Writing Workshops

The past week I was at a writing workshop. I always learn a lot in the workshops. This time one of the things I learned was how much I already knew about the Gothic genre. While there were new tidbits and Kris looked at it from a very different angle (preferring Gothic romance over Gothic suspense), there was plenty that I already knew.

This is a new feeling for me where I have often felt as if I were just learning something new every time I got to a workshop. I knew this genre and I continue to know this genre. Another writer laughed and said, Of course. You’re default writing genre is Gothic.

I love the slightly creepy or the very creepy nature of a Gothic. Some are lighter than others with the creepiness only slight in the terms of ghosts that aren’t dangerous but still just a little bit strange to see. And, sometimes, in the case of Olive, the ghosts take over the stories but they aren’t really creepy unless you start thinking about the fact that Olive is Maggie’s best friend.

Secrets are another thing that run through Gothics and I love stories about secrets. Perhaps that’s why I love mysteries so much.

In other words, this workshop gave me a lot to think about in my own writing. I also got started on a new Gothic that will go into my Afternoon Gothics series once it’s finished.

I hope everyone is having a good week and happy reading. Oh—and don’t forget that The Ghost in Room 785 is now out at my website and is on pre-order at all the major booksellers.