New Romance Release - Trust with Hearts

Hi romance lovers,

I’m pleased to announce the release of my contemporary romance novel, Trust with Hearts. The hero is a sexy cowboy-like country music singer who gets involved with a young woman trying to put her life back together.

Here’s the book summary, links, and a tame excerpt:

Trust with Hearts

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

Here’s a tame excerpt from Trust with Hearts:

“I told Sherrie to work things out with you. She seemed fine with it,” Dave said as he stirred a pot of spaghetti sauce on the stove.

Curtis carried the supper dishes to the table. “Yeah, well, that sure changed fast.”

He set Sherrie’s plate close to Dave’s. The round table would fit the three of them fine, but he didn’t want to get too close to Sherrie. He didn’t need to start a new fight with her when they hadn’t finished the old one yet.

“She came down to the cottage blaming me because she couldn’t sleep. I coulda let that go, until she insulted my music… again,” he added. “Did you tell her about me?”

Dave sprinkled black pepper into the spaghetti sauce. “Of course not. All she knows is you’re staying here and working on your music. I didn’t mention anything about,” he paused and looked toward the kitchen doorway, “CJ, or the hospital. If you decide to tell her, that’s up to you.”

“I doubt that’s gonna happen, seeing how she feels about country music,” he replied as he arranged silverware next to the plates. “You know I rarely offer up opinions, Dave, but your sweet-lookin’ Yankee cousin’s—”

He stopped as he saw Sherrie standing in the doorway. “Oh Lord.”

“His Yankee cousin’s… what?”

He breathed a sigh of relief. At least Sherrie hadn’t heard him call her sweet-lookin’. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Truth be told, Sherrie was sweet-looking.

Waves of chestnut-colored hair framed her oval face. Her almond-shaped brown eyes were draped with long lashes, she had a kissable, rosebud mouth, and from what he’d seen of her this morning, Sherrie was curvy in all the right places. Too bad she acted so moody.

He stared into her eyes for a full fifteen seconds. His piercing baby blues were capable of rendering women speechless. They had the power to charm, as well as disarm, anyone.

Sherrie shifted her gaze to the floor and he smirked. Direct eye contact had done the trick. Sherrie might have lots of fight, but she had nothing to back it up.

“Ornery,” he answered. “I was about to say ‘ornery’.”

Dave banged the wooden spoon on the edge of the pot, breaking the tension in the room. “Sher, I thought you were gonna apologize to Curtis.”

“I did, but then His Royal Majesty dismissed me.”

Curtis moved back as Sherrie strode past him and yanked the refrigerator open. She stuck her head inside and rummaged around.

He took advantage of the opportunity and admired the way her denim shorts clung to her backside. A tingle spread through his groin as he envisioned running his hands up the back of her smooth thighs. He turned his head as she took out the pitcher of sweet tea.

“What were you looking at?”

“Nothin’.” Why did he feel compelled to touch her? It must be hormones, he reasoned. The last thing he needed was to get involved with a Yankee woman who hated him on sight. He scratched his chin and chuckled. Now there was a switch. Women all over the world would pay a fortune to spend five minutes in the same room with him, and yet Sherrie despised him.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“Nothin’.”

“Bull.” Sherrie sat at the table and poured herself a glass of tea.

He rolled his eyes. Naturally, she had taken his seat. He wouldn’t protest. Sherrie was Dave’s cousin, and he’d been raised to respect women—even stubborn Yankee women.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Hearts-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B074422FHY

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1262138470

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-with-hearts-kelli-a-wilkins/1029121857;jsessionid=B34CBCAE108E078A185537FBAFB08F9A.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940154716670

Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a7e88b32-d5a0-43b6-b0d8-6e1e42b317b7

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/354309578/Trust-with-Hearts

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trust-with-hearts

I hope you’ll check it out. The book was a lot of fun to write and blends a sultry summer romance with heartwarming drama.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=61801

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover – A Summer Paranormal Love Story

Hi romance lovers,

Although I write in several romance genres (contemporary, gay, historical, fantasy), I also like to write horror stories. Many people think that’s an odd combination, but I like to say that one half of my brain writes the horror, and the other half writes the romance. So naturally, it was only a matter of time before I combined the two and started writing paranormal romances.

My contemporary paranormal, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover, is a different type of romance. For starters, the novella is told in the first person from the hero’s point of view. The story also makes use of a setting where you don’t normally find vampires—the beach! 

I got the idea for the story while sitting on a nearly deserted beach at the end of the summer season. (I’m not a beach person, but I was there with my husband, a surfer.) As I sat there watching the few people milling around, I wondered: “What if a vampire went to the beach? And what if she fell in love with a surfer?”

