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

Writing Update – March 24, 2020

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The world came crashing down on everyone this month. I’ve never been good at tuning things out, but the current pandemic has really dampened my productivity of late. I hope everyone is being safe and staying healthy through this crisis.

Now onto the writing update.

Writing Update

The Final Gauntlet

I’m finishing the first draft this week!!! It’s taken far longer than I would have liked, but I’m generally pleased with the results. A lot of cleaning up to do next month, but then the Greystone-in-Training trilogy is complete.

This endeavor has been so rewarding to me as a writer. It was originally meant to be three very short tales (and a proposed fourth that I think is going to work out perfectly somewhere else…). The idea was that these 10,000 word stories would be the perfect bridge between Book 5 and 6 of the main series.

But the way they grew, the way they continue to evolve even in the drafting stage, has been truly astonishing. I absolutely love the way the trilogy has turned out. Hope you feel the same.

Greystone Serial

I was supposed to announce more details for this. Then the world imploded. So I’m giving myself more time to line up the specifics for this project. You’ll hear them soon, I promise.

Sales

Like I said, not much in the way of productivity. (I guess a draft is nothing to sneeze at, but still…) What I have done over the last week is lower the prices of most of my books.

We all need to escape the news every once in a while. Yes, it is great to stay informed. If it comes at the cost of our sanity, though, it really isn’t doing us any good. So let’s unplug and enjoy some fiction, folks!

 

 

Hammer and Anvil is also FREE right now!

Greystone: The Complete First Cycle is on sale for only $6.99!

Be smart out there. Be safe.

And happy reading!

Writing Update – February 25, 2020

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Don’t mind the dust over here. I’ve been away for a week and am just now starting to pull myself back together. Let’s get on with the writing update, shall we?!

Writing Update

Greystone

This week I am starting the draft for The Final Gauntlet. It is the last book in the Greystone-in-Training trilogy and one that sets the stage for everything to follow in the main series. There is a little bit of pressure to make sure it does everything I want it to, but the pieces are coming together nicely. Any chance I get to spend in Portents is always like coming home.

Greystone Serial

This last month I’ve been developing a new Greystone adventure set between the stories in Tales from Portents. When I conceive a new project, I try to find some new challenge, something to sink my creative teeth into so I can test my craft or push myself in new ways. This serial is a perfect example of that. I so want to share more, but I’ll wait until next month as the details come to light.

I will say it is the most pure Soriya/Loren story since Signs of Portents. I really wanted to return to those roots and explore their dynamic as I did during those early adventures. Finding some quirky monsters to tie into it was just a bonus.

DSA Season One

Dark Impulses is now available in paperback! This was the book that sold me on the Morgan/Ben dynamic. It solidifies them as the core of the series and I love every moment with them.

You can order your signed paperback now.

DSA Season Two

The first book of Season Two is with some alpha readers. I’m anxious for their feedback. This book closes out the threads of the first season, while setting the stage for the next. My plan is to draft the second book after The Final Gauntlet, but we’ll see what happens.

Season Two is a much different animal in a lot of ways. There is a tighter narrative connecting the six books. There is definitely more answers and insights along the way as well. I think it’s much stronger and shows the potential offered by the format. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming months.

Reading

Last week’s road trip with family and friends afforded me some much needed reading time. I might actually complete one of my seasonal reading lists for a change!

Artemis by Andy Weir

The Martian is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the narrative and the narration offered by Weir. Most of those qualities carried over to Artemis. It’s a much different novel, about a city on the moon, but the storytelling was phenomenal. Sure, there were moments where the science went right over my head – I’m not that smart – but Weir immediately brings it down to a human level. I can’t recommend Weir enough. Check it out.

Stone of Fire by J.F. Penn

Joanna Penn’s ARKANE series has been on my reading pile for years. It hits all my sweet spots as a reader. Indiana Jones meets The X-Files as the ARKANE group tracks down powerful religious artifacts. What’s not to love?

I thought this opening installment did a nice job of introducing the agency and the main players. I wasn’t sold on the inclusion of the evil syndicate, Thanatos. I would have preferred the main thrust of the action to be focused on the villainous Everett. Thanatos seemed more thrown in to foreshadow future books than to play a role in this one.

I’m still excited to read the next one. I think Morgan Sierra is the perfect lead for this series and am looking forward to seeing her story progress.

February Promotions

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There are some great deals going on this month. Be sure to check them all out when you have a chance. Some amazing authors are out there hoping you’ll give them a try.

February Promotions


Greystone Deals

For this month, a number of Greystone titles are on sale.

Signs of Portents is only $0.99 right now. Dive into the world of Portents with this thrilling murder mystery.

Hammer and Anvil is on sale as well. Follow Soriya’s training to become the Greystone with the first book in a prequel trilogy. And be sure to pre-order book two, The Gifts of Kali, today.

As part of the box set sale this month, Greystone: The Complete First Cycle is only $4.99. That’s 5 books for under 5 bucks. Over 1,500 pages of myths, monsters, and mayhem!

DSA Deal

To celebrate the launch of Spectral Advocate, Book One of the series is only $0.99 this month. The Clearing sets off a chain of events that send the DSA Field Team on an adventure like no other.

