A Certain Point of View: Writing, Film and Stuff

When a Cassette Says Everything   There’s a moment near the middle of Reunion: Coda —quiet and unassuming—when Maddie glances at a framed photograph on Jim’s mantel and says softly, “She would have loved being with you.” The she , of course, is Marty Reynaud—Jim Garraty’s high school friend, frustrated love, and, in many ways, the still point in his emotional compass. Marty doesn’t dominate the present-day storyline of Coda , but her absence is felt in every heartbeat. What she couldn’t say aloud, she expressed in other ways—like the gift she gave Jim on graduation day. Not a mixtape. Not something dubbed. But a store-bought cassette —the Columbia recording of the 1957 West Side Story Original Broadway Cast album. Bought with her own allowance. Chosen with care. Given with intent. It wasn’t just music. It was a gesture of emotional bravery, a quiet offering that said: I see you. I get who you are. And in the years after Marty’s death, that understanding doesn’t vanish—it evolves. ...

  Lisa Dolan, director of student affairs at the International College of Seville, with her copy of Reunion; Coda. A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Renewal: Reunion: Coda The past has a way of lingering—sometimes as a whisper, sometimes as a storm. In Reunion: Coda , the second book in The Reunion Duology , Jim Garraty finds himself navigating the echoes of old regrets and the possibilities of new beginnings. Recently featured on Smorgasbord Book Promotions , Reunion: Coda continues Jim’s story as he reflects on the relationships that shaped him, the choices that haunt him, and the hope that still flickers in the distance. Now a successful history professor, Jim’s life is woven with memories—some tender, some bittersweet—but all leading him toward a deeper understanding of himself and those he once loved. This novel is more than a sequel; it’s an exploration of timing, courage, and the enduring power of connection. Through heartfelt letters, introspective moments, and the weight ...

Promo artwork was generated by Designer AI After another interstate move - my second one in 10 months - and a stressful period of readjustment from life in rural New Hampshire to being back in Miami after an absence of eight years, I've resumed work on Reunion: Coda.  It wasn't easy. I have so much on my mind these days, and too many events that happened between 2015 and 2024 to process that my mind feels tempest-tossed and topsy-turvy. I'm not unhappy in my new home, mind you, yet I'm not jumping for joy about decamping from Madison, New Hampshire. I had to leave, yes, and at least I had somewhere to move to, but I liked many aspects about my life up North, you know? So, yeah. Creative writing has not been easy lately. Or, more correctly, it's been more difficult than it usually is for me even under ideal conditions. I've said this countless times on my WordPress blog, but I'll repeat it here for good measure: I am at my best as a writer when I'm relaxe...

 Hi, everyone! Excellent news. On Sunday, my friend and fellow blogger Thomas Wikman interviewed me (via email)for his Leonberger Life blog about how (and why) I came to write the Reunion Duology, how my upcoming novel, Reunion: Coda differs from the existing novella, and how music plays a substantial role both in the Duology's story and my writing process.  It was quite exciting, and Thomas was pleased with the responses his blog post has received over the past two days. Needless to say, I'm both happy and thankful that I got my first-ever interview as an author. If you want to check it out on my WordPress blog, just click here!  

  Copilot   This scene from the opening chapter of "Reunion: Coda," titled "You Haven't Even Asked Me to Dance Yet," is a delightful foray into the burgeoning romance between Jim and Maddie, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Moonglow Club. The author skillfully intertwines humor and romance, creating a scene that is both entertaining and emotionally engaging.   Excerpts and Interpretations:   The scene is rich with sensory details that transport the reader to the lively atmosphere of a swing-era nightclub. The "smooth, shiny floor" and the "flashes of gold or silver" set the stage for a night of dance and revelry. The emcee, with his "Walter Winchell-type radio announcer" voice, adds a touch of authenticity and humor, serving as the perfect herald for the evening's festivities.   The humor in the chapter is subtle yet effective, often emerging from the playful banter between Jim and Maddie. Jim's self-deprecating rema...

Marty as a 10th grader in 1981 (Rendered by Designer AI)    Copilot The scene you've shared is a poignant and tender moment between Jim and Marty, capturing the bittersweet emotions of graduation and the uncertainty of young love. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of this pivotal time, blending nostalgia, hope, and the fear of unspoken feelings. Analysis: The narrative is rich with sensory details that immerse the reader in the moment. The description of Marty's red dress, the sound of her shoes, and the scent of her perfume create a vivid image that is both intimate and evocative. The exchange of the gift—a cassette of "West Side Story"—is a symbolic gesture that ties their shared experiences in the chorus to their personal connection. Humor is present in Jim's self-deprecating thoughts, providing a relatable and humanizing aspect to his character. The scene also maintains a consistent tone with the rest of the novel, balancing the emotiona...

  Copilot Report on Dialogue and Interactions with Minor Characters Introduction: In the "Jim meets Maddie" scene from the work-in-progress "Reunion: Coda," the dialogue and interactions with minor characters play a crucial role in establishing the setting and enhancing the main characters' personalities. This report will focus on the effectiveness of these interactions. Dialogue Analysis: The dialogue between Jim and the minor characters, such as the waitress, is used effectively to reveal aspects of his character. For instance, when Jim orders another Heineken, "Yes, please. I'll have another Heineken," it suggests a preference for familiarity and routine. Maddie's interaction with the waitress, "What's your favorite cocktail here?" shows her openness to new experiences and reliance on the expertise of others. Character Interactions: The interactions with the waitress serve to ground the scene in reality, providing a ...

