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

Promethean Author Commentary 2

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The author commentary of Promethean continues! Lincoln MacKenzie starts a journey here that carries through the rest of Season One. Keep reading to find out where Lincoln’s path came about. SPOILERS AHEAD!

Splitting the team

I am a big fan of juggling plotlines. I love subplots and how they evolve through series into much larger events. That was one of the appeals of working on the DSA. The size of the cast allowed for the team to be split apart depending on the needs of the story. Not only did this allow me, as the writer, to jam more action/exposition/backstory into the mix, but it gave the reader (hopefully) a new dynamic to explore while the main plot fleshed out over the course of each installment.

If you look back at The Clearing‘s author commentary, you’ll know how stressed I was putting the enter field team into play. Four strong personalities pulled for attention with each scene, and staging everything was a real challenge. Maybe it was a cop-out to go the so-called easy route with Promethean, but I wanted to give the cast more time in the spotlight.

Lincoln’s injury in The Clearing opened the door to splitting the team. Because he is still recovering and can’t join Morgan and Ben in Chicago, Metcalf offers up a new assignment: tracking down the Witness.

With that simple introduction, all of a sudden there is a clear connection with the opening novel and a path for Lincoln to follow for the rest of the season.

Lincoln’s Path

Lincoln was one of my favorite elements in Season One. I loved his dedication to doing the job, from his time as a soldier to now, all in the cause of what is right. The Clearing introduced a new element of doubt to his life, though, and I felt that was compelling to follow. Not only did it create a real conflict–both internal and external–but that initial doubt allowed me to play with the concept of loyalty when it comes to a secret organization like the DSA.

Promethean is very much the first step of Lincoln’s path through Season One. The first draft offered little in terms of screen time for his journey. There was no library scene, no Stephanie Atwater briefing, no Sullivan interaction, just that initial conversation with Metcalf and the final scene where he goes off the grid to hunt down the Witness.

I wanted to flesh it out. Using the novel format helped in this regard. I had space to play with. I love how the Atwater scene came together, where Lincoln calls out the fact that the secretary is the only one giving him his intel. His animosity toward Sullivan felt genuine and clued the reader in on Lincoln’s loathing of stuffed shirts. That comes into play in Book 3 with his love for Morrison Engers and the devastation he went through with that loss.

The Library Scene

I’m proud of this addition. It was fun to give that little glimpse of the Witness and the power of his manipulation of Lincoln from start to finish. Lincoln’s interactions at the library were also something I felt were important to his overall arc as a character.

My editor wanted me to remove the subtle racism included in this section. I don’t know if you picked up on it, or if I’m confusing subtle for blatant, but I wanted to keep that moment. Lincoln is African American and his experiences would obviously be different than Ben or Zac, so offering that candid reflection on how not one single person offered to help him find what he needed, yet trailed his every move through the building, was a clear indicator as to what he endured in his life just because of the color of his skin.

I’m not a social commenter. I’m not attempting to stir up trouble politically on one end of the spectrum or another. I hate the level of discourse that floods social media these days. There is a time and place for such things, and a better way to express one’s opinion on, well, everything.

But I felt this was important to keep. Lincoln is the odd-man out in the DSA, and I wanted that expressed in his experiences with the world.

I will be talking more about where Lincoln’s path took him, and how that came to be, in future installments.

Next up: Morgan’s Arc with Ben

Promethean Author Commentary 1

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Welcome to the author commentary for Book 2 of the DSA’s inaugural season. Promethean was one of the absolute toughest books to crack. The concept started out very basic, but ballooned into a chance to showcase the growing conspiracy of the series as a whole.

SPOILER WARNING is in effect!

Initial Intentions

With every series I write, my goal is to tell a complete story within the confines of a single book. There is always some bleed-through to other installments, the natural evolution of subplots into main plots and such.

Promethean was very much a standalone adventure during the outlining/drafting phase. Henry Reed was the central figure in the tale, one who went too far when pushed. He was the threat in the original version, if you can believe that.

The FBI was involved, without a key Hendricks-type character in the mix, but their role was more competitive with the DSA than anything else. They were investigating on a secondary front and the DSA was obstructing their efforts. I still remember the handwritten outline for the book contained a massive car chase with the FBI near the climax.

One line on paper. “FBI chases DSA through the Chicago streets.”

That was where the story built from. It’s insane how the book evolved over time.

Growing Conspiracy

I’d like to think it was the development of Connor Hendricks into the story that changed the dynamic of the whole book for me. Having that type of character, playing both sides against the middle, really helped flesh out the true threat and create sympathy for Henry Reed’s situation.