I liked the idea of contrasting typical sun worshipping beachgoers and surfers with a darkness-loving elusive vampire. Besides, what could be more mismatched than a die-hard surfer falling in love with a nocturnal blood-drinker?

I started toying with ideas and knew that although the book is about a vampire, I wanted to keep the central focus on Brian and Anya’s relationship and not on the ‘bloodier’ aspects of vampirism (show her feeding, etc.) There’s a fine line when blending horror and romance into paranormal romance. Too much gore or a “too terrifying” creature can snap the readers (and the characters) out of the romance and into a full-on horror story. 

When I wrote the book I made sure that the love scenes were highly sensual and almost surreal. Aside from being a vampire, Anya is a woman with needs, and she makes sure Brian satisfies them. I don’t remember how I was inspired to have the story told by Brian, but it worked. Readers and reviewers like the first-person aspect—it pulls you into a story that would seem unbelievable.

Several people have asked me if it’s hard to write horror and romance. Not really. I enjoy it. Writing horror allows me to change up my writing style, use different settings, and create characters you wouldn’t find in a romance. My horror stories are more psychological/spooky than gory, and I like to explore darker plots and not always give the characters a happy ending (as I do in my romances).

Here’s the summary and a tame excerpt from Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover:

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover

The moment Brian spotted Anya sitting on the moonlit beach, he was hooked. Beautiful, smart, and sexy, Anya was the girl of his dreams. She didn’t mind that he spent the hot summer days riding the ocean waves, because once the sun set, he belonged to her—all night long!

Everything is perfect between them—until Brian discovers Anya’s shocking secret. Can Brian give up the sun, sand, and surf to be with the woman he loves?

Read Brian’s first-hand account of their unusual love story in… Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover.

***

I first saw her on the beach. I came up over the top of a dune and spotted her right away. She was sitting on the sand, about ten feet from the water. It was almost midnight and the beach was deserted, except for us. The moon beamed down on her, and she seemed to glow with a strange luminescence.

I stood still, listening to the roar of the crashing waves. Seeing the girl had stopped me in my tracks. I felt drawn to her, like I had known her before. But that was impossible, wasn’t it?

Who are you? I wondered.

A gentle wind ruffled the blonde hair cascading around her shoulders, allowing me to see her more clearly. Her head was bent down and she was staring at something she held in her hands.

I inched a little closer and watched her for a few minutes. She looked close to my age, somewhere near thirty. I longed to ask her some inane question to break the ice, but I froze. What could I say to her? Lone figures on the beach at night were probably not interested in making conversation.

I’d never had much luck with women. They thought history teachers were boring and considered surfing nothing more than a juvenile waste of time. Most of the women I had dated wanted successful, professional men like lawyers and doctors who drove fast cars and had money to burn. What kind of woman would fall in love with an unemployed thirty-year-old teacher who drove a beat-up car littered with sand and surf wax?

I turned and gazed out over the ocean. The sets were breaking just offshore. The surf would be good tomorrow morning if the wind didn’t shift.

A minute later, I glanced back toward the girl. She was gone. Not just gone from that spot— but gone, vanished. I looked up and down the beach, but I didn’t see her anywhere. Had I scared her away? Where did she go? I knew she hadn’t passed me, and there were no footprints leading off into the distance.

I wandered to where she’d been sitting and found a paperback book half buried in the sand. I picked it up and squinted at the cover in the dim light. A couple dressed in Victorian clothing was locked in a passionate embrace. Had she been reading this out here?

I heard a whisper behind me, and I whirled around. Nobody was there. The darkness and the roaring waves were playing tricks on me. At least, that’s what I thought.

I headed home. I couldn’t stop thinking about the girl as I gathered my surf gear together.

Who was she? Why was she alone on the beach at midnight? I wasn’t sure why I was so entranced by her. Maybe she—like me—was hoping to find some solace in the eternal ocean waves. 

Order your copy of Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Vampires-Lover-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B01IBYWYCI

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1135216230

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/confessions-of-a-vampires-lover-kelli-a-wilkins/1017484568 

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/confessions-of-a-vampire-s-lover

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a3d290b2-9c32-4a40-92ec-aac57fd0fcd7

24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1565223

* * *

I hope you’ll check it out. It’s a perfect blend of steamy beach romance and mystery to heat up your summer!

Happy Reading,

Kelli

Summer Romance Rewind - A Deceptive Match

Hi everyone,

Believe it or not, it’s been almost a year since my sizzling summer romance, A Deceptive Match was released.

