Tis the Season for Some Holiday Havoc!

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the “holiday season”—that special time of year when Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all intersect in stores. Yes, I know the Halloween merch is mostly gone now, but for a few short weeks in October, you could find spooky ghosts and seven-foot inflatable Santas sharing one aisle.

One year, this “blending” got me thinking: What do you get when you drop a Halloween-loving retail worker in the middle of a battle between Sam Hain and Santa?

Holiday Havoc!

I wrote “Holiday Havoc” in response to the ever-encroaching Christmas merchandise that hits store shelves earlier and earlier each year. In my story, Kira is having a typical, horrible day at her dead-end retail job… when all of a sudden she becomes embroiled in a seasonal battle of epic (and amusing) proportions. Decorations from both sides of the holiday war come to life and fight for store supremacy—until they realize who the REAL enemy is.

“Holiday Havoc” is a bit unusual (okay, the story is as strange as hell), and blends a bit of horror with my wacky, off-beat humor to make a point (or several points). It’s also one of seven speculative/spooky stories that appear in my short story collection, Surreal Escapes.

In this anthology, ordinary people start off having an average, normal day… until they encounter the world of the surreal. They’ve entered another realm where anything can—and does—happen.

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so I included a brief note at the end of each story (as I did in my sci-fi anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters), explaining what inspired me to write it, where I got the idea, or general comments about the plot or the characters.

Some of these stories are humorous, some will make you think, and others might unnerve you a bit, but they will all take you on a journey into the surreal for a little while.

Here’s the book summary and links:

Surreal Escapes - 7 Speculative Stories

Are you ready to take a journey into the unexpected?

In these 7 speculative stories, ordinary people start off having an average, normal day… until they encounter the world of the surreal. They quickly realize they’re in another realm where anything can—and does—happen.

Some of these tales include:

“Holiday Havoc” – The night shift in a retail store hosts the ultimate Halloween vs. Christmas showdown

“Little Boy Lost” – After several strange incidents, Beverly suspects her son’s imaginary friend isn’t so imaginary

“The Man in Apt. 3-A” – What do you do when you discover your neighbor is a vampire?

“Whispers from the Past” – Not all ghosts are scary… or strangers

This collection of short fiction will unnerve you, spark your imagination, and make you wonder what else is possible in the world of the surreal.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBWRLCB3

Other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/b5ge7O

If you love Halloween or you are looking for a few quick, unusual reads, why not give these short stories a try? They’re perfect for a lunchtime break or a short escape from the holiday hustle.

For more mysteries and/or spooky stories, visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Or visit my Amazon Author page for a full title list, book links, and more: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

I welcome questions and comments from readers. If you’ve read one of my books, let me know which one you loved best and why.

Enjoy the rest of the year!

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was included in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons and Curses Gone Right anthology published by Gorgon’s Gaze Press. Read more about it on her site or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker, is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli published For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

 

Kelli’s Quill – November 2026 Newsletter - New Releases & More

 

Hi everyone!

Halloween may be over (booo…) but that doesn’t mean scary stories are out of season! In this special November issue of my newsletter, I’m sharing a quick look at my new releases — horror and otherwise. 

First, let’s start with Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right. My story “Neighborhood Watch” appears in this collection of stories about witches of all sorts.

In some tales and poems, the witch embodies the primal forces of balance and karmic retribution, or they act in support of social justice, defending those who cannot protect themselves. Or they act in defense of Nature, calling to heel the corrupt governments and corporations that would strip the world in the name of power and profit. Or they are caretakers of their communities, mending minds and bodies, sometimes at the cost of their own freedom or even their own lives. These are witches who do what must be done, because someone has to save the world.

Read more about it and order your print or ebook copy here:

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Save-World-Covens-Cauldrons-ebook/dp/B0GZ547GQH

Want more platforms? Visit: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/gorgons-gaze-press/ for all other book links.

And just before Halloween, I was interviewed by the publisher about my story! Read it here: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/forests-haunted-by-holiness-2/witches-save-the-world-micro-interview-kelli-a-wilkins/

Believe it or not, my other new release has nothing to do with horror or witches. It’s all about cats! My essay, “Lost & Alone” was included in the just-released Chicken Soup for the Soul: Best Cat Ever anthology. This is a true story about a cat (Sawyer) I rescued, and who eventually went to live with my parents. You can order a copy here:

https://www.chickensoup.com/book/best-cat-ever or

https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Best-Ever/dp/1611594685

Last, but not least, I’d like to remind everyone about my latest mystery/thriller The Route 9 Stalker. It’s the follow-up (of sorts) to The Route 9 Killer. Here’s the summary:

The Route 9 Stalker

It started with a body in the woods — and turned into a hunt for a deranged stalker.

