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

Organization – Scheduling and Mapping

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When it comes to the writing game, organization is critical to any type of success. From creative to financial, nothing comes to fruition without maintaining a level of organization in the day to day operation of your writing business.

Remember that? Yeah, it’s still a business. We might tell incredible stories about spaceships and kick ass women with mysterious elemental powers but at the end of the day we have to pay some bills, right?

Scheduling

Scheduling is absolutely key and one of the areas I constantly revisit when figuring out my calendar. Take each step of the process – from outlining to drafting to editing. Add in everything necessary. Communication delays with the cover artist? Make sure it is built into the schedule.  Editor booked until later in the year? Make sure you know what is going on in the world around you.

Much as I would like to think the universe stops for my deliberations – and it damn well should! – I wake up every morning hopeful in my attempts to GET AHEAD of schedule.

But the schedule comes first. And not just for one project, one week or even one month. But a year out. At all times. At least.

That might be difficult to imagine. The schedule won’t be perfect. It can’t be. There are too many variables, too many pieces pulling in different directions. By looking at the macro – the big picture of the business of writing – you can see pockets of time for these last minute calamities that WILL occur no matter the amount of planning involved.

What do I use for this?

There are tons of calendar apps out there and I really need to upgrade my method here but I stick with the Outlook calendar. I list out each event, the time involved and plan accordingly, stretching out four to six months at a time per project.  I am actually trying to nail down the specifics for 2019 at the moment so I’m hopeful it’s working.

From the macro to the nitty-gritty

Macro is great. It gives you perspective. It gives you wiggle room to shift and play with the overall plan in place. But what about the day to day?

When it comes to my calendar, the big things make it there. Drafting. Outlining. Editing. Cover Design. Publication Dates. Marketing initiatives. When it comes to the day to day operation that is my basement office, there is nothing better than a legal pad and a pencil.

I make a list every Sunday for the week. On that list are tasks ranging from this very blog you’re reading to making sure a tweet is scheduled about another author’s new release.

Some are date specific and noted as such. Others are carryover tasks from the previous week. (Really, who has time to clean up their email?) Each is essential to making sure I can find the time to write. Every line I can check off makes it that much easier to fit in some time for a new book, a new series, whatever.

Organization when it comes to the creative side

That’s the business side. Yeah, it’s drab – unless you like checklists which are the BEST – however, I enjoy looking at that side of things and finding new ways to explore the creative side with the time allotted through careful planning.

For organizing plots on future books?

I use OneNote. I know, WINDOWS. I had a Windows phone (I was the one, yes), so sue me. When I take a walk to clear my head, rather than pack the legal pad and pencil I have the app open so I can punch in random thoughts ranging from a line of dialogue to a crucial plot element that I had been missing for months.

It works. Everything is broken down into pages. I have a page for each of the Greystone books. I have one for the overall map of the series – even the beginning stages of the second cycle.

When I’m working on a project I tend to map out the plot in OneNote. I’ll break down each chapter or I’ll follow a specific character from start to finish to see where they head and how they connect to other characters later explored in this manner. It helps me see the story before getting too far along the process.

It also helps me see if there is an actual story in the mix or if I need to sleep on it more.

Systems, systems, systems

Obviously, every writer is different in their approach. Everyone handles the workload differently. The very idea of scheduling is anathema to some writer’s – though those people are CRAZY.

Find your system and make it work for you. Then refine it. Play with it. Map it out.

Now go write!

Writing Update – August 24, 2017

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I was away on Monday. It’s a rare thing and I took advantage of the time after a crazy summer of writing. I also learned a bit about myself in the process. I suck at down time.

It’s something I need. I recognize that fact. At this point in the game, however, I seem to be missing the capacity to handle such things. So what did I do?

I remodeled a bedroom. Spackle, paint, new shoe moulding. Fun stuff.

Writing-wise? I outlined two new series. That is the very definition of the OPPOSITE of down time. Stupid brain…

They’re pretty cool ideas too, some trippy futuristic sci-fi action and a YA Horror series. I don’t mind letting my mind work on things like that. My frustration comes from not being able to write them out from the word GO. Both of these will sit on the backburner until my schedule opens up (hmmm, 2019 maybe?).

Now, that is just a fact of life. There are only so many hours in the day and I have a commitment to the projects already on the slate. That’s the way it is and has to be or I’d never move forward on ANYTHING. I get that, I do. Most of the time. But yeah, down time and my brain have yet to reach the same page. For now…

Greystone

If you’re on my newsletter you already know, but if not I’m glad to repeat it as often as possible:

The Medusa Coin comes out in LESS THAN 3 weeks! I originally considered leaving it at the full price of $2.99 but as the days inched closer I realized that really takes the fun out of promoting it to you and all of my exceptional readers.

