A Certain Point of View: Writing, Film and Stuff

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...

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...

  I recently shared excerpts from two chapters in Reunion: Coda and asked Microsoft's Copilot AI for a character analysis of Maddie based on them. Here's what Copilot had to say about my novel's leading lady:  Based on these excerpts, Maddie emerges as a complex character with deep emotional layers and a strong personality. Here’s an analysis of her character traits: Emotional Depth and Vulnerability Maddie is portrayed as someone with significant emotional depth. Her actions and words reveal a mix of vulnerability and determination. When she gently reaches for Jim's hand and hesitates before speaking, it shows that she is emotionally invested and nervous about expressing her feelings. This vulnerability makes her a relatable and sympathetic character. Compassion and Understanding Maddie’s response to Jim’s discomfort is notably compassionate. She gives him a gentle squeeze on the hand and a sad, knowing smile, indicating that she is aware of his emotional struggle and ...

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!  

©2018, 2023 Alex Diaz-Granados  “On the Good News Front” Post It gives me immense pleasure to present the recent Amazon appraisal of my novella "Reunion: A Story", penned by the eloquent and cultured critic Pooja Gudka, whose talents span blogging, poetry, and history. She has graciously lavished admiration on my literary creation, for which I am deeply appreciative. Her discerning and perceptive commentary was as follows: The plot was what drew me to the story. I’m not usually drawn to romance novels or anything particular romantic. But the summary for this book really drew me in because it’s something most of us can relate to- lost love. We all have “the one that got away.” Well, most of us anyway. Also, as a historian myself I loved that Garraty’s character was a historian and was intrigued by that. The author also explores multiple philosophical aspects of life such as true love, happiness, friendships, loss and regret. Things most adults are familiar with. We also learn ...

 I recently asked Microsoft/Open AI Copilot to read several excerpts from the manuscript of Reunion: Coda and delve into one of the novel's main characters, Maddie. This is what Copilot has to say:  Copilot Let's delve into Maddie's character from the excerpts you've shared. Character Traits: Maddie is portrayed as a refined and elegant individual, with a touch of sophistication that comes from her profession as a pianist for the NY Philharmonic. Her interactions suggest she is well-read, given the bag of books from a quaint bookstore, and her accent hints at a well-traveled or well-educated background. She's confident, as seen when she insists on placing her bag down, and has a sense of humor, demonstrated by her quick wit in the elevator scene. Femininity: Her femininity is subtly woven into her character through descriptions of her appearance and the soft, warm colors that she reflects. Her attire and the way she carries herself, combined with her gentle grace,...

Uncover the Past, Discover the Present   Dialogue and Humor in “Reunion: Coda” - An Analysis of the “En Route to Manhattan” Scene The scene “En Route to Manhattan” from “Reunion: Coda” is a delightful blend of dialogue and humor that enriches the narrative and reveals character depth. The use of dialogue here is particularly effective in showcasing the rapport between Jim and Maddie, while the humor adds a layer of levity to their interactions. Selected Passages and Analysis: Maddie’s Observation and Jim’s Fedora: Maddie’s comment about the car suiting Jim is a subtle nod to the idea that our possessions often reflect our personalities. Jim’s response, coupled with the physical action of adjusting his fedora, not only provides a visual cue but also injects humor through self-deprecation. It’s a light-hearted moment that underscores Jim’s modesty and comfort with Maddie. The Metropolis Arms and Clark Kent: Jim’s quip about possibly havi...

  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 ...

Copilot   In-Depth Analysis of Jim and Maddie's Relationship Arc   Introduction: The relationship arc between Jim and Maddie, as depicted in the scenes from their first meeting, first official date, and a significant moment of compromise, provides a window into the development of their love story. This analysis will examine the unity and coherence of the story, the humor, and the realistic portrayal of their relationship.   Story Arc:   First Meeting : The initial encounter at the Moonglow nightclub is filled with curiosity and the thrill of new connection. It sets the foundation for their relationship with a focus on shared interests and mutual attraction.   First Date : The Clipper Piano Bar & Grill scene shows progression in intimacy and comfort, with playful banter and a deeper exploration of their personalities.   Compromise : The "Arrivals and Compromises" scene reveals the complexities of a real relationship, where desire meets the practicalit...