Lou Paduano | Urban Fantasy Novels | Sci-Fi Crime Series

Writing Update – September 25, 2023

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I swear the Time Trapper is messing with me this year. There is no way another month has slipped by on the calendar. Once I make it through the Time Curtain, we’re having words, Trapper! Anyway you spin it, welcome to this month’s writing update–what there is of it, at any rate!

Writing Update

DSA Season Two LAUNCHED! Yes, the Wellspring is out in the world. Thank you to everyone who grabbed a copy and helped spread the word on the series. Much appreciated.

The launch has been fantastic. Conventions have really helped push the DSA back out into the world, so I hope to keep that momentum going.

This month, I’m closing out my final, final, FINAL? readthroughs of Books 5 and 6 of Season Two. I do this to figure out an accurate page count for the paperback so MiblArt can determine the necessary spine width for printing. It’s pretty much a straight readthrough, but I always manage to find a tweak or three for the narrative.

I’m also proofing Foundations for any last-minute issues with the book. There is one detail I think will enhance the season as a whole, so I’m glad I have the time to make it work.

Greystone 7

After a revisit to DSA, I’m diving into Greystone Book 7. October will be all drafting. I’ve read through the script a number of times, so the story is pretty much locked in my brain at this point. It should make things flow smoother as I navigate what might be my favorite Greystone adventure since The Gifts of Kali.

Okay, I love them all, but throw in some Arthurian legends? Knights of the Round Table? Prophecies of doom? Yeah, I’m all in. It’s going to be great.

Reading List

The Unwanted Prophet – I cannot say enough good things about this book. I loved every second of it. The narrative is enthralling, the characters are well-defined, and the dialogue is pitch perfect. Work fell to the wayside for this one. A fantastic read. Be sure to check it out.

Chaos and Consequences – I’m trying to branch out into the sci-fi/space war/empire genre, so reading is essential to figuring out the tone and pace readers enjoy. Nathan Doverspike’s inaugural novel was a great introduction into the world of Kai Stormbringer and the growing Aetherial War. The grittiness really helped generate the stakes for what is happening. Strong worldbuilding and dynamic characters. Check it out.

Writing Update – June 29th, 2021

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Phew. What a month. It’s hotter than blazes where I’m sitting right now, and according to the map it probably is where you’re reading this too. So let’s get this writing update show on the road!

Writing Update

The kids went back to school full time at the end of April. While they were deeply missed, the opportunity to write for the last seven weeks has been a godsend.

DSA Season Two is DRAFTED.

I went from only having the first book of the season drafted to all six in a space of three months. I cannot understate how wild it was putting these books together. Each one is stronger than the previous one, and the finale is a doozy to say the least.

They need editing. Some DESPERATELY need editing. That’s where I’m heading for a bit. I know where the weaknesses are, and now really is the best time to build a stronger narrative while planting plenty of seeds for a third season.

Here’s where we are with Season Two:

Book One: The Wellspring – This one closes out the cliffhanger finale from the first season, and gets the ball rolling on the next big epic.

Book Two: Foundations – This sets up the new dynamic, and has some fun time travel elements. Plus: secrets about the Witness come to light!

Book Three: The Missing – Picking up on the Emily Wright abduction subplot, Ben and Morgan follow a lead and wind up in the middle of a new disappearance case.

Book Four: Cracked Chrysalis – All those wondering what the heck happened to those trees in The Clearing? This is where you will find your answers.

Book Five: Secret Histories – The fallout of Susan Metcalf’s past comes to light here.

Book Six: ???????? – Sorry, gang. This one is top secret. All I will say is that things go boom, not everyone makes it out alive, and the team will never be the same again. No hype required, only the truth.

When can I read them?!

A valid question. I wish I had a decent answer. The fact of the matter is I don’t want another delay like this between seasons. I hate it. It bothers the hell out of me not to have a book ready for you to enjoy.

So I’m holding this season back until I’m absolutely sure the narrative can keep rolling along. Will that mean next year? Will that mean 2023? I honestly don’t know. I’m expecting a baby this August, so all schedules are dependent on her needs over my own.

