A. D. Lombardo

Every great novel begins long before Chapter One. Writing advice is everywhere. Plot your novel. Don't plot your novel. Outline. Don't outline. Follow the muse. Trust the process. After writing and publishing seven novels, and preparing to finish my eighth, I've learned one important truth: every book teaches me something new. I've been fortunate to learn from author friends, mentors, editors, and readers over the years. Every project leaves me with lessons I'll carry into th

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