Late one evening, Megan Graystone enters a police station and reports that she witnessed a man dumping a woman’s body in the woods.

But with no concrete proof and no sign of foul play, Detective Jim Rourke dismisses her story — until a woman’s mutilated body is found close by. As Rourke investigates the victim’s past, he learns that she was being stalked by a mysterious stranger — and so were several other murdered women.

Rourke discovers that the elusive stalker is playing a twisted game; changing identities and vanishing after each murder. With no other option, Rourke enlists Megan Graystone’s help to trap the stalker — although it means putting her in grave danger.

Can Rourke stop the stalker before he kills and disappears again?

Read reviews and order your copy here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror/the-route-9-stalker

Want more scary stuff? Check out the Horror, Mystery & More section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

What’s Ahead: I’ll be sharing more about my books, my short story in an upcoming issue of Reject magazine, and other news on my blogs and Facebook pages. However, due to new FB nonsense regarding links, I won’t be posting direct links to anything there. Instead, I’ve created images directing folks to my blog, site, and other places where they can read about (and buy) my books. Follow/Visit one of my blogs https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com or https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog to stay updated.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Until next time,

Kelli

Love Paranormal Romances? Don’t miss In Another World

 

Hi everyone,

Happy October!  We’re fast approaching my favorite holiday, Halloween. And who doesn’t like to read a paranormal romance at this time of year?

Today I’m sharing a look at the making of In Another World. This contemporary romance novel blends a murder mystery with the world of the paranormal. Here’s the book summary and links…

In Another World

A Paranormal Mystery/Romance Novel

Disgraced psychic medium Julie Kershaw has finally met her soul mate. The problem is he’s dead… and his spirit haunts the car she just bought.

The spirit of Detective Eddie Mahoney is determined to find his killer and needs Julie’s help. At first, she refuses. She’s tired of being called crazy and swore she’d never use her abilities to speak to the dead again—even if Eddie is handsome and charming.

Eddie persuades Julie to contact his former partner, Lou Kaplonski, to ask him to reopen his case. Skeptical, Lou dismisses Julie as a fake—until she proves she can communicate with the dead—and he finds out Eddie has a lot to say.

Julie channels Eddie’s spirit and together with Lou, the unusual trio tracks down leads and follows clues to solve Eddie’s murder. The case takes them down a dark and dangerous path filled with secrets, where nobody can be trusted.

As they work to find his killer, Julie falls for Eddie. Funny, smart, and sexy, Eddie is the guy of her dreams—and he doesn’t look or act the least bit dead. To her surprise, Eddie discovers a clever way they can be together, and they begin an ethereal romance.

When Lou’s investigation brings him too close to the killer, his life and Julie’s are put in danger—and Eddie may be the only one who can save them.

Order your copy here:

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R11STRN

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpw16g

In Another World has been a labor of love for many years. I’m thrilled that I finally finished the book, and now readers can enjoy the story and meet these very unusual characters I’ve created.

The book opens with Detective Eddie Mahoney, an undercover police officer, in a jam. His cover has been blown and he’s in the middle of nowhere with two criminals. Things don’t end well for Eddie, and although he doesn’t make it out of his predicament alive, his role in the book is just beginning.

Yes, you read that right. I killed off my main character—and the hero of the book—in the first few pages. Why? Because this isn’t your typical romance. Eddie is dead right from the start, but that doesn’t mean he can’t fall in love.

Next, readers are introduced to a headstrong woman named Julie Kershaw. She’s arguing with an unscrupulous used car dealer named Big Al. He sells her a car for cheap, and Julie is suspicious. Naturally, she wonders if there’s a catch, and there is. The car is haunted by… you guessed it—Eddie.

Eddie has been trying to communicate with the car’s previous owners, but never had any luck until Julie bought the car. At first, Eddie doesn’t realize that Julie is a psychic medium and can communicate with spirits. Once he knows she can see and hear him, Eddie uses his charms and persuades her to help him find his killer.

And so begins this unusual romance.

Most people would think this is a bit absurd. And maybe some readers will. But once you get drawn into the story and see that Eddie is pretty much like any other romantic hero (he just happens to be dead), the story flows along.

Eddie and Julie visit Eddie’s former partner, Lou Kaplonski, to persuade him to reopen Eddie’s case. Lou thinks Julie is crazy and can’t possibly be talking to Eddie. When Julie tells Lou things only Eddie knows, Lou is convinced Julie is telling the truth. Lou and Eddie start working the case just like old times. (Sorta.)

