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:
Short
Romances
In
addition to my full-length romances, I’ve published several short stories with Romance Magazine.
Need
to catch up?
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:
Until
next time,
Kelli
