Paula Cappa's Blog

"In this interview, Paula Cappa reveals a creative path shaped not by trends or tools, but by instinct, discipline, and a deep belief in the human origin of stories.

What emerges is not just an author profile, but a clear stance on what writing is and what it should remain."

I am honored to be among WriteStats lineup of authors. Please visit this link to read the interview about the craft of writing, storytelling, inspiration, and more. Their website has a host of great articles on book promotion, marketing, trends, creative writing.

https://writestats.com/paula-cappa-au...

WHAT DO READERS WANT, BUY AND EXPECT?

Written Word Media did a survey that has some helpful results. Their survey respondents are part of the Written Word Media audience (3,589 readers). A bit limited but still worthwhile. I should note that the "email newsletters at 64%" refers to paid promotion sites like Free Booksy emails. The takeaway appears to be, besides Amazon being the No. 1 place for book discovery (and word of mouth), Social Media and Goodreads were high on the list for discovery.

Here’s how the surveyed readers said they most often find new books:

Amazon: 68%
Email newsletters (e.g., Freebooksy): 64%
Goodreads: 46%
Friends and family: 45%
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, influencers): 42%
Libraries (Libby, Hoopla, in-person): 29%
Author websites: 30%
Bookstores: 27%
AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.): <1%

Lots more at their report on their website:
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/read...?

"When Adversity Vs. Success—For Writers and Creatives." Adversity for a writer is a trial we all endure. Is there a path to handling the setbacks? Stop by my blog to explore what one famous writer has to say about this struggle.

"Winter Creative Writing Thoughts, January 28, 2026."


https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2026...

This blog post at my Reading Fiction Blog is for all writers, fiction or nonfiction, who are on the creative path to publication, sales, and book promotion. No marketing pitches here, just an inspiring post for writers! Please stop by.

This is International Gothic Reading Month! This January and every January to come, we are reading Gothic literature, posting about it (maybe posting reviews too?) and sharing the Gothic intrigue and mystery with our Gothic fans. I have recommendations if you'd like a short list. More of this to come in the days ahead. Let's start with the classics!

THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO, by Horace Walpole. Historical Gothic. Known as the first Gothic novel, this story blends supernatural elements, romance, and a chilling atmosphere. The story unfolds in the shadowy halls of Otranto Castle, where the death of Conrad, heir to the castle, sets off a series of strange and sinister events.

https://www.amazon.com/Castle-Otranto...

THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO, by Ann Radcliffe. Historical Gothic. Romance, suspense, and eerie intrigue. Follow the journey of Emily St. Aubert, a young woman swept into a labyrinth of dark secrets, haunting castles, and mysterious occurrences as she struggles with love, loss, and villainous plots written in vivid and dramatic detail.

https://www.amazon.com/Mysteries-Udol...

Of course, you know the most famous:
FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, by Edgar Allan Poe
THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, by Edgar Allan Poe
WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte
DRACULA, by Bram Stoker
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, by Gaston Leroux
THE OUTSIDER, by H.P. Lovecraft

More contemporary titles to come this week. Visit the International Gothic Reading Month (IGRM) website at the Society for the Study of the American Gothic for more details on how to participate in IGRM.

https://americangothicsociety.com/int...


IGRM committee members:
Paula Cappa, Director
Alexia Mandla Ainsworth
Barbara Beatie
Ruthann Jagge
Carey Millsap-Spears
Arline Wilson
Sponsorship: Jeffrey A. Weinstock
President, Society for the Study of the American Gothic

"A Christmas Tree" by Charles Dickens. If you've not read this 40-minute story, here it is for free (free audio too) at my Reading Fiction Blog. Most folks are rereading "A Christmas Carol" or watching the film again, but this story reveals Dickens's most intimate feelings and perspectives about Christmas time, family, and of course ghosts. Because what would Christmas be without a Dickens ghost or three?

Curl up with a hot cider and a Christmas cookie and listen to the soothing voice of an immortal writer who has illuminated all our Christmases. His prose is still enthralling in the grandest of ways, making us laugh and cry and showing us who we really are.

He opens his story with . . .

"I have been looking on, this evening, at a merry company of children assembled round that pretty German toy, a Christmas Tree. The tree was planted in the middle of a great round table, and towered high above their heads. It was brilliantly lighted by a multitude of little tapers; and everywhere sparkled and glittered with bright objects . . ."


https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2025...

The audio would make a fun family holiday listening adventure!

AWAKEN THE GOTHIC WITHIN.

January 2026 is International Gothic Reading Month (IGRM). Journey through modern ghostly landscapes, cursed castles, and the dark chills of Gothic romantic mysteries.

January is now the official month for readers to dive into all forms of Gothic literature every year. IGRM is sponsored by the Society for the Study of the American Gothic.

Are you an author of Gothic? A reader, librarian, bookseller, publisher, blogger, podcaster, teacher, or student of Gothic literature? We invite you to join us.

Visit the website for details, a suggested reading list, and how to participate in International Gothic Reading Month in January 2026.

https://americangothicsociety.com/int...

Gothic spirit lives on! Please leave a comment or like if you are a Gothic fan.


The International Gothic Reading Month Committee:
Paula Cappa, Director
Alexia Mandla Ainsworth
Barbara Beatie
Ruthann Jagge
Carey Millsap-Spears
Arline Wilson

Sponsorship: Jeffrey A. Weinstock
President, Society for the Study of the American Gothic

A Gothic Triumph for the new film Frankenstein? What do you think of Guillermo del Toro's reinvention of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'? My review, images, and critique of the book and film on my blog.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2025...

What are you reading for this final week of Halloween's spooky autumn? Need a ghost story? Ghosts, witchcraft, and magick vie for power on Draakensky Windmill Estate. "Intricately crafted and lavishly realized. A feast for lovers of the modern gothic."—Christopher Hawkins, author of Downpour, member of HWA Chicagoland Chapter.

"Stylised, haunting and seriously Gothic, Draakensky will creep into your dreams."—William Meikle, author of Haunted Scotland and The Ghost Club.

"With vibrant description and elegant prose, prepare yourself for a magickal reading experience."—Kenneth W. Cain, author of Hell, Delaware, and editor of Fear of Clowns.

https://www.amazon.com/Draakensky-Sup...

From #crystallakepublishing

First Place, Gold Medal Winner, BookFest Book Awards.

"Cappa is a skilled craftsman. This is a sturdy, old-fashioned Gothic thriller, anchored by a fully dimensional heroine in the vein of Mrs. de Winter or Jane Eyre."—Boze Herrington, US Review of Books

Draakensky: A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance

Are you a writer of dark Gothic fiction? With a dash of fantasy? "Magickal Gothic"? I invite you to post your novel's book cover and one link in the comments on my blog this week. "Conjuring the "Magickal Gothic."

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2025...

Magickal Gothic is defined as Gothic suspense, ghostly, magickal powers or hidden realms, psychological/emotional tension, and maybe romantic intrigue.

Please stop by!

Queen of Gothic! August 30 is Mary Shelley's birth date. Stop by my Reading Fiction Blog and celebrate this woman writer. Free short stories and an audio too. If you love horror, sci-fi, Gothic, and the brilliance of Mary Shelley.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2025...