Showing posts with label You Can Write Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. Show all posts

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Want to Learn How to Write? This Book Gets You Started!

Happy New Year!

If one of your goals is to write a novel or a short story this year, you’ve come to the right blog.

When people learn that I’m a writer, they often tell me: “I want to write a book, but…” and then they go into longwinded explanations about why they can’t write it. Usually they don’t know where (or how) to start, or they say they don’t have the time.

Well, I’ve got a solution for all that.

And as an author of more than 100 short stories and 24 romance novels, I’m often asked: Where do you get your ideas? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips? Can you help me?

Sure I can!

One day I started thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years, and inspiration hit me: Why not write a book on how to write? The result? You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction.

This fun and practical book walks you through the story-creating process step-by-step from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work.

Each easy-to-read chapter is based on my years of experience as a writer, advice I’ve received over the years, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and workshops. I also included helpful tips all writers can use, plus easy writing exercises to get you motivated.

I’m an eclectic writer, and that means I write everything—short horror fiction, full-length romance novels, science fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. People are always asking me, “How can you write in so many different genres and styles? What’s the secret?”

It’s really not that difficult. Why? Because the basic mechanics of good storytelling are universal, no matter what genre you write. Every fiction story contains the same ingredients: an interesting and engaging plot, characters the reader cares about and roots for, supporting details, and background that draw the reader into the story.

Want to learn more? Here’s the book summary:

You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

Have you always wanted to write?

Do you have a great story idea, but don’t know how to develop it?

If you’ve always dreamed of writing, but have no idea where or how to start—this is the ebook for you!

You Can Write—Really! is designed for beginner writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started. This fun and easy-to-follow ebook takes you step-by-step through the writing process, covering the basics of plotting, editing, revising, and submitting your story.

Each chapter explores ways to get your creativity flowing, explains where authors get ideas, and shows you how to create interesting characters. Helpful tips all writers can use, plus creative writing exercises throughout the book get you motivated.

Once you have the basics down, you can write—really!

Order your copy and read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really

Want more? Visit my Amazon Author page for a full title list: 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.

Happy Reading (and Writing!)

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 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her twenty-fourth romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in 2025.

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

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in 2023. Look for a follow-up story coming in 2026!

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

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Set Your Writing Goals for the New Year

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my first blog of 2018!

If you’ve visited my social media pages in the last few weeks, you may have noticed that I made some changes. I have new banners on my Facebook Author page, my Twitter feed will feature fun photos as well as book news, free reads of all my books are available on the Manic Readers site, and I’m now on Instagram. (Whew!)

It’s appropriate to think about changes at this time of year. After all, we have brand new calendars hanging on our walls that are filled with unexplored days yet to come. Every day is filled with hope, possibilities, and opportunities to make this year really great.

As we head into the New Year, it seems that everyone’s talking about changes and goals. What are your writing goals for 2018? Do you want to finish the novel you started last year (or haven’t started yet)? Send out a dozen short stories? Enter a contest? Now is the perfect time to sit down and make a list of all you want to accomplish. Having a list of projects and priorities will help keep your writing objectives on track.

For example, if you’re determined to start a new book, make a timeline for research, character development, plotting, etc. Give yourself a deadline for when you want to start writing and stick to it. Decide how many pages or chapters you want to finish each day/week/month. Little by little, your book will take shape, and you’ll be amazed at your progress. (Need help getting started? Check out my non-fiction writing guide, You Can Write - Really!)

No matter what your writing goals are, a little pre-planning will help you focus and allow you to flow from one writing project to another. Preparation also keeps you motivated and fends off writer’s block, because you always have “the next thing” to work on.

Take ten or fifteen minutes to evaluate your writing career. What did you accomplish last year that you’re most proud of? What would you like to achieve this year? What markets did you crack that you’d like to write for again? Which publications do you really want your work to appear in?

When you write down your goals, start off your sentences with a positive statement, such as: “I will finish my novel by June 1” or “I will submit six articles to magazines.” After you’ve made the list, note what you need to do to get started. This could include setting aside specific times to write each day, getting writer’s guidelines, or sending out query letters. Then, pick one project (the most time-sensitive one, or your personal favorite), and get to work. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to publication!

One of my goals was to get my latest historical romance novel “done” by today. (It’s my birthday!) It’s “done” in the sense that the latest draft is finished. I need to give it another proofread before I send it out, but that’s one goal down so far. (Another goal is to find a title for the book ‒ but that’s a whole other subject…)

This is also the perfect time of year to let go of things that no longer serve you. Simplify as much as you can, and you’ll make room for new opportunities and events in your life. (This applies to everything – not just writing.)

For example, if certain social media sites or groups aren’t working for you, or are taking away from your writing time, scale back on the time you spend there. Everyone get 24 hours each day, so choose how you use your time wisely.

What are your writing goals? Is there a topic you would like to see me address on the blog this year? I welcome comments/feedback about the blog, my books, and my newsletter. Sign in and leave a comment or email me via the “Contact the Author” form on the News page of my website.

Until next time,

Kelli

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Kelli's Quill - May/June Summer Issue

Kelli’s Quill

Welcome Summer Issue!

May/June 2015

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and are making plans for a fun summer! This month in the Quill I’m sharing a few 5-star reviews for my writing book and posting an interview excerpt.

It's a double-issue, so let’s get started!

5-Star Reviews for You Can Write – Really!

My writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction, has gotten several excellent Amazon reviews.

Have you always wanted to write?

Are you looking for an extra boost of motivation?

Do you have a great story idea, but don’t know how to develop it?

Then THIS is the book for you!