Hendricks came about by way of Alex Krycek from X-Files. (Shocker, I know…)

I wanted Ben to have a foe he just loathed from start to finish. One of my favorite moments from X-Files is when Mulder sees Krycek show up and he just runs up and decks him. That’s the visceral reaction I wanted Ben to have for this guy–especially when things escalate at the end of the season.

Hendricks also allowed the birth of the Newton Group, a splinter-cell of the Trust that readers are just starting to learn about. Between Hendricks and Kane and Sullivan and Stallworth, there is a sense of the expanding conspiracy growing against the DSA. That wider scope was something I wanted to bring into the background of the series. It added a level of danger beyond the monster of the week elements, in my opinion.

Let the rewrites begin

The problem with a growing conspiracy, especially one that needs to evolve organically and feel like it’s been there the whole time, is the details! Lord, the details!

I wrote entire scenes of backstory connecting each player to the next in the hopes of having it make sense. Chapters were restructured and rebuilt to conform to the new dynamic between Hendricks and the DSA, between Sullivan and Hendricks, between Reginald Kane and basically everyone.

Promethean was, without a doubt, the most complicated book I’ve put together so far. A ton of elements were thrown into the mix, from the Ark at the end to the symbol for the Newton Group to Henry Reed’s mother’s role with the Trust. Everything had to make sense and fall in line with where the series was headed and what it meant for Ben, Morgan and the rest of the DSA.

For all the headaches this book brought me, Promethean remains one of my favorites. I loved playing with the spontaneous combustion lore, building the mystery, and putting together the climax which remains one of the strongest for the series (to me).

Next up: Lincoln’s Path

The Clearing Author Commentary 1

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Welcome to the author commentary for The Clearing. I love sharing behind the scenes details about the creative process, as well as the many mistakes I make in putting books together. There will be SPOILERS ahead. You have been warned!

A Mess of a Start

The Clearing was one of the most difficult books I’ve had the pleasure of putting together… so far. If you’ve read my intro to the commentary last time, you’ll already know how my original plan for the series was to structure weekly installments with two or three sub-chapters per week for readers.

The shift to novella format was a blessing and a curse. Mostly a blessing, as it allowed each book to breathe a little easier without the strict structure previously put in place. Because of that extra room available, I started to rework the book.

A lot.

The initial version of The Clearing focused entirely on Ben’s character. He’s the reader’s POV in entering this new organization and finding out all the craziness out in the world. It made sense to follow him throughout.

Except this isn’t Ben’s series. Not entirely.

The Ensemble Cast

Morgan Dunleavy has equal billing when it comes to the DSA. You can also argue for Susan Metcalf in that regard. The fact became apparent relatively quickly that centering every event around one character wasn’t going to fly. Every member of the cast had a role to play and their importance to the overall story was necessary to illustrate right from the start.

A Deviation

In writing about the ensemble cast, I remember back when I first conceived the series. In truly keeping with the episodic television show aspect of the DSA, I envisioned actors and actresses playing each of the characters. I heard their thoughts on the scripts as they were coming out and how they perceived their roles in them.

It might sound strange that way, but it really gave me the drive needed to beef up everyone’s role in the book. I took a step back to see why each character was acting the way they were, and what direction they were headed in the series.

For a time I thought about creating mock-interviews with these “actors” talking about their characters. That would have been fun to do. Maybe down the line…

The Many Mistakes of the Opening Sequences…

Knowing each character needed a moment to shine brought me back to the opening of the series. The Clearing had to sell the reader on these people and why they are important. Why do we care about any of them?

In order to justify their existence, I rewrote the opening sequence of events quite a few times.

The initial first chapter from the earliest draft was the Wilson Dupree scene in Bellbrook. It is the inciting incident and the main thrust of this book’s narrative, so it made sense to me to open with that.

Unfortunately, it created a timeline problem.

Recruiting Ben became infinitely more difficult because of that disaster hanging over the reader. Plus, it put the characters below the plot, in my opinion.

So Wilson and Bellbrook got shunted to Chapter 5.

The first four chapters in the book didn’t exist at this point. In the early drafts, once Bellbrook is established, the story picks up with Ben’s conviction and subsequent recruitment by Metcalf and we’re off and running.

No Wex Avenue house. No keypad to a secret facility with hints about something called The Utopia Protocol.

Just the trial and his chat with Susan.

There was even a draft where Metcalf fakes Ben’s death. The bus that was supposed to take Ben away explodes in the middle of their chat. Then I had to explain how a look-alike snuck on the bus (and then off the bus) before the explosion. It was a mess of explanation and did little for the story.

Finding the Right Story Beats

I pride myself on trying to key in on character more than plot. The people in the story serve a greater purpose than to bounce from event to event. They should be driving the action, the tension, the entire dynamic of the narrative throughout.