A Deceptive Match is a full length novel set in the world of professional wrestling. Wrestling has always been a part of my life, so it was only natural that one day I’d write a book with wrestling as the backdrop. But this book is different from all of my other books because the entire story came to me in a rather unusual way—in a dream.

One morning I woke up and said “Uh-oh!” and grabbed the pen and paper next to the bed. (I keep it there in case of inspiration.) I knew that if I didn’t immediately start writing down everything in my head, it would be lost forever. So I sat there, furiously scribbling the outline. At this point, it was just the bare bones of the plot and the characters, but I knew I was onto something.

Over the course of the day, more bits and pieces came through. Now I had a subplot, secondary characters, and knew more about what was happening in this wrestling romance that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I was fortunate enough to actually “see” the book in my head like a movie—some scenes were missing, but I had a clear picture to work from.

People who have read the book and know about my love of wrestling always ask me the same questions: Which wrestlers are the characters based on? How do you know all this stuff? How much of it is real?

It’s easier to answer the second question first. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to be on friendly terms with a bunch of wrestlers. My husband and I would go to matches and hang out with the guys after the shows. (No, I wasn’t a ring rat.) I picked up a lot of terms and got a real feel for what they did and how they experienced life on the road.

At the time, the thought of being a writer never even crossed my mind, so I had no idea that one day I’d use what I learned in a book. When I got the idea for A Deceptive Match, I was able to incorporate much of what I knew into the plot through Danni’s point of view.

The male characters in the book (Vinnie, Ev, Thorn, and Nick) aren’t based on any one wrestler or any real person. I specifically made sure that Vinnie and the others aren’t linked to real wrestlers, because it would take away from the story. Like characters in any book, I invented whatever quirks, flaws, and backstory I needed to help move the plot along.

And how much of it is real? Well, anyone who knows anything about wrestling can tell you that it’s technically termed “sports entertainment” for a reason. But that doesn’t discredit all the training, hard work, and other sacrifices the wrestlers go through every day. A Deceptive Match touches on the subject of what’s “real” and what goes on behind the scenes that most fans are unaware of.

Here’s the book summary and a steamy excerpt:

A Deceptive Match

Falling for the wrestler she had been assigned to interview wasn’t part of Danni’s plan, until Vinnie Valentine pinned her heart in a flash.

Disgruntled with her job as the office assistant for a national sports magazine, Danni Stone impersonates a reporter to prove herself to her boss. Her assignment? Spend thirty days on the road with Vinnie Valentine, a sexy professional wrestler.

Life isn’t going well for the Heavyweight Champ. Vinnie is struggling with a manipulative boss, prepping for the most important match of his career, and feuding with his arch-enemy, Thorn. The last thing he needs is a nosy reporter following him around—even if she is hot.

Thrown together in close quarters, Danni can’t help falling for Vinnie, and she unwittingly becomes a key player in his title match. Their mutual attraction grows, and late one night, they give in to the lustful feelings they’ve been fighting.

As their relationship deepens, Danni considers telling Vinnie her secret. But before she can confess the truth, Vinnie discovers she isn’t the reporter she claims to be. Her lie threatens to ruin everything between them. Will their relationship be destroyed by her deception or will their love win out?

An Excerpt:

Danni hurried down the hall to the locker room. She hadn’t meant to be late picking up Vin tonight, but the moron lot attendant wouldn’t let her back into the parking area. She pushed open the locker room door and rushed inside. “Vin, I’m sorry I—”

Her tote bag slipped through her fingers and dropped to the floor. Vin stood less than three feet away, soaking wet. A white towel barely covered his waist.

“Oh, my God!” Her entire body flushed as a tingling sensation built deep in her belly. Vin was practically naked and dripping wet from the shower.

“I…um…you’re…I…oh God,” she muttered and whirled around. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

Vin’s warm hand settled on her shoulder. He gently turned her to face him. Beads of water dripped down his chest, and she longed to lick them away. “Um…you…you’re wet.” She glanced at the towel and prayed it would fall off his waist.

“And you’re not?”

She squealed as Vin drew her to his chest. His mouth covered hers, and she lost all sense of reason.

A wet heat built between her legs as Vin’s tongue entered her mouth. She clutched him tight and dug her fingers into the solid flesh of his back and ribs. He smelled like soap and water and yet there was a hint of something manly, musky about him.

Vin moaned and cupped her buttocks through her sundress, melding her body against his. A high-pitched mewing sound escaped her throat as a long-denied lust flared within her. Was this really happening? She’d had this fantasy for so many nights, would she wake up and discover it was only another erotic dream?

