Tag: Writing a First Novel
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Miami’s Chilly Weekend: A Writer’s Reflection
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in Alex Diaz-Granados, Amazon, Autumn in Florida, 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 New Hampshire (December 2023 – October 2024), Reunion Duology, Reunion: A Story, Reunion: Coda, Writing as a CraftMidday, Saturday, November 23, 2024, Miami, Florida Well, it’s Saturday in South Florida, and the weekend has kicked off with a bang. It’s “chilly” by subtropical standards: the temperature outside is a brisk 69°F (20°C) under sunny skies. With humidity at 49% and a gentle northwesterly breeze at 7 MPH (11 Km/H), the feels-like temperature…
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The Journey of a Storyteller: Embracing Challenges in Writing
Midday/Early Afternoon, Friday, November 22, 2024, Miami, Florida “Write without pay until somebody offers to pay.” ― Mark Twain I am, first and foremost, a storyteller. Crafting and sharing a good tale – whether presented as a blog post, a short story, a novella, a poem, a screenplay, or (since I’ve been working on one…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: My Third Most Favorite ‘Best Friends Forever’ Scene
“There,” I said. “The one with the long chestnut hair and the blue denim outfit. She’s heading for the lunch line.” Mark squinted and nodded. “Yeah, I see her. She’s pretty. Who is she?” I shrugged. “I don’t remember her name. But she sang ‘We’ll Meet Again’ this morning. She was amazing.” Mark raised his…
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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.
A Certain Point of View, Too 