A Certain Point of View: Writing, Film and Stuff

The cover of the hardcover edition. © 2025 Alex Diaz-Granados  For many authors, Kindle Direct Publishing is a godsend—offering an accessible way to bring stories to life for readers around the world. However, as convenient as it may be, the road to publication often feels like a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and challenges. As I prepared Reunion: Coda for its print and e-book editions, I discovered that even the most user-friendly publishing platforms come with their quirks. One of the biggest hurdles? Kindle Create. While it’s a fantastic tool in theory, the reality is often enervating. Subheading formatting seems to have a mind of its own—refusing to preserve capitalization and undoing corrections even after files have been saved. For instance, when I typed "Fayerweather Hall 301M," Kindle Create repeatedly rendered it as "Fayerweather Hall 301m." Fixing these glitches took multiple attempts, testing my patience and resilience in equal measure. Then there’s...

Cover design by Juan Carlos Hernandez   Echoes of Familiarity Jim Garraty’s Apartment  Late Morning, Saturday, March 25, 2000   The aroma of brewing coffee snakes through the air, nudging me toward wakefulness. I’m leaning against the countertop, staring at the Mr. Coffee machine as if watching the last few sputters of Maxwell House Colombian Supreme trickling into the pot might provide clarity—or absolution. The toaster oven clicks softly, signaling that my English muffin is ready. But I linger, hesitant, my hand hovering over the coffeepot.  The kitchen feels smaller today. Maybe it’s the weight of Marty’s letters, or perhaps it’s the shadows cast by a late-morning sun attempting to pierce the haze of Midtown Manhattan. Outside, the weather is unseasonably warm for March, with the sun shining brightly and temperatures hovering around 61°F. Even from my climate-controlled perch on the 33rd floor, I can sense the city’s restlessness below.  The New Y...

Cover design: Juan Carlos Hernandez Jim Garraty, a history professor at Columbia University, navigates his professional and personal life while dealing with past regrets, a new romantic relationship, and a troubled student. The narrative shifts between his present life in 2000 and his high school days in the early 1980s. Jim's Relationship with Maddie Jim and Maddie, a pianist for the New York Philharmonic, develop a romantic relationship, sharing intimate moments and supporting each other through various challenges.   Marty's Influence Jim reflects on his high school crush, Marty, who died in a car accident two years prior, and how her memory continues to impact his life and relationships.   Miguel Hernandez's Troubles Miguel, a former student with right-wing extremist views, assaults Jim and another professor, leading to his expulsion and eventual death in prison.   Jim's Academic Life Jim is de...

Cover design by Juan Carlos Hernandez Review of "Reunion: Coda" by Alex Diaz-Granados "Reunion: Coda" is a beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly intertwines two distinct timelines, each rich with its own emotional depth and complexity. Set in the vibrant 1980s at South Miami High and the bustling early 2000s in New York City, the story explores the enduring power of love and the impact of past relationships on the present. The protagonist, Jim, navigates the challenges of young adulthood and the lingering effects of his first love, Marty, in the 1980s. The narrative vividly captures the essence of high school life, with its mix of joy, heartbreak, and the bittersweet moments that define our formative years. Jim's unspoken love for Marty is a poignant thread that runs through this timeline, highlighting the pain of missed opportunities and the hope for redemption. In the early 2000s, Jim's life takes a new turn when he meets Maddie, a captivating and...

  Hi, everyone. I've been diving into Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age (Triassic Games/MicroProse) since its Early Access release last November. This captivating game transports you to the Cold War era, where you can command naval forces in both historical skirmishes and thrilling hypothetical scenarios reminiscent of Tom Clancy's and Larry Bond’s technothrillers. Sea Power’ s developers – including Nils Ducker, the artistic talent behind the visually stunning Cold Waters (Killerfish Games, 2017) – have drawn inspiration from several renowned naval warfare simulations, such as Fleet Command (aka Jane’s Fleet Command ) and Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations. The influences are clear, and one dedicated modder even crafted a Jane’s Redux “mod” that revitalizes Fleet Command missions with Sea Power’ s breathtaking visuals. Now, it's essential to mention that Sea Power is still in Early Access, meaning it's a work in progress. The developers are actively upd...

Cover designed by Juan Carlos Hernandez  Hi, everyone!  Although I'm not yet ready to publish Reunion: Coda (I must finish the novel first, right?), past experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing have taught me that preparation is important in any endeavor. So, instead of waiting till I'm ready to upload the manuscript to Amazon's KDP servers, I've decided to write the blurb for Reunion: Coda now.  Here is the revised version:  In the sequel to the heartfelt "Reunion: A Story," Jim Garraty's journey continues as he navigates the intricate dance between past regrets and present hopes. Now a successful history professor at Columbia University and a renowned author of WWII books, Jim's life is a tapestry of unspoken love, haunting memories, and the pursuit of emotional closure. Still smarting from a divorce and the sting of betrayal, Jim reflects on his high school years and the profound impact of his relationships. Amidst the lessons of missed opportunit...

© 2025 Alex Diaz-Granados Brace yourselves! While I'm still a few months away from typing those two magic words, "The End," I'm thrilled to share a spoiler-free blurb from the upcoming sequel to Reunion: A Story . 📚✨   In Reunion: Coda, Jim Garraty's journey continues as he navigates the intricate dance between past regrets and present hopes. Now a successful history professor, Jim's life is a tapestry of unspoken love, haunting memories, and the pursuit of emotional closure. As Jim reflects on his high school years and the profound impact of his relationships, he grapples with the lessons learned from missed opportunities and the unpredictable nature of life. Through introspective moments and heartfelt letters, Jim uncovers the strength to confront his deepest fears and embrace new beginnings. Reunion: Coda delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. It also explores the significance of friendship and the unpredict...