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

Weighing Expectations

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I suppose there are a few ways to look at this topic. For me, though, expectations boil down to what I believe I should be accomplishing given a certain timeframe. That has been key when determining what my goals should be for 2025. No one ever tells me what I need to do, what book has to be next. Everything comes from what I gather from readers, what I have sitting on my shelf, and the time available thanks to the growing needs of my family. So, weighing expectations becomes very important when balancing everything.

Weighing Expectations

What I want to be doing…

Everything. It’s really as simple as that. Someone will ask me if my books are in audio yet, and I feel an undue pressure to want to drop everything and start finding a new narrator. Another person wants a release date set for DSA Season Three, and I want to forget about Greystone, Coventry, and a dozen other things to draft all six books immediately.

Two people can’t dictate the process, though, can they?

What I say and what I think don’t always align when I ponder the above question. I hate to disappoint anyone. If ever there was a way to do it all, I would do it in a heartbeat.

That’s when those expectations come into play.

Coming up with the schedule

The Christmas/New Year’s break is about more than recharging the old batteries. The two/three-week period of silence from me is all about gearing up for what’s next. Usually, I have things lined up pretty well. There are books constantly being written and edited. Something will always be on the horizon, but is there enough to last a year?

This past year showed what happens when things get overwhelming. My schedule was an utter disaster. Every break from school turned into a break from whatever world I was trying to create, whether it be in outlining, scripting, drafting, or editing. I fell behind… BIG TIME.

I didn’t help matters. Greystone needed a revamp, and I was happy to finally do it. But those months really ate into any kind of lead time I thought I had built up.

2025 is about rebalancing. The release schedule provided last week is the template from which everything else grows. Almost everything on that list is already done (and oh, so good).

So where do I go from here?

Giving myself time.

This is a pretty simple goal yet easily overlooked. I stressed out for months on how to maintain my workload. I pulled back on a number of levels, but it never achieved anything on a personal level. That has to change for 2025. Instead of letting projects fester so that I am constantly on edge, I am going whole hog into work. I know where I have to be, and I know what has to be written.

I just need to make it work within the structure of time I’m allowed to play with.

Yes, the youngest kiddo makes it tough. It’s my last few months with her before school takes over fully. I’m going to enjoy that as much as I can.

Do I need more physical activity? Absolutely. That’s something else that needs to be put into the schedule. It has to. I can’t keep going the way I’ve been.

All these things need to be taken into account. Weighing expectations is about more than goal setting. It is about righting the ship called Lou, both physically, mentally, and creatively. Less stress. Less frustration at not working. Mapping out the days in advance, working through them at a steady but not insane clip, and then walking away in the evening for some much-needed exercise, is what is called for this year. And by God, I am going to do it.

There is more than work on the docket this year. There is time for me. Time to read. Time to play. Weighing my own expectations is my way of justifying the lighter workload. It’s also my way of staying alive to see the end of these incredible stories I’ve been building.

I think every book will be better for it.

2025 Releases

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I’m so excited to announce my 2025 releases. I wasn’t sure what I could bring to the table after a crazy year like 2024, but I think the books coming this year are some of the strongest I’ve ever written. Check out the list below!

2025 Releases

January 29th – The Last King

A dying king, a guardian lion, and a shadowy demon spell disaster for Portents.

The skandola—an ancient talisman with the power to ward off evil—is in danger. When its protection fails, one of the great demons from the underworld escapes to walk the Earth once more.

Ur has returned and with him comes eternal darkness.

Greg Loren, reassigned from the Central Precinct to a cold case warehouse, finds himself pulled into the conflict when a Shishi lion—a guardian to the last king of men—dies in front of him. Unsure how to proceed, Loren turns to the only person he trusts when the city turns bizarre: Soriya Greystone.

Together, with the help of the king’s final guardian, Idris, Loren and Soriya must keep the king safe long enough to banish Ur’s evil from the city of Portents forever.

 

April 9th – Greystone-in-Training Box Set

Finally, the trilogy will be collected. The digital box set is something I’ve had in the works for years but could never find the right time to release it.

I love this series. It was such a blast to explore Soriya’s past, while building up elements that will have a HUGE impact on the end of the main series. Whenever someone asks about books I’m most proud of I point them to this trilogy.

The pre-order should be live for this one pretty soon.

