A. D. Lombardo

Balance Structure with Soul Every book begins as a spark, an idea, a feeling, a character who refuses to let go. But turning that spark into a full story is something far more layered. It is part art, part science. When I get lost, I talk to friends, and after a conversation with my friend Meredith, a fellow author, she reminded me: The process is the scaffolding. The tools we use, like tropes, are just the materials. Instinct is what shapes the story. Instinct is what decide

Why Every Indie Author Needs One A newsletter is one of the most underrated tools an indie author has. It’s not expensive. And that’s the magic. A newsletter is one of the most reliable tools an indie author can build. It is personal, consistent, and not controlled by any algorithm. It is a direct line between you and the readers who care about your stories. For many authors just starting out, the idea of sending a newsletter feels intimidating, but it is far simpler than it

September Notes from North Carolina I don’t know about you, but here in North Carolina the weather is still clinging to summer—hot, dry, and determined. Even so, the promise of cooler days is just around the corner. Pumpkin spice has officially re‑entered the chat, and the trees are starting to show their true colors. They’re beautiful in that quiet, early‑autumn way. Life in boxes, however, is not beautiful. I spent three hours the other day looking for my can opener. Three.