Which brings us to more bad news…

I’m putting the blog on hold for the summer. (I know! Stop shouting at me!)

I need the time to work through some of these drafts, to wrap my head around that bundle of joy at the end of the summer.

When the blog comes back in September, I’ll be sharing commentary on DSA Season One. I have a lot to share about the process behind the series. It was not the easiest thing in the world to build. I hope you enjoy the look behind the curtain on the books, and the fun tidbits that were hidden beneath the surface.

Thank you for supporting my work. I will be back soon!

Writing Update – July 28, 2020

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We passed the halfway mark on 2020. Thank the Lord. Much as I tire of the constant uncertainty of this year, there is always one thing I can turn to when I need to refocus:

Writing.

Writing Update

Greystone Second Cycle

The first five books of Greystone came together as what I refer to as The Complete First Cycle. Boiled down to its essence it is the mystery of Loren’s wife’s murder and the rise of the group called A Circle of Shadows. That is what is at the heart of that massive arc of storytelling.

I always envisioned the second cycle. I’ve always had the makings of a plan, but never a clear road map to make it possible.

Now I do. I have spent the last two months building the second cycle of novels in outline form. All five books are broken down, the major arcs and threads are all connected. I finally, FINALLY, have my starting point.

My current plan is to draft all five in 2021. When all is said and done then you will start hearing about release dates and scheduling. I want this cycle to resonate. I want it to answer every lingering question, every seed planted through the first five novels as well as the prequel trilogy.

This is where the story truly ends. We have a long journey ahead of us and I can’t wait for you to see where we’re headed.

The Army in the Obelisk

Not to overshadow the standalone serial, I’ve been working on diligently. I’m almost done with the scripting phase of the project.

I’ve mentioned it before, but this is a pure Soriya/Loren tale unlike any other. Bit players come and go, but they remain the focus here. It’s been fun delving more into the mythology behind the story. The serial format allows me some breathing room, definitely more than the typical novel.

Right now, my goal is to finish up everything by the end of September. I want to launch the serial in January 2021 so that it can run all year long.

That will be the Greystone fix for next year while I work on the final five novels. That is my plan as of this writing. It is bound to change in some fashion, I am sure.

The Final Gauntlet

What a cool banner, don’t you think? (It took me fudging forever to make it so I had to show it off…)

Seriously, though, I spent the last week reading through The Final Gauntlet before sending it off to my editor. At this phase of the process I’m usually sick of the damn draft, but I really enjoyed revisiting it. I think there are a number of funnier bits amid all the chaos.

This one is also loaded with action. LOADED.

You’re gonna love it. Will my editor? That’s next month’s problem.

That’s it for the writing update? Nothing else?!

Cripes. I know. What a slacker.

Plenty more coming down the pike with the next update, I promise.

Writing Update – September 24, 2019

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Another month has somehow slipped by! So much going on so let’s get to the writing update.

Writing Update

The DSA Season One

The first three books are live on retail sites. There is even a series page on Amazon. So cool.

The first two books have been submitted for proofs. I just received my copy of The Clearing and it looks fantastic. Love the job KDP did with the printing. It should be finalized tomorrow and on sale by the end of the week!

On the edit front, I finished up a massive overhaul of Book 5 last week. Tomorrow I start in on Book 6.

Hammer and Anvil

Last Saturday was a very busy day. Instead of enjoying the 80-degree weather, I did a final readthrough of the newest Greystone book. I think it might be my favorite novel yet. I really like the way the story came together.

It’s been submitted for a paperback proof and should be here Thursday! Expect to see it live on Amazon next week!

Gifts of Kali

I marked it on my calendar. Next week, I start the draft for Greystone-in-Training Book 2. I haven’t been sleeping well of late and I think it might because this one has been screaming for release.

Local Appearance Schedule

I’ve been reaching out to venues to spread the word about the releases coming out.

October 12th – Central Library in downtown Buffalo is hosting Indie Author Day. I’ll be there signing books and promoting both The Clearing as well as Hammer and Anvil. It runs from 11am to 2pm.