 

 

 

June 4th – Greystone Book Six – Alpha and Omega

The Kindly Killer stalks Portents.

Seven victims have been claimed by the murderous madman. No connections exist between the deceased. No clues remain at the scenes.

Greg Loren knows the killer is behind the death of his wife and he’s willing to do anything to prove it. Crossing lines comes at a cost, though, both personally and professionally. With his career at risk, Loren must discover what is more important: the answers to the past or carving out a future.

Soriya Greystone watches him from a distance, afraid to pull him into her world. But when the twin masked menaces of Comedy and Tragedy strike the city with a chaotic crime wave, the pair are forced together.

How are these two disparate threats connected? And what is the secret behind the Kindly Killer’s mania?

Witness the beginning as Loren and Soriya meet for the first time. But will their partnership survive the trial by fire?

The second half of the Greystone Saga kicks off with a murder and a promise—one that portends dark days ahead…

October 15th – Greystone Book Seven – Errant Knight

A knight’s destiny spells the end for Portents.

In the final days of Camelot, Merlin foresaw a great darkness rising. He dispatched five knights to combat this evil—and safeguard the world from its insidious threat. The knights built a fail-safe device, should all hope fade, and awaited the day it became necessary.

The clock starts ticking when a prominent philanthropist is found murdered. Detective Samantha Myers, with the aid of a centuries-old siren Thel, is pulled into the case. Stymied by the secrets uncovered, Myers turns to the only man capable of solving the mystery: Greg Loren.

In the absence of Soriya Greystone, Loren has taken up the role of protector in Portents. He feels inadequate to handle the burden though, especially when he learns his new partner, Gabe, is spiraling at school and with his foster family.

The case proves the perfect distraction as Loren confronts the deadly guardians of the knights. As each key falls into the hands of the murderous Squire, Merlin’s prophecy is on the verge of becoming a reality.

Can Loren protect the last knight and the key he bears or will Portents fall in the wake of his failure?

The restoration of Portents may be over before it has even begun in this epic installment to the Greystone Saga.

December – Coventry Christmas Adventures # 2 and 3

More details to come on these later.

December – TBD

I mentioned a book in last week’s blog that I’m hoping to get to rework. I really would like to see it released this year, but that might be pushing things. We’ll see what I can do.

Whew. Okay. That was more than I was expecting. I better start writing.

2025 Goals

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I’m back! Recharged (ha) and ready (haha) to take on the new year with some exciting new projects. This break has given me the opportunity to take stock on how things have been going the last year and see what I can do to make things… let’s say, less stressful. Take a peek at my 2025 goals below:

2025 Goals

Writing

Looking back on 2024, I realize I spent the majority of my time reworking books already set. In terms of drafts, there were only three new projects completed, two of which were short stories for Coventry. That’s not going to cut it in 2025.

This year, I’m diving into the end of Greystone. The last three books in the series will be drafted and set before the calendar changes again. I’ve been reading through the script for Book 8. It’s really good. I’m very excited to bring this book to life. It’s the pinnacle of the series, in my opinion. Key stuff that will send us zooming to the finale.

Beyond Greystone, I have a couple more short story ideas for Coventry to flesh out. There’s also a standalone novel I’ve had sitting on my shelf since 2017 called Lost Outpost. I’m hoping to dust it off and give it a fresh coat of paint for a year-end release.

Knowing Limitations

This is a tough one for me. I want to work. All the time. I love what I do. Life, though, has been diligent about reminding me of other priorities. So, figuring out that balance is key for me this year. It’s the most important goal I have for myself in 2025 because I cannot go through another year like this last one. Self-care really fell apart for me, so taking a step away from the desk will be key to my success going forward.

Audiobooks

I’ve been talking to readers about it for months. This year, I want to focus on getting my books out there in audio. I’ve been stymied by the cost of the endeavor, so I’m taking steps to make this more affordable while improving the quality of what I can offer to my readers. Hoping to get the first ones out by the end of the year.

What would you like to see in 2025?

I make no promises, but I’d love to hear what you want to see this year. There’s the Patreon, of course, and some new releases coming your way, but what else would make your list? Shoot me an email or message me.

