Tag: Writing a First Novel
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Got Any Hobbies?
Jim Garraty, a history professor, balances his time between teaching and diverse hobbies like building model kits and playing classic computer games. His girlfriend Maddie, a pianist and stamp collector influenced by her diplomatic family, shares a deep intellectual connection with him, rooted in a mutual appreciation for history and music.
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Writer’s Shop Talk: My Twist on the ‘Meet Cute’ Trope
The discussion revolves around the “meet cute” trope in storytelling, specifically in romance genres. While the author acknowledges its challenges, they reflect on their own successful execution of it in their novel featuring Jim Garraty. In a noisy Brooklyn nightclub, Jim encounters a captivating stranger, Maddie, whose eloquence and charm draw him in. Their conversation…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Outline THIS!
“Reunion: Coda” intertwines Jim’s high school and college professor years, exploring his emotional journey towards love. The narrative follows Jim’s struggles with unexpressed feelings for Marty, his romance with Maddie during his teaching career, and eventual reconciliation of his past. It emphasizes personal growth, emotional conflict, and unconventional romantic resolutions.
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Musings for an Autumn Saturday: A Late Start…and a Writer’s Concerns
The author reflects on a chilly Saturday in Madison, New Hampshire, while writing their 1,705th blog post. They express frustration over unproductive novel writing and impending relocation to Miami. Financial stress from moving complicates their creative process, alongside concerns over book sales and perceived validation as a writer. Despite these challenges, they aim to complete…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: A (Physical) Conflict Scene
The scene unfolds with a professor navigating Manhattan post-date when confronted by a former student, Miguel Hernandez. Angered over a perceived academic injustice, Miguel physically attacks the professor, expressing his resentment and challenging ideological differences. The confrontation escalates until police sirens cause Miguel to flee, leaving the professor shaken but unharmed.
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On Writing and Storytelling: The State of the Novel, September 2024
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On September 21, 2024, amid a gloomy autumn morning in New Hampshire, an author reflects on the progress of their novel, “Reunion: Coda.” Completing Chapter 19, which includes a realistic fight scene enhanced by feedback from Beta Reader Denise Longrie and friend Juan Carlos Hernandez, the author now has 19 chapters and a word count…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Lovers’ Quarrel?
James and Maddie, navigating through NYC traffic, argue over their plans for the evening. Maddie, exhausted from her flight, expresses frustration at James’s insistence on getting her home. Despite the tension, their conversation reveals their desire to be together, ultimately leading to a compromise as they seek connection amidst their concerns.
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Writer’s Shop Talk: The Thing About Jim That Most Perplexes Maddie
Maddie struggles to understand Jim’s reluctance to express his feelings despite multiple opportunities. She believes his insecurities and emotional wounds hold him back, and that he could have won over Marty if he had been vulnerable. Despite seeing himself as a “history nerd,” she feels he could have been desirable if he had allowed himself…
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Narrative Threads: A Conversation on Crafting the Reunion Duology: Part the Sixteenth
The Reunion Duology centers on the importance of true friendship, particularly Jim’s bonds with Mark Prieto and Bruce Holtzman. These relationships illustrate the impact of genuine connections on our lives. The author’s personal experiences and beliefs shape the portrayal of friendship, emphasizing its significant role in the narrative.
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Musings and Thoughts for Monday, August 19, 2024, or: Wishing for Sunshine and Calm on a Gray, Rainy Workday
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Amazon, Anxiety, Creative Writing, Going Full Circle: Back to South Florida I Go, Kindle, Kindle Create (Publishing App), Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Life in New Hampshire (December 2023 and Onward), Personal Thoughts, Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: Coda, Summer 2024Today’s weather in Madison, New Hampshire is cloudy with heavy rain expected. The writer deals with anxiety due to the weather’s impact on their upcoming move. They describe their struggles with packing and finding positivity in small victories. They plan to focus on writing and storytelling but seek support to overcome their worries.
A Certain Point of View, Too 