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

NaNoWriMo Prep – Part 2

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There is a lot to be said about NaNoWriMo. It can be a great motivator to finally kick your story into gear and craft it into the book you’ve been dreaming of for years. There is plenty of fun to be had, plenty of connections to be made, but the choice has to come from you and doing what is best for you and your novel.

Making connections

I absolutely love the writing community inspired by NaNoWriMo. The forums are brimming with excitement over word counts and achievements made over the course of the month. There are threads pertaining to different genres to help with prep work needing to be done.

There are also write-outs scheduled during the month. Local chapters with writers in your area are always planning a get-together in the hopes that inspiration will come from a group setting instead of pining away in the darkness of your office all the time. Or your really, really, really cold basement.

Lots of engagement to get the creative juices flowing.

You can spend hours chatting with other authors, some of which are probably right in your neck of the woods.

Or you can get your book written.

NaNoWriMo Your Way

I know, sour grapes much? That’s always been my issue with forums in general. I could spend all day connecting with like-minded folks and absolutely have a blast chatting them up about their book. But at the end of the day I still have pages to get done.

Last year I tried to use the forums. There were great people posting every day for hours on end about their journey. Great inspirational tales to motivate your own writing. There were write-outs and meetings, all kinds of engagement to help writers hit their goals.

I did a little bit of posting. I wanted to hit up the write-outs and meet some local writers but the timing never worked out. There were goals to hit, a house to maintain, and kids that missed me already. For me, working on the book came first and community fell to the wayside.

And that’s my point in this. There are many opportunities with NaNoWriMo, and one of the main reasons I’m doing it again this year. Connecting with people, even on a small scale with a word or ten of encouragement or advice about a plot twist can go a long way to making your own journey easier to handle.

Writing is a slog so why not take advantage of the tools at your disposal. But on the other end? Don’t let them slow you down or impede your progress. Use them or don’t but make sure either choice serves the book your crafting over everything else.

That is the goal. 50,000 words. 30 days.

You can do it. But do it your way.

NaNoWriMo Prep – Part 1

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It’s coming. NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, kicks off November 1st. Are you prepared to get some writing done?

This year I’ve set a steep goal. I’ve been working like a maniac to prep the final three books in the DSA’s opening season. The scripts are done. The stories are locked in my brain.

Now is the time to put together some drafts.

NaNoWriMo Prep Time!

Here are some areas I’m focused on this month to get ready for the type-fest that will be November:

Plot Breakdown –

From major turning points to intimate character moments, I like to go into the drafting stage with these pretty much set from page one. Even if it is just a sentence – Man walks down the street and is mugged. – You have the start of some connective tissue for your novel. I had one that said “Characters learn about the outpost.” No idea what that could mean but as I looked at the pieces surrounding it I was able to pull on them for more information, more substance to strengthen the need for this chapter. Can’t find that need? Ditch the moment and see what happens.

Character Arcs –

With The Medusa Coin, I knew Loren and Soriya. Ruiz and Pratchett. All the players involved. With that background knowledge it was easier to fill in the gaps and see their progression. This time? The DSA has its own challenges with structure. Each book requires a smaller arc while also feeding into the larger story as a whole. Each piece of the puzzle has to be laid out, not only for my two main leads but for the entire cast as well. Everyone plays a part and they have to click on multiple levels at all time.

Will it be 100% locked and loaded by November 1st? No way. But having as much noted and planned ahead of time saves on the editing frustrations to come.

World Building Details –

More questions. Expanding on character arcs, now look at the world of your novel-to-be. If it’s Earth, good on you. You have a basis to jump from. Thinking about sci-fi, galaxy hopping craziness? Know your world. What are the rules? What are the sides? Who is friendly, who is not? Why? What history is there? What type of currency is used? Understand as much as you can about the world your characters find themselves in and it will make your draft pop better right from the start.

No idea where to start for your NaNoWriMo Prep?

Still want to take part but haven’t even thought of what type of story to tell? No problem.

Check out these amazing writing prompt resources:

  1. Creative Writing Prompts by Writers Digest
  2. 365 Creative Writing Prompts by thinkwritten
  3. Writing Prompt Exercises by Poets & Writers

And be sure to check out NaNoWriMo.org for amazing tips and resources as well.

Hope to see you there!

Writing Update – September 27, 2018

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Are you ready for National Novel Writing Month? I’m gearing up for NaNoWriMo this November, my third year running in the program. It’s a great opportunity to get words on the page with some fantastic motivation by a community dedicated to telling stories.

Currently Writing

In order to put my best step forward this November, I’m currently scripting the last three books in the DSA’s inaugural season. My hope is to draft like a fiend for a six week stretch to close out the story, leaving edits for after the first of the year.