She slid her hands down Vin’s flat stomach to the edge of the towel. For a second, she hesitated, unsure. Did she dare do what every instinct commanded? Vin’s tongue plunged deeper into her mouth, wordlessly urging her on...

Order your copy of A Deceptive Match here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1126174280

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1123954707?ean=2940153364728

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/bf32f2e3-4463-4348-a154-03fc2c982528

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/316287181/A-Deceptive-Match

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-deceptive-match

***

I enjoyed creating the characters in this wrestling universe, and as I was writing, I fell in love with Everett, Vinnie’s best friend. I knew I had to tell Ev’s story and give him his own book, so I wrote A Secret Match. That book is all about Everett, but Danni and Vinnie play supporting roles in the storyline. Although the books are connected, they each stand alone as individual reads.

I hope romance fans and wrestling fans alike will check out A Deceptive Match and A Secret Match. They’re a good blend of action, drama, romance, humor, and spicy love scenes.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Kelli's Quill Newsletter - Summer of '17 Issue

Kelli’s Quill

Summer of ‘17 Issue

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying the summer season. June was Pride month, and this issue of the Quill is spotlighting my gay romances, including my latest release, Four Days with Jack. I also share some FAQ, and links to blogs and my new Facebook pages. Let’s get started!

Spend Four Days with Jack!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my gay romance, Four Days with Jack. In this contemporary novella, best friends David and Jack embark on a sexual relationship. David has always loved Jack and has fantasized about being his lover, but he lacked the courage to admit his feelings—until now.

Four Days with Jack

When David invited his best friend on vacation, he never expected them to fall in love…

Spending four days in a tropical paradise with Jack is a dream come true. For years, David has lived a lie and denied his romantic feelings for Jack. Now that they’re together in an isolated Caribbean resort, he finally admits what he really wants—to be Jack’s lover.

Jack has been in love with David for years and is encouraged by his desire to explore a sexual relationship. He’s more than willing to introduce David to the life he has always fantasized about. Their sizzling nighttime encounters confirm David’s long-hidden cravings, but what will happen when they leave the resort?

Will David come out and start a new life with Jack? Or will he go back to his old ways and risk losing the best friend he ever had?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FTMWHL

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-days-with-jack-kelli-a-wilkins/1109557509;jsessionid=1D70C74A962E0DE7D2F5CD770AAE14DD.prodny_store02-atgap01?ean=2940154705599#productInfoTabs

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1243886678

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/four-days-with-jack-1

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/350128475/Four-Days-with-Jack

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/fa9ee1d1-3b1c-4e9c-b8ce-138ac7f472eb

24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2275200

I hope you’ll check it out. I fell in love with the characters, and I hope readers will too. It’s got a good blend of humor, drama, and plenty of sizzling love scenes that will heat up your summer! 

New Stuff!

DID YOU KNOW… my romances are on Inside Romance? Click here to see the title list:

https://insideromance.com/search?type=product&q=Kelli+A.+Wilkins

Kelli’s New Facebook Pages

I’ve created genre-specific pages for my romances. I'll be posting news about my books, links, excerpts, and blogs about the books, the genre, and whatever else that strikes my fancy. Please like, forward, and share the pages with your social media friends!

Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

My author page is: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Summer is hot, and so are these sizzling M/M romances…

A SECRET MATCH

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and the sexy heartthrob of millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone. He’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

One night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems—both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a manipulative boss and a tag-team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything… can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1126174403

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120317429?ean=2940153320229

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/aa7e456e-04c4-41c7-8cb0-a491b5a296a5

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/316287185/A-Secret-Match

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-secret-match-1

Read about the making of the book here—post includes an excerpt!

http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-spotlight-secret-match.html

KILLER IN WOLF’S CLOTHING

A super aggressive Alpha male, a serial killer, and a visit to a kinky sex club… What has Larry gotten himself into?

When Larry learns that his boyfriend Greg changes into another man during the full moon, he has a hard time accepting it—until he meets Deke, Greg’s alternate Alpha personality.

Deke doesn’t play nice and has no time for games. He only wants two things—to get laid and to get revenge against the arsonist who murdered his friends. 

Finally free from Greg’s restraints, Deke is ready for action, and Larry is more than willing to submit to Deke’s needs.

Together, Larry and Deke set out to find the killer. Their hunt takes them to an all-night Alpha sex club where things heat up for the two of them. But when Larry unwittingly falls into the clutches of the murderer, it’s up to Deke—and Greg—to save him before it’s too late.

