author approaches dialogues as if writing a screenplay, embodying the characters and imagining their discourse. Dialogues are refined by reading aloud and ensuring authenticity, especially with female characters. Writing for a male protagonist is natural, but crafting dialogues for women, such as Maddie, proves more challenging due to the complexities of their personalities and…
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Ninth
The author of “Reunion: Coda” faced challenges in writing from the perspective of a history professor, drawing from personal experiences of history classes in college. Crafting the protagonist’s lecture dialogue at Columbia University required tapping into memories of Miami-Dade professors. The process involved blending various teaching styles for a distinctive vibe.
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Eighth
The title “Reunion: Coda” holds significance as it reflects the novel’s themes and ties to music. Initially chosen as a temporary title, it resonated with the evolving storyline and musical influences on the characters. Inspired by the concept of a coda in music, it fittingly encapsulates the concluding essence of the narrative.
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Seventh
The author discusses maintaining narrative continuity in the two timelines of the book “Reunion: A Story”. By starting with a dream sequence and then expanding both ways, the author ensured consistent storytelling. Distinct time periods were denoted by writing high school parts in past tense and the 1998 frame story in present tense. The sequel,…
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology, Part the Sixth
The character Jim Garraty in the Reunion Duology mirrors the author’s own experiences and interests. Jim’s struggles with relationships, heartbreak, and self-worth parallel the author’s teenage years. While the character differs in some aspects, the portrayal captures personal elements. The duology delves into Jim’s past and presents a mature, open-hearted version of him in his…
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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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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology – Part the First
The author, Alex Diaz-Granados, discusses the inspiration behind the Reunion Duology and the character development of Jim Garraty. Reflecting on high school experiences and historical events, the series explores themes of unspoken love and missed opportunities. Jim evolves from a high school senior with a crush to a Harvard-bound history enthusiast in a dual timeline…
A Certain Point of View, Too 