It’s a pretty big challenge I’ve set for myself this year but with the proper planning I think it is completely manageable. We’ll see how it goes.

The Bridge, book 3 of the DSA, is finished. My first time around this was my favorite story of the season. It still is. It really showcases each character so well, pushing the arc of every player into high gear for the rest of the season.

Story Bibles

I’ve been sidetracked of late. It happens. My brain gets stuck in idea mode. I’m forced to ride the wave while jotting down as many new concepts as I can before they slip away.

Some are just that – a note or two without any clue what they might mean down the line. Others are something bigger, more fleshed out. I’m currently working through one of these in the background of what I am currently writing, trying not to let it take over my entire week.

I don’t think I’m going to win this battle…

Another was a gift from a friend, an incredibly detailed time travel story. Usually when people ask me to write their book, I’m hesitant. Not this time. I can’t wait to dive into this world, when time allows. I think it’s going to be a very special novel when all is said and done.

Reading

Duel in the Dark by Jay Allan – An incredible start to a space-military series. Allan weaves quite the tale, building each world and their philosophies. It was perfectly paced, introducing multiple elements and characters, layering their backgrounds and conflicts, before kicking the action into overdrive for the second half in a blistering space battle.

I’ve already purchased the second book in the series and can’t wait to dive in.

 

NanoWrimo is coming – How to Prepare

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It’s coming. NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, kicks off November 1st. Are you prepared to get some writing done?

I debated the very same question. I ran a successful campaign last year when I tackled The Medusa Coin. It was a great experience and I learned quite a bit about my own writing process and the steps I personally need to take to complete a novel-sized project.

My original plan was to take it easy this fall, edit the final book (for now…) in the Greystone series. Work on the marketing side of things, get ready for a crazy editing project next year. Completely ignoring NaNoWriMo.

Then my brain screwed me over yet again.

So yeah, I’m in it again. I have a novel that’s been hiding out in the back of my noggin’ for a loooong time so it will be exciting to see if it comes to life the way I’ve always envisioned it.

NaNoWriMo Prep Time!

The Medusa Coin was a dream project for NaNoWriMo. I had the book in my head, each beat locked and loaded, ready for typing. This new book? No so much. So I’m prepping like a fiend.

For those on the same page, with their story in hand, here are some areas I’m focused on this month to get ready for the type-fest that will be November:

  1. Plot Breakdown – From major turning points to intimate character moments, I like to go into the drafting stage with these pretty much set from page one. Even if it is just a sentence – Man walks down the street and is mugged. – You have the start of some connective tissue for your novel. I had one that said “Characters learn about the outpost.” No idea what that could mean but as I looked at the pieces surrounding it I was able to pull on them for more information, more substance to strengthen the need for this chapter. Can’t find that need? Ditch the moment and see what happens.
  2. Character Arcs – With The Medusa Coin, I knew Loren and Soriya. Ruiz and Pratchett. All the players involved. With that background knowledge it was easier to fill in the gaps and see their progression. This time? I’m learning these new characters as I go along. Are they sarcastic? Are they angry? Where do they come from? What baggage do they bring to the table? And what are their hopes to get out of this insane situation? I need to be able to answer these questions before drafting or the voice, the narration won’t ring true. Will it be 100% locked and loaded by November 1st? No way. But having as much noted and planned ahead of time saves on the editing frustrations to come.
  3. World Building Details – More questions. Expanding on character arcs, now look at the world of your novel-to-be. If it’s Earth, good on you. You have a basis to jump from. Thinking about sci-fi, galaxy hopping craziness? Know your world. What are the rules? What are the sides? Who is friendly, who is not? Why? What history is there? What type of currency is being used? Understand as much as you can about the world your characters find themselves in and it will make your draft pop better right from the start.

No idea where to start for your NaNoWriMo Prep?

Still want to take part but haven’t even thought of what type of story to tell? No problem.

Check out these amazing writing prompt resources:

  1. Creative Writing Prompts by Writers Digest
  2. 365 Creative Writing Prompts by thinkwritten
  3. Writing Prompt Exercises by Poets & Writers

And be sure to check out NaNoWriMo.org for amazing tips and resources as well.

Hope to see you there!

Writing Update – November 10, 2016

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I like to take stock on where I am with my work and I feel it’s important to share that with you here. Every two weeks you can find out what I’m currently writing and what I’ve been reading.

Reminder Alert: Only one week left to enter the Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Signs of Portents! Plenty of time left to spread the word and get people excited for the book!

Writing

NaNoWriMo is in full swing and I am chained to my folding table in the basement to crank out the second full length novel in the Greystone series. The Medusa Coin is a story I’ve been waiting to tell for way too long. To have the opportunity to maximize my productivity during this month long sprint is incredible.

