Rejoining the Writing Journey: Unveiling Blood on the Vine and More
- Cathy Wagner
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
After a long break from writing, returning to the craft feels like stepping into a familiar yet changed landscape. The process of revisiting old drafts, relearning the rhythms of storytelling, and reshaping ideas has been both challenging and rewarding. This post shares insights into that journey and introduces Blood on the Vine, a new crime novel born from a split draft originally meant as a sequel to Seven Signs. Alongside this, there’s a promise of more stories to come, including the awaited continuation of Seven Signs later this year.
Revisiting the Past to Build the Future
Taking a break from writing often means losing touch with the flow and habits that once came naturally. Returning after a hiatus requires patience and a willingness to relearn. The original draft, intended as a direct sequel to Seven Signs, needed fresh eyes and new energy. Splitting the draft into two separate books allowed for a clearer focus and deeper exploration of each story.
Blood on the Vine emerges as a standalone crime novel, distinct yet connected to the original narrative. This decision gave room to develop characters and plotlines that might have been overshadowed in a single volume. It also created an opportunity to introduce new readers to the world without requiring prior knowledge of Seven Signs.
Introducing Blood on the Vine
The book centers around a series of unsettling events: accidents, break-ins, and the shocking murder of an employee. The story unfolds through the perspectives of Jane Willmott, a junior constable, and Patrick McIntyre, her senior and an Irish-born detective. Together, they navigate the complexities of the investigation, working alongside local journalists and detectives.
The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the hidden tensions within a small community. The characters’ determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative, offering readers a gripping and immersive experience. While the final book cover may change, the title reflects the dark and tangled nature of the story’s events.
Key Elements of Blood on the Vine
Strong character dynamics between Jane and Patrick, highlighting mentorship and cultural contrasts
A layered mystery involving multiple crimes that interconnect in unexpected ways
Community involvement showing how local journalists and detectives contribute to solving the case
Atmospheric setting that captures the mood of suspense and uncertainty
The Writing Process and Lessons Learned
Returning to a long-abandoned project revealed the importance of flexibility in writing. The initial plan to continue Seven Signs as a single sequel gave way to a more nuanced approach. Splitting the story allowed for better pacing and richer character development.
Some lessons from this process include:
Embrace change: Original ideas may evolve significantly, and that’s part of growth.
Review with fresh eyes: Taking time away helps spot inconsistencies and new opportunities.
Balance old and new: Respect the original vision while allowing new elements to emerge.
Engage with readers: Sharing progress through newsletters and updates builds a supportive community.
What’s Next for Readers and Fans
The journey doesn’t end with Blood on the Vine. The sequel to Seven Signs is still on the horizon, expected later this year. Readers who enjoyed the first book will find familiar threads woven into new plots and character arcs.
Final Thoughts
Returning to writing after a long pause is a mix of rediscovery and reinvention. It requires patience, openness, and a willingness to adapt. Blood on the Vine represents a milestone in this journey—a fresh story born from old drafts, shaped by new perspectives.
For readers, this means engaging with a crime novel that offers suspense, complex characters, and a vivid setting. For the writer, it’s a step forward in completing what was started and building toward future projects.
If you enjoy crime fiction with strong characters and intricate plots, Blood on the Vine promises to deliver. Keep an eye out for its release and the upcoming sequel to Seven Signs. Signing up for newsletters will ensure you don’t miss any updates as this writing journey continues.
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