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.