So I’ve brought the price down to $0.99 for a limited time launch offer! The book hits digital shelves on September 12th so order your copy today!

            

 

Paperbacks won’t be available until the 12th but if you order one through Amazon it will be part of the Kindle Matchbook program. What is the Matchbook program? It means if you buy a paperback you can also purchase the Kindle version of The Medusa Coin FOR FREE. I love this program and absolutely try to utilize it with every published work.

Pathways in the Dark

You’ll be reading much more about this project in the coming months but I am happy to say it is off to my editor for the next month. I’m happy to see it take the next step to completion. I think this collection went far smoother than I thought it would.

When I was putting down my ideas for where the characters should be, what beats they need to hit to propel them forward to the final book in this arc, they really took shape. Binding them with this theme of finding your way through the darkness of Portents really strengthened the project as a whole.

I’m excited to share more about what’s inside starting next month!

Book Five!

THE DRAFT IS DONE!

Knowing this will be the final Greystone novel for some time and the conclusion of quite a bit built up since Signs of Portents, it was tough to say goodbye to so many wonderful characters. The action is intense in this one, the threat larger than anything we’ve seen so far in the series.

There are some heartbreaking moments in the book, some revelations I didn’t see coming when I started down this road.

I start the self-editing process in a couple weeks. Each character gets a moment, each thread stretched through the first four books comes into play here. It’s the largest story I’ve ever conceived and it is going to surprise you where things go.

Reading? What’s that?

I keep thinking there will be more time for reading now that drafting is done. Guess what? Not so much.

I am planning on putting together a Fall Reading List as things fall off the schedule. Hopefully by next update when I take another crack at some down time. (HA.)

Until then, thanks for reading!

Handling Criticism

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Handling criticism is crucial to success in everything we do. I hate to admit that. Opinions are a fact of life and everyone (unfortunately) has them – and enjoys sharing them.

How we handle criticism is the difference between a solitary career of writing missives no one wants to read or enjoys reading and a successful life as an author.

Giving Criticism

The Write Life had an amazing article on this subject recently. I’ll try not to overlap it too heavily but all stems from the same place:

Being constructive and not overbearing.

There are two ways to look at giving feedback: Your way. And the author’s way.

Not everything you see is the way the world works. Especially when it is the author’s world and we are simply guests to their narrative.

My uncle once made a comment to me about a book he was reading. He believed the author was incorrect with his conclusion because my uncle would never have followed the chain of events as described. But my uncle was not the main characters, and while some acts defy belief and SHOULD be questioned, most follow the rules set up either through character or plot.

Questioning the underlying reason for those rules is where constructive criticism comes to play.

I recently attended a writers retreat where this was put to the test. I constantly worry that my comments won’t help another author strengthen their work – as I’m sure most people do when they are asked for feedback. But in one particular case I believe I did as the right question.

It had to do with a character’s motivation. For twenty pages we followed this man as he condemned the world around him, choosing to live an isolated life. Then suddenly, when confronted with a woman being assaulted in an alley this same character comes to her aid.

By questioning that I was able to offer the author insight into not necessarily a flaw in the storytelling but an omission needed to explain the actions of the main character.

That was helpful. That was constructive.

Offering solutions

The question is a good first step but taking it further with options to strengthen the work is always welcome. Opening up possibilities gives an author avenues of exploration.

Will they be accepted and adopted? Maybe. But that isn’t the point. Don’t be upset when a change you suggested seems ignored. You don’t see the whole picture as the author would, but offering them that choice, showing them a different path to the same point might spark a third idea that is stronger than anything discussed.

It isn’t about stroking your ego. It’s about making the work the best it can be.

Handling criticism

The other end of the equation is handling criticism offered. May it be other authors, your readers, or your dear old mother, learning how to listen to the questions being asked about your pride and joy manuscript is key to its final success.

Arguments are bound to happen. But understanding the question is the first step to seeing potential pitfalls of your narrative. Beyond grammar, beyond your love of the semi-colon, it is about story logic, character motivation or their overall arc.

Everything is fair game when asking for reader feedback.

At the retreat I shared a piece I am hoping to draft next year. In the opening scene a female officer is arrested under suspicion of murder. The cops who arrest her are incredibly harsh at their handling of the situation, something that struck my fellow authors as odd.