Thank you for your support.

These promos are one of many ways I try to say thank you for your support. I spend a lot of time searching out similar authors who are putting out quality books that I hope you’ll enjoy. I hope you’ll take the time to look into them, to try a new author and find a new favorite.

Happy reading.

January Promotions

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This month, be sure to take advantage of a number of January promotions offered through Bookfunnel. Heavily discounted and free books are yours to grab this month.

Start the new year right and fill up your e-readers.

January Promotions

Looking for that next urban fantasy read? Be sure to take advantage of Bookfunnel’s month-long promo. Dozens of authors have put together a treasure-trove of books for your reading pleasure.

Head over there now!

 

For those looking for a wider selection than just urban fantasy take a peek at the Wide World of Sci-Fi and Fantasy promo going on now through February 8th. Epic fantasy tales right alongside sci-fi horror and all available for you.

Check out the promo now!

Hammer and Anvil

The first book in the Greystone-in-Training trilogy is on sale this month for only $0.99!

Soriya has worked her entire life to become the Greystone—protector of her city, Portents, against the growing shadows of myth and legend. All her efforts are in jeopardy when she is struck down by the destructive power of the Minotaur.

Soriya must now find a new path. Only one thing is certain—she’s going to need help.

Beth, a researcher with insight into the city, has been locked in her own mystery—hunting for the recently stolen hammer of Hephaestus.

Working together to unravel the secrets hidden in Portents, Soriya and Beth must learn to trust the other’s unique perspective. However, they aren’t the only ones seeking answers as the Minotaur turns his rage on the city… starting with Soriya’s beloved teacher.

The Gifts of Kali (Book 2) is coming this July so get caught up today!

Box Set Sale!

Kobo is running a box set sale and Greystone is included! Greystone: The Complete First Cycle will be 40% during the sale, which runs from January 22nd to the 27th!

All five books in the Greystone series are included in the set. Over 1,500 pages of murder, monsters and mayhem. Check it out now!

End of Year Wrap-Up

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Happy Holidays! We made it. It’s been a whirlwind kind of year, but here we are at last.

A note of gratitude

None of this works without you, gentle reader. Not this blog, not the social media insanity, the newsletter, or the writing itself. None of it matters without you. I cannot thank you enough for being here and supporting my continued efforts to entertain and engage with you.

It means the world, not only to me, but to my family.

A crazy year indeed…

Four book launches in the last three months. Five this year if you count the Greystone box set. It’s so exciting to see The DSA come to life after so many years. It’s even more thrilling to revisit Portents with the Greystone-in-Training trilogy. I’m having more fun creating with each passing month and that is a gift I hope to share with you for many years to come.

The Good

The DSA is out. People are enjoying it. At this month’s Mini-Con, DSA outsold Greystone for the first time. A number of people were immediately pulled in by the premise. Trust me, the best is yet to come with the series.

I hit my sales goal for the year. I didn’t think I would after some very slow months at the start, but I did it. The local shows were the big winners, for sure, and I hope to continue to participate as my schedule allows.

I’m fully mapped out until 2022 now with projects. It’s a crazy feeling to be locked in for the next two years, but definitely helps figure out my schedule on a weekly or monthly basis.

The Less Good

I’m fully mapped out until 2022! I have so much to do!

Seriously though, the only bummer is that I’ve pushed some projects to the back burner to focus on current series. I’m really hoping to be able to put some time into new genres, but we’ll see with everything else going on.

Digital sales. I still haven’t quite mastered this one. Every time I think I’ve figured out a good metric, a decent strategy for people to find my books the game changes and I have to start over again. I was hoping DSA would launch stronger than it has, but the hope is that once Book 6 is out in April that there will be more interest in binging the whole first season. Same with Hammer and Anvil, but that might change next week as the book goes on sale for the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

I’m off for the next few weeks. Will there be any rest for me? Probably not. I’m working on the script for The Final Gauntlet, the last book in the Greystone-in-Training trilogy. (It’s coming together so well! Loving this one.) I’m also finalizing Spectral Advocate so I can order my first proof.

I will be back in January to announce project dates so get ready!

I hope you and your loved ones have an incredibly festive and harmonious holiday season.

Take care.

Paperbacks For Sale

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This is something I’ve wanted to offer for quite some time. Now, you can purchase paperback copies of all my books directly from me. Each one will be personalized and signed and sent to your door. Pretty sweet, right?

Order your paperbacks now!

The Process

  1. Choose your product(s).
  2. E-mail me at lou@loupaduano.com with your order details, address, and any specifics for the signed paperback(s).
  3. You will receive an invoice through Square.
  4. Once payment has been confirmed you will receive tracking information within 48-72 hours.

US customers pay no shipping cost or tax. I handle those costs on my end.

International shoppers will be notified of the shipping cost involved before before the final invoice is sent.

Pricing

Greystone – $10 each (view them here)

DSA – $9 each (view them here)

Greystone-in-Training – $9 each (view them here)

International customers will be notified of the cost involved before the final invoice is sent depending on what they order.

I am extremely excited to offer this service to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at lou@loupaduano.com.

Happy Reading!

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