October 19th – Buffalo Comicon is back! Queen City Bookstore is hosting another fantastic show at the Buffalo Marriott. Tons of guests and free comics. It starts at 10am and goes until 5pm. I might even have copies of Promethean ready for some lucky readers. Order your ticket now!

November 2nd – The Buffalo Book Club Expo. There is a fantastic local author network building in Buffalo. A group of 15 of some of Buffalo’s most talented are coming together to promote their work at the Expo Market. Stay tuned for more details as I get them.

I’d love to see you at these shows. Be sure to stop and say hello!

October is going to be a huge month. A ton of promotions coming up. Keep an eye here and on social media for more updates.

Happy Reading!

Writing Update – October 19, 2017

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I’ve been hiding from the world of late. My social media presence was never staggering but has been extremely limited the last few weeks. Why? I’ve been writing! Best excuse ever, right?

NaNoWriMo and The Lost Outpost

If you’ve been following my blog the last week you may have noticed some attention placed on NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month. I wasn’t sure I was going to participate this year, I have plenty to keep me busy as it is – but inspiration struck and now I can’t wait.

I put the finishing touches on a new script-level draft this week. The book is called The Lost Outpost and is my first foray into the sci-fi/space opera genre. New worlds, alien cultures, war and strife. Lots of interesting elements to play with and new characters to learn. It’s been quite the experience putting this together after living in Portents for so long but I’m excited to see where it goes come November 1st!

Founder’s Day

The pre-order should be up next week for the FREE novella sequel to Resurrectionists. Reading through it again, I forgot the fun that came with Loren and Myers’ growing partnership. Yeah, there’s murder and betrayal – lots of darkness abound – but the back and forth between these two characters made the whole project worthwhile.

I’ll be sure to share some links as soon as I have them!

Meanwhile, if you or someone you know hasn’t downloaded a copy of Resurrectionists be sure to snag it before Founder’s Day arrives on December 5th. Definitely want to read that first chapter before diving into the latest Greystone tale.

Reading

I am one-third of the way through my Fall Reading List for those keeping score at home. I think I have time for one more read before the insane drafting begins next month. We’ll see how it goes.

A Fistful of Rain by Greg Rucka – Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Mim Bracca is the kind of character you can’t help but hate and root for at the same time. I could not stop picturing Krysten Ritter from Jessica Jones as the main character, couldn’t stop hearing her voice even. It fit so well.

A fast read with plenty of character moments. Can’t recommend it enough.

Advance Team

I’m opening the Advance Team up again for new readers. If you’re interesting in receiving a free copy of the next Greystone book in exchange for an honest review come release time shoot me an email at lou@loupaduano.com.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Thanks for reading

Writing Update – February 23, 2017

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It has been a crazy week here in the basement. Lots of things going on so let’s get this writing update started!

Writing

You might not know this but:

Tales from Portents is on sale now at the following:

               

Grab your copy today!

writing updateI keep hoping to enjoy the moment a little more but I’ve been in full edit mode with The Medusa Coin. Where Tales from Portents was a dream project from start to finish, the next installment in the Greystone series has had more than a few challenges.

It has been a long time since I tackled a manuscript of this length so the learning curve has been steep in cleaning it up, shredding extraneous plotlines, and following through on the major arcs of every character. This novel also has the unfortunate distinction of being the midpoint of the first cycle of the series, giving it the responsibility of not only carrying the seeds from Signs of Portents but also propelling our characters to the eventual conclusion of this initial journey in next year’s installments.

Lots to keep in mind when working through the book, which I am hoping to button up next week to pass off to some first readers! September might seem a long way off but it will be here quicker than you think.

Pathways in the Dark

The fourth book in the series is progressing nicely. All seven stories in the collection due out next February are outlined and scripted. It will be a nice change of pace to put together some smaller stories after the behemoth of The Medusa Coin. I’m hoping to start the drafting phase next month!

Reading

I had planned to discuss a number of the books I’ve been digging lately but alas, The Medusa Coin has owned my life from top to bottom. Next time.

Thanks for reading.

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