And they were right.

I might have known where the story was heading and why it made sense to me, but as a new reader this pulled them right out of the scene. By asking that question I know I need to return to that exchange and rework the dialogue or the situation as a whole.

To make the work better.

What we all want with our work.

Criticism is necessary and should always be looked at as a benefit not the slap in the face it might feel like at the time. I write this as much for myself as for you, as I find it to be one of the most difficult aspects of the writing process.

And absolutely one of the most important.

Thanks for reading.

Previously… Bringing New Readers Up to Speed

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Bringing new readers up to speed is a new experience for me. With each installment of Greystone released there is more backstory to fill in along the way and the method of doing so can be tricky. There is a thin line between over explanation and revealing necessary details from previous books.

Previously…

new readersI’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately. I received an e-mail from a reader who started with The Medusa Coin without having any previous knowledge of the series. Which should be allowed always when writing a series. There is no written law that states every story has to be read from the beginning.

And while it would definitely help, each book has to stand on its own to give new readers a satisfying experience.

Balance is the key…

Yeah, I take Mentor’s lessons to heart as much as Soriya does. When putting together The Medusa Coin certain details were necessary to carry over from the previous books. A lot of it, though, was left up to the reader to discover. How much is fair in that regard though?

Should everything be explained in great detail or is the goal to intrigue the reader to pick up the earlier installments?

New Readers Syndrome

Comic books suffer from this consistently. The edict “Every book is someone’s first” is crucial in this regard but catering to new readers only causes the narrative to suffer for those who have been around since the start of the journey.

Who gets preferential treatment? How much is acceptable?

Notice the lack of answers, so far?

That’s because there is no right answer to this or pretty much anything when it comes to writing. There are guidelines or words of wisdom from the greats in every genre, but typically the narrative dictates all.

The Medusa Coin refers heavily to Signs of Portents. Characters changed because of previous events and reminding the reader of them is crucial to seeing where each player goes from that point. Is it fair to new readers? Probably not. But at the same time slowing down the current story to explain one easily sought out and read on its own isn’t the solution.

What is the solution?

Awareness. Since I received that e-mail – and I am grateful for the reader’s honesty in this regard – I’ve taken great strides to make sure there is enough reference within the current book for all that has come before.

Going back to the comic book side for a moment, Marvel decided to solve “New Readers Syndrome” by including a recap page in each and every issue, describing relevant details from the previous issue/arc to bring the reader up to speed.

I’ve debated doing the same thing. Maybe not in the book proper but here on the site. But again, five years from now someone might find this site and discover Signs of Portents. Do I really want to ruin it for them by spelling out the narrative for other readers who have an interest in reading The Medusa Coin first?

Like I said, no real answers here yet.

For now, I’m gauging reader feedback while keeping an eye on the books ahead. The goal, as it always should be, is to make each book a rip roaring good time for new and returning readers alike.

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Thanks for reading.

Writing Update – August 10, 2017

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Putting a pin in it…

Closure. It is the greatest feeling in the world. Concluding a project that has eaten up weeks and months of time. Sometimes even years if you’re looking at things from a macro/series point of view. That is what this month is for me: project conclusion!

The Medusa Coin

Only 1 Month Away! Crazy, right?

I had the opportunity to read through the book again, this time in paperback form which is always a nice bonus. So glad I did.

project conclusion

I have a tendency to move a little more quickly than I should with my work. Juggling multiple books in various stages, plus raising my two munchkins and making sure the missus still knows I exist in this or any reality tends to fill the schedule pretty quickly.

Add a couple unforeseen calamities (I’m looking at you leaking toilet!) and some mistakes may sneak through.

Like in The Medusa Coin.

A few moments of “are you freaking kidding me?!” summed up the experience of reading through book three of the Greystone series. I’ve read the book at least fifteen times but some of the mistakes I made were insanely obvious and should have been weeded out months ago.

Suffice it to say, the book is NOW all set to go! The manuscript is clean and uploaded to retailers. Looking forward to hearing some reactions from my early readers soon.

Pathways in the Dark

project conclusionI’m heading back into book four mode for the next couple of weeks to clean it up for my editor. It’s been over a month since I finished so it will be nice to revisit.

And probably find the same cringe-worthy moments experienced in The Medusa Coin. (UGH!)

This will also be the first time I’m reading the short stories in chronological order. I’m curious to see how it holds together and if some subtle connections are needed to keep readers interested.

Should be fun.

And once this pass is done, so am I with my work! I might even take a week off! (Love project conclusion time!)