You Can Write—Really! is an easy guide designed for beginner writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started.

Award-winning romance author Kelli A. Wilkins takes you step-by-step through the writing process, covering the basics of plotting, editing, revising, and submitting.

She explores ways to get your creativity flowing, explains where authors get ideas, and shows you how to create interesting characters. Helpful tips and fun writing exercises get you started!

Order your copy here:

http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1428436650&sr=1-1&keywords=you+can+write+really

Here are excerpts from those great reviews I mentioned:

Long and Short Reviews gives it 5 stars!

“If you’ve ever wanted to write fiction, then you will want to read this book. In fact, this book has tips and techniques that will help not only beginners, but more advanced writers as well. All aspects of the craft of writing are covered, in the order that they are needed. The author is positive and up-beat as she encourages her readers. There are writing exercises in each section and I found these exercises to be interesting, with very specific suggestions made in ways that encourage the reader’s creativity. The chapters flow well, and the book is captivating, truly aimed at bringing out the best in the reader. 5 stars!”

Cozie Corner says:

“I give YOU CAN WRITE—REALLY! a 5 star rating. The Author, Kelli A. Wilkins pens YOU CAN WRITE—REALLY! in practical wording and easy to follow advice on how to write. I love how she broke down each section of the writing process and includes exercises on each topic she touches. Honestly I'm not a writer, but after reading this book I can see me giving it a try.... I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who ever wanted to write their own books, as well as those who have written books before.”

The Book Junkie writes:

“I give it a 5 star on well written, written in a way to easily help you write and help you achieve those goals of having a 5 star book yourself one day. I think this book gives you a lot of good tips of writing and how to get to where you are looking to go with your book. This book I think gives you exactly what you are looking for and more. It will help you to write the book you are aiming to write, the pointers you need to make it successful and more.”

The Literary Nymphs review:

“YOU CAN WRITE—REALLY! A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WRITING FICTION has a lot of very practical advice that is easy to understand and follow. The author did a good job breaking up the various components of writing a book or short story, making you think you are in a creative writing class as opposed to an English class. Each section of the book was followed by exercises that used the principles she was trying to convey. I loved this book and the way it is so easy to understand and follow. The author did good job in organizing it. Whether you are someone just starting or someone with some publications, this is a good book for the bookshelf.”

Amazon Reviewer Nerdy Girl has this to say:

YOU CAN WRITE—REALLY! isn’t just for beginning writers, it has something for writers at every stage. With sections such as Meet the muse, Excuses, Ideas, Characters, Marketing, etc., whatever you're looking for, there's something here to learn from. This book breaks down the writing process and shares tips and tricks to help you to learn and grow. I highly recommend it as a reference and as a way to inspire and encourage you to move past writing blocks, and tap into your creativity.

Another Amazon Reviewer, Sally R., says:

I've read some of Kelli's short horror stories and really enjoyed the creativity behind them. When I saw that she published a beginner's guide to writing fiction, I was really excited to read it. I enjoy writing, but feel as though I could never really get my thoughts down on paper. I struggle with editing and had no idea how to submit to publishing houses. She explains everything step-by-step to avoid overwhelm and makes getting published completely attainable. I especially found the writing exercises to be useful to get my creative juices flowing! “

Read the full reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/product-reviews/B00THWLFQU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Q&A with Kelli

Here are a few questions I’ve been asked recently. If you have a question you’d like me to answer, send it to me and I’ll answer it in an upcoming issue of the Quill!

For readers who haven't tried your books yet, how do you think your editor or loyal readers would describe your books?

Reviewers and readers have fallen in love with my unique characters and far-from typical storylines. My romances aren’t just about two people falling in love – I include interesting plots and blend in mystery, danger, adventure, or comedy to make them stand out.

I strive to give readers a happy-ever-after romance. I hope that they would think the book was a fun and sexy read, that they loved the characters and rooted for them to be together. (I’d also hope readers would recommend it to friends!)

Has there been any characters that started off as supporting characters, but then developed into a more prominent character?

Oh yes! This has happened several times. It first began with my historical/fantasy novella A Most Unusual Princess, I liked Dalton and Elara so much that I wrote a full-length sequel about them, A Most Intriguing Temptation. Then, while writing that book, I absolutely fell in love with Prince Allan (Elara’s brother), and knew he had to have his own book – so I wrote A Most Unfortunate Prince.

A similar situation happened when I wrote Midsummer Night’s Delights. It was supposed to be one story, but turned into a trilogy and was followed by Midwinter Night’s Delights and Ultimate Nights Delights.

I’m proud of all the books in these trilogies. Each one was a lot of fun to write, and I enjoyed following the characters through their adventures. Because I wrote each book without intending on making a trilogy, each book stands alone as an individual read.

A Secret Match is a follow-up (of sorts) to my other wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. That book was all about a straight couple (Vin and Danni) and Everett (the main character from A Secret Match) was a secondary character. I loved writing for Ev and always thought “one day” I’d give him a book of his own, but I didn’t have a clue as to what the story would be. I put thoughts of him aside and then one morning he popped into my head with a four-line book summary. Within an hour, I had the whole story in my head and I started writing.

What three words best describe your main characters?

Over the years, I’ve created dozens of interesting and unique characters. The main characters in my three recent books could be described as: determined, flawed, and hopeful.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Right now, I’m revising a new historical romance and gathering ideas for a paranormal, and another gay contemporary.

In the horror department, I’m working on a few short stories. My latest Halloween tale, “Home for Halloween” was published in the Moon Shadows horror anthology. Read more about it here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N232UEG

Enjoy the summer!

Happy Reading,

Kelli