2024 Wrap Up!

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I have quite a few thoughts about 2024. Most of them are less than pleasant, so rather than dwell on them or their impact on our futures, I’ve determined to stick to what I can control and what I can improve upon in the coming year. Check out my 2024 Wrap Up below:

2024 Wrap Up

This year presented numerous challenges to this poor writer. Iris, my three-year-old whirlwind, broke the mold of the Paduano children and shucked off the nap much sooner than expected. Not the worst thing in the world. We’ve certainly enjoyed ourselves, reading and coloring and playing games, but holy hell has it taken away from my work. That sixty to ninety minutes every day really helped take care of quite a bit. Without it, things have been… tougher, let’s say.

I’ve written under pressure for most of my career. When you have three kids and a wife who want nothing more than to spend time with you, you try to make the most with the minutes you have. This year, though, with four releases, more in-person events than ever, and less time to work than ever, it has not been my best year.

This isn’t meant to be a downer. I don’t care to complain. This is just where life is at the moment, but things will change. This time will never come again, so I am rolling with the punches to do what I can while enjoying my family as it stands in this moment.

But enough with the complaining.

I mentioned the four releases. DSA Season Two is finally out in the world! I remember putting down my first thoughts on The Wellspring in December 2019. That’s how long these six books took to ruminate into existence. The pandemic was a tricky devil to navigate, but out of that time away from publishing came six of my best works and I will always be proud of the journey taken to make them a reality.

The reception to the season has been phenomenal. We’re not burning up the sales charts, but those who have read the tales of our intrepid adventurers have said nothing but wonderful things.

Greystone returns.

If those would have been the only releases this year, I would have considered that a triumph. But then came The Last King. Yes, it isn’t truly out in the world on its own yet. That comes next month. But The Last King was a project that came out of nowhere and one that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Everything about putting the story together was a dream come true. For those who haven’t read it yet, you are in for a treat.

Out of everything that happened this year, the Patreon is what I am most proud of. This was something I wanted to do for years, yet kept putting it off repeatedly out of pure terror. I am what I am and most of the time, that is a self-loathing fool of a man. I am my greatest critic. Always will be. I worried over the commitment required to publish content regularly, sure, but what it boiled down to was a sense of failure if the page didn’t take off.

I really am quite stupid. The Patreon has been a lot of fun to work on this year. Not only has it allowed me another avenue to reach readers, it’s given me the chance to finally publish Army in the Obelisk. This was another long-gestating project that I pushed aside many times to work on other things. The story is great, but the structure appealed to me more than anything else. I love toying with new formats and different ways to tell a tale. Thankfully, Loren and Soriya make it very easy.

In-person events were amazing this year. So many conventions and festivals allowed me so many new opportunities to connect with readers. Every interaction was a treat for me and I hope you feel the same if you happened upon me out in the wild. I’m still pinning down what I want to do next year. We’ll see what I can squeeze in.

That was the year in review. A reflection of the tough days endured and the sadness at not being able to write more than I did. The best thing about doing these wrap ups is that they not only let me see where I’ve been, they allow me to see the road ahead. And to share a bit of it with you.

A look ahead…

Greystone will be the big takeaway for 2025. Hardcover editions of the books are coming starting next month. The prequel trilogy will be getting a box set… FINALLY. The Last King and Army in the Obelisk were just to get the ball rolling. Books Six and Seven of the main series arrive next year. I’ve spent the last two weeks reading through them (again). They are, without a doubt, two of my favorite books. I’m actually scared to write the next one because of how good these turned out. Isn’t that ridiculous?

Realizing the dwindling time available to me and the pressure of the past year, I’ve redoubled my efforts to make next year about some long-deserved self-care. My writing schedule is set. I will be finishing the Greystone series on my end, but rather than push hard into the next big endeavor, I need to take some time to work on myself a bit health-wise.

That might not be what you want to hear. You want the next season of DSA, or the Coventry series, or Spectral Advocate, or Red Epsilon, or, or, or… So do I! More than anyone! This is for their benefit, trust me. I never stop working, and don’t think I can at this point, but by taking a step away more often than I have in the past, I think the books will be better for it.

Thank you for supporting my work. You have no idea what it means to me having you here. Whether it is on the blog or on social media or on the Patreon page. I know you have my back and I can only hope to deliver the best fiction possible for many, many, many years to come.

Wishing you a very magical holiday season and a happy new year.

Thanks for reading.

Writing Update – October 30, 2024

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This writing update is brought to you the letter W, for What the hell happened to this year? Well, here we go again, I guess.