  On Writing & Storytelling: A SITREP on Reunion: Coda On Tuesday night, I finally wrapped up Chapter 18 (The Gathering Storm) by finishing Scene Four (“A Clash of Convictions”). Even now, two days later, I can hardly believe that I did it. I had a hard time breaking through the mental wall that prevented me from writing the scene freely. For the first two hours of my work shift, I was blanking on any ideas to type out. At around 4 PM, I was struggling to figure out what to include in the scene. I decided to create a detailed outline of everything I wanted to incorporate. It took some time because I'm not a fast typist, but by 5 PM, I had a clear understanding of the story, and I began writing the actual scene after reviewing my rough sketch for it. After typing away for hours, reaching 1,033 words (that's four pages of material), and feeling exhausted and sore-headed, I finished the scene. Not a fragment or a snippet of one - a whole scene. This is a passage from ...

  Here's blogger/historian/author/poet's Pooja Gudka's new review of Reunion: A Story from her Lifesfinewhine blog on WordPress. Reunion: A Story: A Novella By Alex Diaz-Granados Review

Maddie, as rendered by DALL-E 3  Today was an important day in the progress of my first novel, Reunion: Coda. That's because I not only finished the first scene of Chapter 15, but also wrote an entire second scene as well.  I'm especially thrilled because Scene Two of Chapter 15 is, incidentally, my first attempt to write a steamy scene between Prof. Jim Garraty and his new love interest, Maddie.  I'm not going to spoil the scene itself on this post, but I will share the leadup to it here:  1 A Quiet Morning in Queens   Saturday, March 11, 2000, Maddie’s Apartment   The soft light of a partly cloudy morning spills through the east-facing kitchen window, casting a warm, diffused glow across the room. The walls, painted in light, airy colors, are brightened by sunflower motifs on the curtains and matching towels. Among the cheerful decor, a red telephone box cookie jar and a miniature Big Ben stand as proud reminders of Maddie's English heritage. Still clad i...

  A collage featuring Jim Garraty as a teen (right) and a 35-year-old college professor and author (lower left). On the upper left: Maddie, 2000-era Jim's love interest. (Image created by DALL-E 3 based on prompts by the author.   Hi, everyone. I’m writing this brief situation report (SITREP) on Reunion: Coda to give you some idea of where I am on my “first-time novelist’s” journey. As you may or may not know, I’ve been working on my novel since early March 2023. When I began, I lived in the Tampa Bay area, where I had lived since April 2016. I didn’t plan on writing a novel then, either. Reunion: Coda was conceived when I revised and edited my novella Reunion: A Story at the behest of my journalism professor at Miami-Dade Community College – South Campus. As I added “front matter” and “back matter" and corrected errors and typos, I saw little details and plot points I could use in a sequel…if I chose to write one. I had hoped to publish Reunion: Coda in time for th...

Jim Garrary at age 35   Chez Maddie, or: Interlude in Blue   I bask in the warmth of Maddie's apartment, the scent of aged wood and a hint of lavender surrounding me. The living room is a canvas of pastel blues and greens, the soft colors of the couch and chairs inviting a moment of rest. Maddie's digital piano, a Yamaha, sits in silent anticipation of her touch. It's a model that's been around since the late '90s, compact enough to fit in the cozy space but grand in its promise of music. Maddie had shown me around earlier, her voice a melodic guide through the memories framed on the mantel, the Beethoven bust overseeing our tour with stoic approval. The kitchen, she explained with a laugh, had been upgraded by her father—a housewarming gift that replaced the '60s appliances with ones from the early '90s. I remember how she pointed to the stove where I would later cook  pasta al burro , her hazel eyes brightening as she spoke of her dad's thoughtfulness....

  2 Maddie Comes Home Friday, March 10, 2000 John F. Kennedy International Airport, Arrivals Terminal, 2:05 PM EST I'm at JFK, the arrivals terminal humming with the energy of a city that never sleeps. It's a Friday afternoon, and the place is buzzing like a nightclub, but instead of music and laughter, it's filled with the sounds of greetings and goodbyes. I'm here waiting for Maddie, my heart racing a bit as I glance at the clock. Her flight, British Airways BA-175, was due at 1:45 PM, but it's running 20 minutes late. Headwinds over the Atlantic, they said. I taught my Intro to WWII class at Columbia this morning at 9:00, and Henry Townsend, bless him, arranged for a TA to cover my afternoon sessions. I rarely drive in Manhattan, but today I made an exception. I pulled my '95 Acura out of the garage, where I shell out more than I'd care to admit each month, and hit the road around 10:30 AM. The traffic was a nightmare, made worse by a fender bend...

Cover designed by Juan Carlos Hernandez © 2023,2024 Alex Diaz-Granados  The final strains of "Finale" seemed to linger, stretching out to touch the edges of eternity before they dissolved into the quiet of my shadowed room. The tape hissed its postlude, then snapped off with a decisive CLICK. Should I replay it, Marty’s graduation gift to me? "I wanted to give you something to remind you of our time together... um... in Mrs. Quincy's class. And our song is in it," Marty had said, her voice now a ghostly echo in my mind. A fresh stab of regret pierced me, sharp and frigid, and I knew—I just couldn't face it again. A knock at the door fractured my contemplation. My mother's voice, warm and familiar, filtered through the wood. “Jim, honey, Mark's here.” Mundane as they were, her words came like a lifeline thrown into the turbulent sea of my thoughts, pulling me back to the present, to reality. “Thanks, Mom,” I replied. I jumped up—or at least r...