Thursday, January 26, 2017

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - January 2017 Issue







Hi folks,
I hope you’re enjoying 2017. This issue of the Quill is packed with something for everyone. Looking for a romance? Read about my newest release, Loving a Wild Stranger. Need motivation to get writing this year? Check out my guest blog about writing goals. The Kelli’s Corner writing section discusses ways to get your story off to a great start.

Just Released — Loving a Wild Stranger
My historical romance, Loving a Wild Stranger was released on January 3. This full-length pioneer-wilderness romance is set in the Michigan Territory and blends adventure with a sensual love story.



Loving a Wild Stranger

A woman running from her past… straight into the arms of an untamed man


In a moment of desperation, Kathleen Stanton flees her pampered life in Kingston, New York and ends up stranded in a small town in the Michigan Territory. Out of money and forced to rely on her instincts, she impersonates a handsome stranger’s mail-order bride.

Committed to her deception, Kathleen calls herself Michelle and starts her new life with Luther in an isolated cabin in the wilderness. Luther can’t believe his luck when his beautiful bride arrives, but something doesn’t feel right about his new wife. Michelle has terrifying nightmares involving a man named Roger and is reluctant to talk about where she came from.

Luther’s friend, Redfeather visits and tries to convince Luther to send Michelle back east. Distrusting Michelle, he warns Luther that his bride is not what she seems. But Luther is in love with Michelle, and he is harboring a secret of his own—one that might force Michelle to reject him when she learns the truth.

Michelle falls in love with Luther and adapts to her new way of life. Together, they face off against brutal townspeople and overcome harsh living conditions. When they finally give in to their desires and agree to become a proper man and wife, a dark figure from Michelle’s past resurfaces and threatens to destroy everything.

Order your copy of Loving a Wild Stranger here:



Want more historical romance? Don’t miss my historical western, Lies, Love & Redemption.



Links to other platforms:

Read a few guest blogs about the book:




The Latest Guest blogs

2017 has just started and I’ve already been guest blogging! Read about the making of Loving a Wild Stranger:

Think historical romances are boring? Think again! Read what I have to say about that here:

What are your writing goals for 2017? Learn how to set goals and get going in this blog:
http://womenentrepreneursecrets.blogspot.com/2017/01/set-goals-and-get-going.html


Short Romances

In addition to my full-length romances, I’ve published several short stories with Romance Magazine.

Need to catch up?
Love on the Ice was published in the December issue. Order a copy here:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/romance-magazine-fictionmagazinescom/1117503143?ean=2940146837741  

Seducing a Stranger appeared in the November issue. Order it here:  http://www.fictionmagazines.com/shop/romance-issues/romance-magazine-vol-04-no-10/

Autumn Amour was published in the October issue. Order an Amazon copy here:  https://www.amazon.com/Romance-Magazine-Vol-04-No/dp/B01M5IZSYD/ 


All issues can also be found here: http://www.fictionmagazines.com/

 
Coming in February… Midsummer Night’s Delights
 
In February, I’ll be releasing the first book in the Naughty Nobles trilogy, Midsummer Night’s Delights. This super-spicy erotic novella explores the sexual adventures of young newlyweds, Julian and Annabelle. Stay tuned to my blog and social media for updates and other release information.

For Writers — You’ve Gotta Have a Hook
January is the start of a new year, so today I’ll talk about ways to get your story started. Writers need to draw readers into their stories on the first page. Your job is to grab the reader’s attention and make him or her keep reading. How do you do this? By causing trouble!

When and where you start a scene is crucial. Each scene (and chapter, if you’re writing a novel) must start with a hook to pull the reader in and immediately create tension/danger/change for the character. You want the character in trouble right from the start, and then he or she is forced to make an adjustment (change). The more struggles the characters have to overcome, the more interesting your scene will be.

A good rule is to start your scene either five minutes before, during, or five minutes after a big event happens. If you start a scene too far into the drama, readers may be confused about what’s going on. If you start too early (and describe your hero waking up and getting dressed) nothing may happen for a while and your readers will be bored.

The beginning of a scene sets the tone for what’s to come. Use dialogue, character mannerisms, movements, sensory details, and setting to let us know about your protagonist (or
antagonist). If you are writing a dark and gritty hardboiled detective story, establish that in the first scene. For example, it’s a rainy night and an unshaven detective is drinking alone in his ramshackle office. There’s a loaded pistol and a stack of money on his desk.

Writing a horror story? Be sure your opening conveys horror or makes the reader unsettled or nervous. Show us a woman being stalked by a creature in the woods or have a paranormal investigation team heading into a haunted asylum.

The first page of your short story or novel must establish the setting, point-of-view, characters, and conflict. It gives the reader a first impression. Don’t waste time—hook your reader right away and keep the action going!

Here are some examples:
He tried to swerve, but it was too late.
There was no doubt about it, Stacie had to die.
Killing her husband was easy. Cleaning up the blood was the hard part.
“Put the gun down, Jane.”
There was no way she’d wear that wedding dress today.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” John whispered.

Want more writing advice & tips? Check out You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. The book is designed for writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started. It’s packed with writing tips, advice, and fun exercises.

If you’re ready to write, order your copy here:


I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Please share it (and the links) with your social media friends, and swing by my author pages on Facebook and Amazon. Why not follow my blog? You get the most recent updates, blogs, and news. Interviews, guest blogs, and more are pinned to my Pinterest boards. 

Here’s a quick list of links of where you can follow me on social media:

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/  
Until next time,
Kelli



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