Lou is a great guy, and I loved writing for him. On the outside he appears to be a tough, no-nonsense detective who takes his job seriously. When he first meets (and interrogates) Julie, he acts like a typical “bad cop” and is very rough with her.

Lou doesn’t believe in ghosts and thinks all psychics are fakes. He’s also taken Eddie’s death personally. He feels like a failure because he couldn’t find his partner’s killer, and he is still working through his grief. Once Lou starts investigating with Eddie and Julie, his true personality comes out, and he’s more determined than ever to catch Eddie’s killer.

When I wrote the book, I had to make sure readers were able to follow the investigation along with Lou, even when Julie and Eddie weren’t present. I’ve never written a full-fledged mystery or detective story before, but I’ve watched enough mysteries and police dramas, so I think I got it right. I also had the good fortune to be related to a police captain and was able to ask his advice on the “police stuff” in the story. The book is a hybrid of romance and mystery. Sometimes it takes on more of a police procedural/mystery feel than a romance, and then in other scenes with Eddie and Julie, it’s a traditional romance.

I hope mystery, romance, and paranormal readers will enjoy this unique novel. It’s got something for everyone: danger, humor, love, ghosts, and quirky characters. I had fun writing this book and stepping into another world, blending the living and the dead.

I’m also happy to report that the book has received several excellent reviews. You can read some of them here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/in-another-world

Until next time, happy haunting!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was included in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons and Curses Gone Right anthology published by Gorgon’s Gaze Press. Read more about it on her site or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker, is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli published For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

October is Great for Ghost Stories!

 

Hi everyone,

To celebrate my favorite month (and all things spooky), I’m blogging about my two ghost stories, Dead ‘Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse.

First, let’s spend a night in the land of the dead with…

Dead ‘Til Dawn

Disturbing the dead doesn’t prove you’re brave – it proves you’re stupid.

After touring Gettysburg battlefield, Jessica, Tim, and Steve decide to sneak out to the Devil’s Den for some late-night fun. Jessica’s friend Kathy objects, and warns them about trespassing where they’re not wanted.

Undaunted by ghost stories and fueled by his own arrogance, Tim races toward the Devil’s Den. When the group drives through mysterious battlefield fog, they find themselves surrounded by Civil War soldiers looking for a little fun of their own.

Kathy leaves the others to fend for themselves and flees to Little Round Top. Although she’s rescued by a kindhearted Union solider named Charlie, she refuses to believe what she’s experiencing is real. As the nighttime battle rages on, Charlie introduces Kathy to other weary soldiers, and she quickly realizes she’s trapped in the land of the dead until dawn.

Order Dead ‘Til Dawn here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Til-Dawn-Civil-Horror-ebook/dp/B015LHI08A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4X9aLb

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/dead-til-dawn

So how did this story come about? Well, if you know me, you know I love writing psychological/creepy/spooky horror stories. And I also love traveling to historic places—especially if they’re haunted.

This novella was inspired by actual events that happened to me in Gettysburg, PA. I had a very unusual experience with battlefield fog and I wanted to use it in a story. I blogged about that night here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/remember-the-battle-of-gettysburg-with-dead-til-dawn

I don’t consider myself a “paranormal investigator” but I love exploring haunted places and taking ghost tours. Historic houses and “anything old and creepy” appeal to my imagination. Is it any surprise that I love Halloween?

And because Halloween is my favorite holiday, I wrote this Halloween-themed horror story…

Kropsy’s Curse

Late one Halloween night, two young boys venture into a secluded graveyard in the hopes of conjuring up a spirit. Although Kyle is skeptical and would rather be home eating candy and watching horror movies, he reluctantly goes along with Jerry’s plan. He doesn’t believe Ouija boards work—until this one starts spelling out a message…

Kropsy’s Curse is only $.99! Get spooked here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kropsys-Curse-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B014IAH848

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kMYj

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/kropsy-s-curse

This piece of flash fiction came to me when I was mulling over horror ideas. I actually came up with the (strange) ending first, then built the rest of the story around it. I can’t give away any more without spoiling the story, so you’ll have to read it for yourself.

In addition to these two horror stories (and my “disturbing” horror novella Nightmare in the North), I’ve also published two mini-mystery/thrillers (The Route 9 Killer and The Route 9 Stalker), two short story collections (Extraterrestrial Encounters and Surreal Escapes) plus several of my stories appear in horror anthologies. Visit my Horror, Mystery and More page https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror to read summaries, reviews and get buy links.