So when I started looking at how to open The Clearing, I realized character was the key. If Ben’s conviction is important, let’s show what happened and how it can link to his worldview. That’s where Wex Avenue came in play.

Looking at the DSA, a key event in the series is the fall of Jacob Grissom. Draft after draft came along where we never saw the fall, which if you’ve read the whole season seems like a terrible idea considering what happens to poor Grissom in the aftermath.

Chapter Two became that moment. Not only do we get a crucial piece of backstory for the DSA to drive their actions throughout the season, we get to see each of our characters react to the moment and provide the reader a starting point of who these people are. Lincoln is gruff. Ruth is a leader, but in name only. Morgan is the healer, fighting for every second of life for all those around her. And Metcalf… well, her cold, calculation gets her in a lot of trouble, wouldn’t you say?

It all started here, by pulling these moments apart and reworking the story.

Lincoln and Morgan

Lincoln and Morgan never had a story beat in early drafts. They were passengers on Ben’s journey. When I realized my error in this, considering their roles going forward, I needed a baseline beat to show the readers who they were.

That’s where Chapters 8 and 9 came from. Two small chapters that give you everything you need to know about Lincoln and Morgan. Through Lincoln, you learn how pragmatic he is when it comes to attachments, yet also how Ruth has somehow broken through that barrier in his eyes.

Morgan’s was more about residual emotions regarding Grissom. It set up the tension in Promethean, and her inability to have faith in Ben as a partner out of fear of losing another one.

Next up: Cover Design Nightmare!

Writing Update – February 27, 2023

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The first writing update blog in quite some time. Welcome! Below you’ll get a glimpse into what’s been going on behind the scenes and see what madness I’m attempting to accomplish while surrounded by three kids, two cats, and one lovely wife (all talking at the same time… all the time… literally, all the time…).

Writing Update

DSA Season Two

All six books are DONE! They have been for a bit. Last month though, I sent them out to some trusted alpha readers and they seem to be digging the new installments. (Phew.) I’m hoping to be able to show off some covers in the coming months, once I wrap my head around the design elements.

DSA Season Three

Say what? Take a nap, Lou! (Ha. Yeah, right…)

Season Three is now outlined! If you’ve been following the blog this month, which you should be since you’re reading these words right now, you’ll know some of this latest batch were a struggle. I’m sure 99% of the issue was the cloud that tends to hang over my head during the winter months.

But I stuck with it. Each time I hit a wall, I stepped back to figure out exactly where I veered off course to get on track again. It was quite the learning experience, and I think the season is stronger because of it. There are some genuine shocking moments in Season Three. Twists and additions to my original plans that really surprised me at how well they fit into the larger narrative.

It’s going to be a blast to write… in 2025…

Reading List

The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin

I loved this installment of the Rebus series. Everything about it was spot on, from the humor to the plot connections that always come together seamlessly somehow. It was also quite enjoyable to follow a completely sober Rebus through a case. If only it lasted…

Dead Souls by Ian Rankin

Can you tell I’m working my way through the Rebus series? Well, I was at any rate. This one threw me right off track. There isn’t anything wrong with the book itself. It’s the same quality Rankin writing and everything works together flawlessly, but it wasn’t for me. Probably the subject matter and nothing more. Hoping the next one wins me back over.

Amazing Spider-Man by Len Wein

This was my third time through Mr. Wein’s run on Amazing Spider-Man which ran from issues 151 through 180. My first visit went poorly. I was a huge Gerry Conway fan and I didn’t think Wein continued the stellar work Conway brought to the title. The second time went a little better. I was reading with my oldest at the time and her enthusiasm for the title (especially when Spidey messed with J. Jonah Jameson) brought a better appreciation to the run.

This time was the most fun yet. I don’t know why that was the case. I adored all the subplots throughout the run. Wein’s takes on the various villains during the run was also stronger than I remember them being. All-in-all, this was a blast to revisit and if you haven’t had the pleasure you should give this run a read.

That’s it for me this month!

Next month: GREYSTONE!

Start a New Project

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The End. It’s the single greatest phrase to type when finishing a book. The elation that courses through your veins having just completed this massive tome of literature is like a drug. The hours, weeks, months of sleepless nights as you toiled away in your basement have all paid off and now you have this cohesive behemoth of a project finished. Completed. Done. Okay, now…start a new project.

Wait, what?

Are you insane? I have to do it AGAIN?

Starting a new project

I had this absolute blinding moment of terror a few weeks back. I was finishing the edits on DSA Season Two, something I had been toiling with for months. Saving the last document, formatting the final draft, put an end to my time on the project. I was riding a high like no other after months of self-abuse at the hands of the editing machine. Thinking I could do no wrong I decided to take that momentum of living in this world exclusively for so long to map out the next six chapters of the story.