Reading

Tim Tigner’s Chasing Ivan – I finally had some time to sit down and enjoy a book last week. Insomnia helps for some things, I guess! Anyway, Chasing Ivan is the prequel to Tim Tigner’s Kyle Achilles series. An action thriller in the vein of Tom Clancy or Greg Rucka, Tigner offers an interesting look at espionage with his lead character.

I enjoyed the pace of the narrative, which never slowed for a single second. The level of detail filled out the world for Achilles without drying up the prose. The cat and mouse elements were nicely done and it dovetailed nicely into the start of the series proper.

Be sure to check it out. You can download it for FREE on Amazon.

Thanks for reading.

Writers Retreats

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Writing is a lonely process. Every thought, every ounce of energy is funneled into a piece, whether it be a manuscript, blog, short story, article, etc. without regard to the outside world. It’s an internal affair that can last for weeks and months on end, doggedly searching for that perfect draft. Writers retreats are an excellent tool to combat the loneliness of the experience.

Writers Retreats

There are a variety of different methods to this. There are meetups with a writers group. These can be weekly, monthly, quarterly affairs but involve an intimate group of friends and colleagues. Writers retreats are of the same vein but tend to be more sporadic in schedule, maybe annually or semi-annually. Writers conferences, the third variety, are usually more general with events planned and speakers lined up in a motivational capacity rather than a workshop.

All have their benefits. Each gives a writer a nice break from the internal to refuel and recharge. Writers groups are nice because of their intimate setting with friends and the ability to dive deep into someone’s work to iron out the kinks.

Writers retreats offer the same, but since they aren’t as regular, there typically isn’t enough time to really dig into the meat of a manuscript as others need their time in the spotlight. These also come with more of a price tag, in most cases, as travel is required or accommodations for a larger group. Still, the friendly atmosphere is present and allows for some hearty discussions.

Writers conferences are costly to say the least. Ranging in the hundreds of dollars range, these involve travel, accommodations and almost always are in the heart of a bustling metropolis. There are advantages to conferences. Better opportunities to network with agents, editors and publishers. But the amount of prep time required and the limited scheduling for each component – workshop, speakers, interviews, pitching, etc. – tends to work against most people.

Digital resources

Welcome to the future, right?

Facebook groups are a new avenue to workshop your latest masterpiece. Dozens exist and provide a nice beta reader atmosphere to try out your story and see what connects and what falls flat.

Nanowrimo offers groups in their forums and can even open the door to local contacts. Another nice step toward reaching out and getting some feedback on your work.

For me, e-mail still works best. I haven’t been able to take full advantage of the process yet but next year I am hoping to open the door for everyone on my list to test out a new series and see what they think. I’m hoping it leads to some great conversation and a stronger work in the end.

The Importance of Writer’s Retreats

New perspectives.

That’s exactly why you should take advantage of one, if you’re lucky and able to, in your area. Even a local group found on Meetup.com or through Facebook might open the door to a new way of looking at your writing.

Readers bring their own lives to the work. This might steer them off the path you’ve laid out in your writing BUT it can improve your writing if they have the opportunity to ask questions. New questions you’ve never thought of or considered but never followed through.

Those are the key to improving your craft. New perspectives, new readers, new colleagues and contacts provide these questions and allow you to expand the tunnel vision you’ve developed for your month’s long endeavor.

My experience

I recently attended my first writer’s retreat in a decade. I loved it.

Now I’m not big on sharing. Part of my problem is that I enjoy treating everyone like a reader. I want everyone to come in fresh with the finished product so I can see their reaction to the twists and turns in each book. Even my wife (the poor soul) has to put up with this secrecy.

I shouldn’t.

It’s easy for me to see why I do it. To me, each book has a specific vision, an outline or a script, or a path I HAVE to take to reach a certain point. It doesn’t mean the journey has to be locked in stone. It doesn’t mean the people around me, the incredible writer’s I am able to call friends, can’t help shape that world.

Why the hell would I stop them from making it a better book, a better series?

This retreat reminded me of that. Each person asked questions, they poked holes in my logic (or lack thereof) and pushed me for answers. Being challenged to stand by your story shows you the weaker points. Places that need to be tweaked and upended in order to strengthen the overall narrative.

Doing it alone is great. Working with others, like-minded souls on a similar path, is a helluva lot better.

I want to thank the fine folks with K-Arts Collective for listening to my work. It is a project I can’t wait to dive into more next year. Their thoughts were invaluable and a wonderful motivator, for sure.

Thanks for reading.

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