Writing Update

Greystone

I’ve been in the middle of a massive overhaul of the Greystone series. What does this mean exactly? Well, for starters, I took a deep dive into Signs of Portents. Some people–friends and family–think I’m insane for doing so. They love the book as it stands.

But it isn’t universally praised. Those critical of the book aren’t wrong. I would never write Signs the same way if I were to tackle it from scratch. I’ve changed over the years and my sensibilities have shifted. I wouldn’t say for the better, but I would like to think I’ve grown into the role of novelist respectably.

Anyway, I retooled the whole book. The narrative is the same. The mystery at the heart of the book remains intact. There are slight additions for pacing purposes. The most jarring changes are with POV. I switched POVs mid-chapter A LOT in Signs. I found ways around doing that for the revision, building up images in some cases and switching events around in others.

The book is vastly improved. VASTLY.

writing update
Look, Ma, the book number!

New covers!

The overhaul also entails new covers for the series. I tried–really, I did–to get on-brand, genre covers for the series. I hated every design sent my way. The characters models looked weird and the edge was lost on the monster angle. None of them felt right to me.

The original covers always made the series for me. So, I went back to the well and found someone able to update the original covers to include… THE BOOK NUMBER ON THE SPINE! (WOOHOO!)

Not only that, but hardcover editions are coming your way next year!

The Signs edit has been my life for the last two months. Now, it is time to turn my attention to Tales and the rest of the Greystone series to get the books prepped for a huge push in 2025.

Terminal Point

I’m doing my final lap on the DSA Season Two finale. I love this book, personally, which is not something I so readily say when it comes to my work. There are some great Ben-Morgan moments in the book as well as a cliffhanger that will have you screaming at me for quite some time.

Be sure to pre-order your copy now for only $0.99!

Coventry

Next month, I’m back to work on Coventry to get the two short stories already written into shape for release in December. I don’t usually like to play it this close, but this year has been a mess all around for me. Don’t worry about the tales, they’re a blast and you’ll enjoy them. I just wish I had more time to play around in the world before the launch.

Is that it? Come on, Lou.

I know, right? Pretty lackluster performance from me this year on the writing side. Next year, the game changes, hopefully. A little less worrying about what’s already out and more focus on building new narratives.

Writing Update – August 28, 2024

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How is the summer over already? It can’t be, can it? Well, we’re at the end of another month, so let’s get to the writing update!

Writing Update

DSA Season Two

Season Two updates still? What are you trying to pull, Lou? I know, I know. The books are done. They are ready for you to enjoy. I’ve just spent a little time going through them ONE MORE TIME, because I am completely and totally insane. I really am my own worst enemy. The books are fantastic, though. You’re going to love how the season closes out. Then curse me out when Season Three doesn’t come out right away…

DSA Season Three

Speaking of which, the draft for the opener to Season Three is complete. Utopia Protocol is the biggest DSA adventure to date and sets off a whole chain of events that will carry through the six-book season. Lots of work to be done on this one still, but it’s a strong start that will answer some long-standing questions.

Book Two is called Three Fates and is on the docket to be drafted in September. Will that happen? I hope so, but there is a lot going on at the moment that might cause me to shuffle things around. We’ll see. I will say, this book has a moment that completely surprised me in the outlining phase. It gives me chills just thinking about it. You’re going to lose your minds when you read it.

Coventry

I’ve been delving into a new series over the course of the summer. It’s called Coventry and is part myth-building and part urban fantasy. Two short stories have been drafted that you’ll be able to enjoy over on the Patreon page this December. The lore behind what will eventually be a series of novels has been keeping me up at night for weeks. It’s some of the most ambitious storytelling I’ve ever attempted, and I’m loving how it is all coming together.

More to share on these soon.

Miscellaneous Nonsense

I always shoot for the moon when it comes to my deadlines and writing goals. This summer was meant to be much more productive. It didn’t materialize for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the death of my laptop.

Losing my most essential tool was bound to happen. The laptop was ancient. I was simply hoping to eke out a few more months before replacing it. Then the “O” key stopped working. Then the battery stopped taking a charge. And then, and then… You get the picture.

Switching to a new unit has been more challenging than writing entire books in some respects, but I’m almost back up to speed. We’ll see if I’ve forgotten to transfer over any vital information and how much it will screw me over down the line.

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