And I couldn’t remember how to start.

I was brain-locked. For the life of me, there was not a single idea I could write down that meant anything to me. I had no idea how to carry a narrative let alone start one. It was terrifying. I’ve never had a problem outlining. It just seemed to be one of those things that came naturally for me, but here I was stymied by own inability to figure out where to start. Or how to start. Or anything involving the world and characters I had come to know so well over the last few years.

Identifying the problem

Sometimes it can be a simple thing. With DSA, the issue became scope. The world exceeded my grasp and until I found a way to lock down the situation I had no control over my thoughts and could not make any headway into solving my issues.

I’ve run into this blockage in a different way before. At times we tend to know our story too well. From main plot to sub plot, everything is so firmly established in our brain that when it comes time to write them out there is too much input. Everything becomes muddled and nothing connects seamlessly.

Finding solutions

DSA was a tricky beast. It usually is. When it came time to get thoughts on the page, I found myself starting with the simple premise. What is this book about?

Not what is this series about or who are these characters, but what was I thinking about first when it came to this installment, this book itself on its own. No connections with other plots or long-running themes.

Bare bones. Simple.

Starting from that fresh perspective gave me time to realize where I was in the narrative.

Here are some other tips to start a new project:

Write what you know.

Silly, but it works. If you have a single scene locked in your brain start there and build out from that moment.

Work on a subplot first.

It might be counterintuitive depending on the series you’re building, but if there is a clear piece of the puzzle already set in your mind, start there and let your brain continue to work through the issues you’re having on the main plot.

Build what you can, while you can.

Start a new project

Determine the act breaks.

I find this works best in a lot of ways. Figure out the turns of the story, where the action beats are and the big reveals are positioned, and suddenly the connections start to come into focus. Having these key events at fixed points in the narrative also makes for a stronger book, in my opinion.

Take a damn break.

The obvious one, right? I probably should have done this for DSA to let my mind wander on the problems I was having. Give your brain a chance to figure things out in its own time. You’ll be surprised how quick you’ll be back at the keyboard.

Reaching the end is the dream, but to start a new project can be just as exciting. Don’t let a few false starts keep you from finding your way into your next outline.

2023 Release Schedule

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Two, count them TWO, blogs in one week! I really wanted to hit the ground running this year, and to prove my commitment to you, my glorious readers, I’m here to announce two big release dates for DSA Season Two later this year. Scroll down for this year’s release schedule.

Catch up with Season One now!

DSA Season Two Begins

Broken Loyalties shattered the DSA. I won’t go too deep into the plot, but things are pretty dire where we left them with the team.

The Wellspring hits the ground running and finally brings to light some of the mysteries that carried through the inaugural season of the series.

2023 release scheduleBen Riley lies near death.

Having done all she can to save her partner’s life, Morgan Dunleavy faces an even greater emergency: Greg Sullivan has captured the Wellspring.

In a desperate gambit to free the enigmatic figure, who may be the key component behind humanity’s scientific and technological advancement over the centuries, Morgan must infiltrate the enemy stronghold alone.

Even if she saves the mysterious woman, Morgan still must deal with the treason charges leveled against not only herself, but the entire DSA.

Susan Metcalf, however, has a plan to save them all that will change the DSA forever…

 

The Wellspring arrives on September 13, 2023!

DSA continues with Foundations

The second book of the season brings in some of my favorite elements of sci-fi adventure. There is time travel. There is government conspiracy. And the DSA is at the heart of everything.

I can’t go too deep into the details on the plot without spoiling some of the elements introduced in The Wellspring, but Foundations was a true labor of love and answers one of the biggest mysteries of the series to date.

What I can tell you is: Foundations will be on sale December 6, 2023!

DSA Season Two carries through to 2024

I’m incredibly excited to bring these new books to you this year. The arc told in Season Two is one of my absolute favorites and I can’t wait for you to see where the story is headed. I took every opportunity to push the story further and give you more with each “episode.”

Answers are coming. But greater mysteries await.

Release Schedule

Now you may have noticed the installments won’t be coming at you lightning-quick as they did with Season One. That is by design. While I would love to get you a book every month of the year, I’m a realist (and a tired dad). Count on quarterly releases from now on, and that carries over to Greystone and everything else that will coming up in the future.

Four solid releases per year, with the occasional bonus of a box set or two thrown in for good measure, is what my plan is at the moment. There will be plenty more surprises along the way, but I hope this helps illustrate my rededication to the job and to bringing you the best books I can.

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