Happy Haunting!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was included in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons and Curses Gone Right anthology published by Gorgon’s Gaze Press. Read more about it on her site or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker, is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli published For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

 

This Halloween, Witches Are Saving the World!

Hello and Happy October Everyone!

Halloween will be here before we know it, so why not start the spooky season with a collection of stories about witches? Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right is a new anthology by Gorgon’s Gaze Press.

My story “Neighborhood Watch” appears in this book, and today I’m sharing an inside look on how and why I wrote it. But first, here’s the book blurb and links.

Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right

The witch is a complex figure. Hero? Villain? Victim? Practitioner of a nearly-forgotten faith or just misunderstood? An elder who should be respected but is instead reviled? Or the member of an oppressed ethnic or sexual minority?

Witches of every sort appear in this anthology. In some tales and poems, the witch embodies the primal forces of balance and karmic retribution, or they act in support of social justice, defending those who cannot protect themselves. Or they act in defense of Nature, calling to heel the corrupt governments and corporations that would strip the world in the name of power and profit. Or they are caretakers of their communities, mending minds and bodies, sometimes at the cost of their own freedom or even their own lives.

These are witches who do what must be done, because someone has to save the world.

Order your print or ebook copy here:

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Save-World-Covens-Cauldrons-ebook/dp/B0GZ547GQH

Want more platforms? Visit: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/gorgons-gaze-press/  for all the book links.

***

My story, “Neighborhood Watch” is about a group of witches who keep their neighborhood a happy and peaceful place to live. But one October, someone threatens their way of life and has to be dealt with. The witches solve their problem, in their own way, of course… and with a little bit of outside help.

I mention in my author bio that my story is based (in part) on a true incident. Here’s the short version of what happened: A few years ago, a woman came to my door pushing her religion and ranting about my Halloween/Samhain decorations being evil. When I told her to leave (and firmly closed the door in her face), she smashed a couple of my Jack-o-lanterns!

Later that day when I went for a walk, the idea for the story popped into my head. It was pretty basic – a guy moves into a house and discovers that his neighbors are witches who protect the town. Nobody knows about them, and favorable things happen to people who stay on their good side. But if you cross them… well, let’s just say they call in a few favors and life really can become hellish!

I wrote a very rough first draft that day and set the story aside while I worked on other projects. Earlier this year I decided to finish it “just for fun” and see what happened. The story took on a life of its own and changed a bit as I revised it, but the basic premise remains. I thought it would be a perfect fit for the Witches Save the World anthology. (And it was!) I enjoyed writing it, and I hope readers like it. It’s not a scary story, and it has a dash of sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek-humor that makes it a fun read.

I’ve always been attracted to witches and the power they wield. I loved Endora (from Bewitched) and the lighthearted havoc she caused, and I thought Sam was too goody-goody. (If you have powers, why not use them?) I’ve never liked the degrading depiction of “crone” witches with green faces, pointed hats, and warts. (And I incorporated that into my story).

I like the fact that most witches are strong, independent women who don’t ask permission to live their lives the way they want to. They don’t wait around hoping someone will solve their problems for them. They stand up for themselves. They take action when they see an injustice and handle the situation in their own way. Witches have an internal strength and vibrate a bit differently from other people because they’re connected to something eternal, powerful, and larger than themselves. They can blend into a crowd, but if you get close to them, you can tell there’s something else going on under the surface. And as my story shows, there might be a witch living next door!

“Neighborhood Watch” is my first short story about witches, but my historical romance The Viking’s Witch explores the subject in depth. (Read all about that book here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-viking-s-witch ). I have ideas for two more stories about witches, and I might start writing them this autumn. After all, tis the season!

I hope you’ll check out this great collection of art, poems, and short fiction. It’s the perfect way to get ready for Halloween!

Happy Haunting!

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was published in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right anthology, released by Gorgon's Gaze Press.

Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in January 2026. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli's 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins  and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

Spooky Sci-fi Spotlight on… Extraterrestrial Encounters

 Hi everyone!

Halloween will be here before we know it, so why not start reading some spooky sci-fi stories to get in the mood? Today I’m sharing a look at my sci-fi anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories.

Right now you might be asking yourself, “Wait… What? Sci-fi? Don’t you write romances and horror stories?”

Well, yes. I’m mainly known for my romances and horror fiction, but every so often I like to surprise myself – and readers.

I’ve always been attracted to the unusual, peculiar, and “weird” that exists in the sci-fi and horror genres. I grew up watching Tales from the Dark Side, Amazing Stories, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Outer Limits, and of course, The Twilight Zone.

