top of page
Gothic
Blog and Updates


How Writing Groups Helped Bring Blood & Wolf to Life
Blood & Wolf by Judith Vila Writing a novel is definitely a lonely journey--I know because, writing as Judith Vila , I just released my gothic/romance/mystery/horror mashup, Blood & Wolf . And from the early days of playing with the concept in my head to this moment when the book is in the hands of lovely readers, I remember often feeling like I was all by myself. But the truth is: I wasn't alone . Yes, the responsibilities of writing, revising, testing and re-writing again a

J.H. Jones
Mar 243 min read


Be a Mad Scientist! A Test Mindset & Your Writing Group
A writing group can be super helpful if you're working on, say, a book. But a writing group can be helpful in so many other ways, too. It comes down to the mindset you bring to the group.

J.H. Jones
Mar 102 min read


Writing Gothic With a Writing Group
I'm sharing a few gothic-y writing prompts to spark icy fear and smoldering passion. Try these for yourself and your group! Or suggest some new ones!

J.H. Jones
Feb 32 min read


The Transformative Power of Completing Your Creative Writing Project
The act of finishing your writing project is where the real magic happens. But getting to "The End" can be so challenging!

J.H. Jones
Dec 12, 20254 min read


I Couldn’t Do It Alone - Guest Post!
Joanne Guidoccio, author of the recently released Hippie Mermaid, has an intriguing origin story!

J.H. Jones
Nov 7, 20254 min read


From Anthrax to Ebola: How Feedback Fuels My Indie Thriller Series – Guest Post!
Millicent Eidson, author of the MayaVerse Medical Thriller series shares how feedback fueled her writing journey.

J.H. Jones
Nov 4, 20255 min read


Engineering the Paranormal - Guest Post!
Can the feedback of a writing group buddy enhance a character? Nichelle Seely, author of A Vision of Violence, talks about how feedback made for a more exciting character.

J.H. Jones
Oct 30, 20254 min read


Finding Your Writing Community - Guest Post!
Claire A Murray's mentor suggested she look for a critique group and writers organization. What Claire found was camaraderie with kindred spirits!

J.H. Jones
Oct 23, 20253 min read


Why I Treasure My Writing Group - Guest Post!
Marilyn Levinson writes as Allison Brook, author of the Death on Dickens Island, the first book in her newest series. Welcome, Marilyn Levinson ! On October 21, Marilyn, a prolific and award-winning author, launches her new Books on the Beach Mystery series with DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND (writing as Allison Brook). This latest book is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery, with lovable characters in an engaging setting--features for which Allison Brook is famous. (You might b

J.H. Jones
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Another Kind of Book Group - Guest Post!
Patricia Crisafulli shares about her recently released third mystery in the Ohnita Harbor series, THE SECRETS OF THE OLD POST CEMETERY, with useful tips and advice that will resonate with any author.

J.H. Jones
Oct 16, 20254 min read


Writing Support Group - Guest Post!
Three authors share how they have created a different kind of writing group that's helping them in their writing careers

J.H. Jones
Oct 9, 20254 min read


Will You Write Your Novel in November?
Is November your novel-writing month? November might seem like a long way off, but I recently noticed several writers in the communities...

J.H. Jones
Oct 7, 20252 min read


Someone to watch over me! - Guest Post!
Mary Seifert, author of the Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries, a 2024 International IMPACT Award winner for books in a series It is my...

J.H. Jones
Oct 2, 20253 min read


Helping Me Grow - Guest Post!
Each person’s style is unique, but we all learn from the suggestions contributed by each person.

J.H. Jones
Sep 30, 20253 min read


My Writing Group - Guest Post!
Meet Glenda Carroll, author of A Trisha Carson Mystery series. If you've ever suffered from a creative low point, you'll want to read her guest post!

J.H. Jones
Sep 18, 20254 min read


Writing Group Feedback Makes Me Wanna Research
Some feedback (ouch) motivated me to research my character's clothing.

J.H. Jones
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Let's Celebrate! 100 Posts About Writing & Writing Groups
Thank you for helping me reach 100 blog posts about writing!

J.H. Jones
Sep 9, 20252 min read


Bouncing Back: The Bumpy Road of Writing Rejection
Rejection is a reality every writer encounters. You can turn it into a tool for personal and professional growth.

J.H. Jones
Sep 4, 20254 min read


Hi Writing Group! My August Progress
I took a whirlwind break in Cape Cod. Have you taken a writing break recently?

J.H. Jones
Aug 28, 20251 min read


Genre Unity or Diverse Creativity? Which Critique Group Sparks Your Passion?
Choosing the right type of critique circle comes down to two options: One that focuses on one genre, or one that embraces various genres and formats.

J.H. Jones
Aug 21, 20253 min read
bottom of page