***

This novella is a fun look at the werewolf legend and blends mystery, danger, humor, and sizzling love scenes.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G3V9VWW

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1126206487

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1113758712?ean=2940153330563

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a62046e9-434b-4062-be2f-93813f065bfb

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/killer-in-wolf-s-clothing-1

Read about the making of Killer in Wolf’s Clothing here:

http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/07/an-inside-look-at-killer-in-wolfs.html

Kelli’s Been Blogging!

Follow these links to read two new interviews—I discuss my books, marketing, writing, and more!

http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

http://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-club-friday-guest-author-kelli.html

Catch up on the Naughty Nobles trilogy: http://booksandtales.blogspot.com/2017/06/guest-blog-spicy-romance-by-kelli.html

Chat with 3 Bad Boys of Romance: http://www.ddsreviews.in/2017/05/3-Bad-Boys-of-Romance.html

Read my blog: FAQ About Writing Gay Romances:

http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2017/06/writing-gay-romances-4-faq.html

Kelli’s Corner

In this month’s Kelli’s Corner, I answer a few fun FAQ:

How long does it take you to write a book?

That depends on the book. Some of my romances are shorter novellas (A Most Unusual Princess, Killer in Wolf’s Clothing, Midsummer Night’s Delights) and others are longer, full-length novels (A Deceptive Match, A Most Unfortunate Prince, The Viking’s Witch, Dangerous Indenture). Obviously, the longer the story, the longer it takes to write, revise, edit, etc. I generally take about a month to write the first draft of a novella and anywhere from two to four months for the first draft of a full-length novel.

When I’m writing, I focus on one project at a time. As I write the first draft (whether it’s a short story or a romance novel), I divert all my attention and energy into the story until it’s finished. After that, I set it aside and work on other projects, such as submissions, promotions, blogging, updating my site, or outlining another story. After a few weeks or so, I go back to the new project with fresh eyes and start making revisions.

Are you a plotter or do you just write/see what happens?

I’m both. When an idea comes to me, I make an outline with basic scenes, snippets of dialogue, character descriptions, notes on point-of-view and plot, then I sit down and start writing. I follow the outline but I keep myself open to scenes going in different directions. Sometimes characters reveal things about themselves or an unexpected detail is revealed while I’m writing. I go with it and see where the story takes me. Each book is a new adventure for me as I’m writing it.

Which is more important—plot or characters and why?

Both are incredibly important to any story, but an interesting character (provided the reader loves him or her) can carry a not-so-great plot. I’ve read books where the plot was so-so but I loved the characters, so I kept reading.

I strive to make all of my characters well-rounded with realistic goals, life experiences, and challenges. Readers want to root for the characters—whether they’re in a romance, a mystery, or a sci-fi story. When readers are invested in the lives of the characters they will follow them anywhere.

Plot is also very important, however. A confusing plot that’s hard to follow will turn readers off. Likewise, a plot that’s too simple or not engaging may have readers giving up before they read very far. I’ve started reading books that had interesting plots (or so it seemed) but after 100 pages nothing happened, so I gave up.

I like to include minor subplots in my stories to keep the action moving and the reader guessing at what might happen next. A talented writer will know how to create a perfect balance between plot and character.

Do certain themes and ideas tend to capture your writer’s imagination and fascinate you?

Yes. My heroines are generally strong-willed and determined to make their own way in the world on their terms (whether they exist in a contemporary or a historical romance). Other themes or ideas I’ve brought out in my romances are: being true to yourself, acceptance, moving on/starting over, and learning to trust. Several of my horror stories involve ghosts and hauntings and have young children as clever main characters. (Kropsy’s Curse and the “The Ape” are two examples.)

What’s on the horizon for you?

Currently, I’m revising a new historical romance novel (as yet untitled) and I’m working on re-editing the last of my romances previously published with Amber Quill Press. After that, I have ideas in the works for a few other romances (a historical, a paranormal, and a gay contemporary).

Do you like clowns?

Heck no! And dolls are next on the Big List of Nope. No thanks! I know someone who collects clown drawings, paintings, and figurines. I shrieked when I saw a clown doll hanging off the back of the door (and no, it wasn’t Halloween). I told him, “Nobody is ever going to want to stay here with these clowns all over.” Twisty the Clown was the best “worst” clown ever. I do feel sorry for all the nice, happy clowns out there who just want to entertain kids, juggle, and join the circus, because they have to fight the “creepy clown” stigma. They probably need a support group!

I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Please share it with your social media friends. I welcome feedback and questions from readers, so drop me a line with your comments. 

Here’s a list of where you can find me on social media:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Enjoy the summer!

Kelli