I’m looking to complete the entire first draft for the NaNoWriMo challenge this year and have been plugging away diligently to make it happen. As of this writing I am 30 chapters in at a word count of 34,042. It definitely takes some getting used to being able to write almost full time compared to my normal schedule (the ever fading nap time). Very happy I’ve taken the challenge this year to test out how things will be once my two wonderful munchkins hit their school years though I do miss daylight (Not that there’s much of it to enjoy these days.)

You can read about my NaNoWriMo experience as well as some tips to prepare and survive the grueling month over at The Write Life starting next week.

currently writingTales from Portents

The line edit just came back from my brilliantly talented editor, Kristen Hamilton and I will be digging through her notes over the next two weeks before the proofreading phase begins. February is right around the corner so I plan to make this my full priority once I survive November. I’m looking forward to sharing this project with you. Very surprised at how well it came together considering its origins.

Kristen was nice enough to entertain some questions – okay, a lot of questions – about her process. I plan to share them over the next couple of weeks. A nice primer for how much she brings to the table as an editor and how to make the most of the collaboration.

Reading

Unfortunately, with more writing time the reading portion of my day has ground to a halt. I have been lucky enough to get more reading time with my three year old so if you’re looking for some scintillating reviews of Dora the Explorer or Pete the Cat I’d be glad to share them. Just not here. (As long as my daughter enjoys them, that’s all that matters, right?)

Thanks for reading.

NaNoWriMo

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It is the end of October. Fall is in full swing. Snow is right around the corner or seventy degree weather if you live in Buffalo. (INSANE) And tomorrow kicks off one of the biggest writing events of the year. NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month starts at 12:01 tomorrow morning.

About NaNoWriMo

The event was first held way back in the dark ages of the twentieth century. 1999. No one felt like partying by November because the Prince song had been played to death all fudging year. Instead, a challenge was issued to the writing community. 30 days of writing. A 50,000 word count as the target. Go.

Since that time the event has grown so much that in 2015 there were over 431,000 participants on six continents. Not too shabby.

The NaNoWriMo organization has expanded as well. A non-profit since 2005 they now host a Youth Writers Program, helping students become writers as well as helping educators push their students in the field. Camp NaNoWriMo offers a community of writers to work with during their sessions in April and July of every year. Being able to bounce ideas and pitch story to better develop their own skills goes a long way to building up the confidence to put together a fully formed manuscript.

What does this mean for me?

I’ve always had mixed feelings on the program. I believe writing should be every month, every day, every hour you’re able. (Praise to you, o glorious nap time.) I understand it’s purpose. Now more than ever. Dedicating a single month to crafting a singular project, focusing on it completely, makes sense. It forces writers to push through everything holding us back. Anxieties. Doubts. Fear. Busy schedules. Every fault we find in ourselves. Every excuse not to express ourselves and share what we discover during the journey.

So I’m in.

Follow along.

Starting tomorrow morning I am in full drafting mode. From Chapter One to The End when November 30th creeps up on me out of nowhere. (It will too. Damn calendars.) 50,000 words is the NaNoWriMo challenge. Unfortunately, that won’t cover the novel I have planned. I’m looking more at 85,000 to 90,000 by the looks of my outlines.

I always was an overachiever.

What am I working on? What do you have to look forward to down the line, after a massive amount of editing?

The next full length Greystone novel. I call it The Medusa Coin. Here’s a sneak peek:

Death has come to Portents.

Three months after the Night of the Lights the city has changed. Detective Greg Loren struggles to find his place in the city, while Soriya finds her confidence shattered in an instant.

Something is wrong with the Greystone.

But there isn’t time to worry about it. A new menace stalks the streets, slaughtering innocents mercilessly. Who is controlling it? Who has found access to the mysterious Medusa Coin?

And what does it mean for the city?

Faced with an insurmountable challenge will Loren and Soriya be able to overcome this new threat or will they fall with the rest of Portents?

This one has been brewing in the back of my mind for a long time. I can’t wait to see it finally come together.

The Write Life Connection

The fine folks at The Write Life have asked me to blog about my NaNoWriMo experience over on their site. I hope to share some tips on how to prepare for the challenge, how to get great results with your daily word count and how to reward yourself along the way.

Donate today.

NaNoWriMo.org accepts donations to help run the annual challenge and promote writing worldwide. Find out more on their site.

Join in the fun.

It might be tomorrow but you can still join in the challenge. Have that dream novel waiting in the back of your mind? There is no better time to write it than NOW.

I’ll be sharing my progress as I go along. I hope you’ll do the same.

Thanks for reading. Go write something!

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