Monday, July 3, 2017

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:








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:


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!





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:








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



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:






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



Kelli’s Been Blogging!
Follow these links to read two new interviews—I discuss my books, marketing, writing, and more!





Read my blog: FAQ About Writing Gay Romances:


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:

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


Enjoy the summer!

Kelli

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