I read every sci-fi and horror short story I could find, and I believed in the Ancient Astronaut Theory long before Ancient Aliens ever aired. So I guess it’s no surprise that when I started writing, I wrote what I loved reading: sci-fi and horror. 

For me, science fiction is imaginative fiction, and it’s fun to make up all sorts of strange things. Sci-fi stories explore anything possible (or that may be possible one day), such as time travel, parallel universes, alien contact, lost civilizations, cloning, UFOs, mind control, futuristic societies, and more.

Sci-fi authors are free to dream up anything and use it in a story without having to do too much explaining about how or why these unusual or fantastic things are possible. In general, readers of sci-fi/fantasy are more open-minded about different plotlines, characters, and settings than readers of a romance novel, for example. Readers know the story isn’t “real” and most likely couldn’t happen, but they’re fine with it. They enjoy escaping into the world of the fantastic.

I like writing in multiple genres because I get to explore different plots, characters, and styles of writing in a horror or a sci-fi story. My horror stories tend to be more psychological and creepy than bloody, and my sci-fi stories are about strange things that happen to ordinary people. The tales in this collection are sci-fi, but with a spooky/scary/horror twist.

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so when I wrote the stories in Extraterrestrial Encounters, I decided to share a peek at my writing process. I’ve included a brief note at the end of each story, explaining what inspired me to write it, where I got the idea, or general comments about the plot or characters.

I hope you enjoy these stories. Some are humorous, some will make you think, and others might scare you a bit – but they will all take you on a journey into the realm of the unknown for a little while.

Here is the book summary and buy links:

Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories

Are you ready to step into the unknown?

In these 18 sci-fi stories, you’ll encounter aliens of all shapes and sizes, curious (and sometimes unlucky) space explorers, and ordinary Earthlings having otherworldly experiences.

Some of the out-of-this-world tales in this short fiction anthology include:

“The Hoax” - A reporter learns that a creature from another planet is a dangerous thing to fool with

“It Grows on You” - A strange kind of mold has invaded an office, and it’s the perfect tool for revenge

“What Lurks Below” - Everyone knows there’s no life on Mars, but nobody thought about what might be lurking under the surface…

“The Con” - An alien becomes an unlikely ally to a down-on-his-luck petty crook

“Space Cowboy” - When a second-rate rodeo star is abducted by aliens, he makes the most of the situation

 “They Just Keep Eating” - A Nebraska farmer encounters a menace from space… and it’s hungry

This collection of speculative fiction will stimulate your imagination, unnerve you just a little, and make you wonder… “What if we’re not alone?”

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5JG1DC

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JVJ9e

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/extraterrestrial-encounters

And if you would like to read seven speculative stories where even more strange things happen to people… check out my anthology, Surreal Escapes. Learn more about that book and my other scary stories here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

I welcome questions and comments from readers. Let me know which story you loved best, which one made you laugh, or why you love reading sci-fi.

Until next time… keep watching the stars!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was included in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons and Curses Gone Right anthology published by Gorgon’s Gaze Press. Read more about it on her site or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker, is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli published For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

 

 

Just Released – Witches Save the World Anthology

Greetings!

Yes, you read that right… Witches are saving the world… at least in the new anthology just released by Gorgon’s Gaze Press!

I’m pleased to say that my story “Neighborhood Watch” was selected for this collection about witches. I’ll be sharing more about my story in another blog, but here’s the book blurb and links.

Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right

The witch is a complex figure. Hero? Villain? Victim? Practitioner of a nearly-forgotten faith or just misunderstood? An elder who should be respected but is instead reviled? Or the member of an oppressed ethnic or sexual minority?

Witches of every sort appear in this anthology. In some tales and poems, the witch embodies the primal forces of balance and karmic retribution, or they act in support of social justice, defending those who cannot protect themselves. Or they act in defense of Nature, calling to heel the corrupt governments and corporations that would strip the world in the name of power and profit. Or they are caretakers of their communities, mending minds and bodies, sometimes at the cost of their own freedom or even their own lives.

These are witches who do what must be done, because someone has to save the world.

Order your print or ebook copy here:

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Save-World-Covens-Cauldrons-ebook/dp/B0GZ547GQH

Want more platforms? Visit:https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/gorgons-gaze-press/  for all the book links.

I hope you’ll check out this great collection of art, poems, and short fiction. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the fall season!

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was published in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons, and Curses Gone Right anthology, released by Gorgon's Gaze Press.

Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in January 2026. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli's 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins  and visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.