Kelli's December News & Reviews

Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing some December news & reviews.

First up, my horror novella, Nightmare in the North got a 5 star review from Myra’s Horror Blog Reviews. 

NIGHTMARE IN THE NORTH

Stranded during a violent blizzard, Mark hikes to the only house nearby. George, a well-mannered University professor, welcomes Mark and gives him shelter from the storm.

By morning, Mark suspects that everything isn’t what it seems. George’s adult daughter, Kate, who also lives in the house, shares a disturbing and unsettling tale. When questioned, George insists that Kate has a psychological issue and can’t be trusted to tell the truth.

Mark quickly finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse. Who should he believe? Is Kate’s desperate plea for help sincere? Should he be suspicious of George? Or are both of them plotting something together?

Isolated from everyone, Mark is forced to wait out the storm—and find a way to escape—if he hopes to make it out alive.

***

Myra says: I can’t say anymore without giving away too much, but the ending was creepy. Though I was suspicious the story had certain elements to it that were later confirmed, I was still a bit surprised by the end. A worthy horror read to while away a little time.

Order Nightmare in the North here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9QD45X

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/m2vqOk

Read the full 5 star review here: http://myranour.net/book-chat-nightmare-in-the-north/

My Gothic historical romance, REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST, got a 4 ½ star review from Night Owl Romance and is a Top Pick. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST

Lord Sebestyen Adrik has an unsavory reputation as a madman, murderer… and worse. Lonely and searching for love, he seeks the companionship of local young women, hoping one of them will ease his torment and bring him the happiness he longs for. Katarina is his last chance—but will she fear him like all the others? Or is she the one who can lift his curse?

Desperate to avoid a forced marriage, Katarina agrees to become Lord Adrik’s latest companion, despite the rumors she has heard about him. She discovers the “Dark Lord’s” secret past and realizes he’s not the monster everyone thinks he is.

As their love blossoms, she renews his passion for life—yet they cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

When a meeting of the nobility goes horribly wrong, Sebestyen’s world unravels, and his enemies plot to destroy him. As all seems lost, a mysterious stranger arrives at the castle. Sebestyen must decide if he is a friend or a foe…and if he can find redemption in his love for Katarina, or lose her and everything else that he holds dear.

***

Nikkii Blue says: This is definitely a "Don't judge a book by its cover" kind of romance story. Redemption from a Dark Past is beautiful, heartbreaking, redeeming, sexy and passionate. It also has a great plot with several twists. I really enjoyed Redemption from a Dark Past and it is well worth a reader's time.

Order Redemption from a Dark Past here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL1FXYW/

Link to all other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3R1aYD

Read the full review here: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Nikkitrueblue-reviews-Redemption-From-A-Dark-Past-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins

A new horror story!

Dark Moon Digest celebrates its 8th anniversary with its first ever double edition, combining issues #32 and #33 into one spooky tome of horror fiction. My story "They Just Keep Eating" is included in this collection. 

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Moon-Digest-Issue-32-ebook/dp/B07K26S3ZD/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1543018379&sr=8-1

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-moon-digest-issue-32-33-lori-michelle/1129903129?ean=9781943720330

Remember, ebooks make great gifts - so if someone you know loves to read, be sure to check out my website to see all of my writings. Why not gift someone a hot romance or a spooky horror story to read this winter?

Enjoy!

Kelli

Something Spooky for the Holiday Season!

Hi everyone,

In this week’s blog I’m sharing a short and sweet promo for a new horror anthology! As most everyone knows by now, I not only write sizzling erotic romances, I also write short horror fiction.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who likes to read horror stories - or if you’re a horror fan who wants to tune out the cutesy holiday cheer and explore the dark side, Frightmares is just for you!

My flash fiction horror story, “Death is Just a Tick Away” appeared in Dark Moon Digest’s e-magazine (Issue #1) this summer. And it now appears in the Frightmares: A Fistful of Flash Fiction Horror paperback anthology published by Dark Moon Books. The story is based on a real superstition!

The book is a compilation of dozens of flash fiction horror stories. Each tale is under 500 words and is a quick read. The authors weren’t limited to a central theme (vampires, zombies, or haunted places), so each story is completely unique.

The link to the print book on Amazon is: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983433550/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shadara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0983433550

And you can still order a Kindle version of the magazine here: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Moon-Digest-Magazine-ebook/dp/B005BSSL66/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

(Note: These links are for Amazon. However, these titles are also available at Barnes & Noble and other online bookstores.)

Next week on the blog I’ll be taking a look back at my 2011 Amber Quill Press romances!

Until next time,
Kelli

Writing Horror Fiction - Just in time for Halloween!

Greetings!

In a previous blog, I talked a little about horror stories in general. Now I’ll get more specific. How does a person write a horror story? What makes a great one? How can you make a convincing story about a monster if monsters aren’t real?

First, it’s important to realize that horror can take many forms — gore-filled splatter-punk with buckets of blood… mysterious, cursed people living in isolated Gothic castles (or even tropical islands!)… psychological, unsettling horror that makes you feel uneasy… or your ordinary “classic monsters” such as vampires, ghosts, zombies, and werewolves. Each kind of horror story has its fans, probably because everyone is scared of different things (heights, monkeys, bridges, etc.). But whatever type of horror story you write (or read) there are a few universal elements that should go into any horror tale.

An important element in writing horror is to invent a believable horror universe where monsters, angels, vampires, and other paranormal elements are possible – and conflict with the characters you’ve created.

The TV show “Supernatural” is an excellent example of horror world building. The Winchesters go around hunting “things” for a living. They were raised believing that paranormal creatures were more than legends – to them, they’re 100% real, no question. That’s what every horror author has to do – make the reader believe in the element of horror (whether it’s a nightmare-invading serial killer, a 60 foot sea-creature, or a ghost) and take the reader on a journey with the main characters. The situations need to be plausible and told in a way that grips the reader, even if the premise seems a bit far-fetched (at first).

As with any story, the author has to establish a believable setting. Whether your tale takes place in a gritty, post-apocalyptic city or a foggy rural graveyard, you need to give your readers a concrete foundation of where the story is taking place. Use lots of details and props to make your descriptions come alive. Ask yourself why your story has to take place where it does, then take your reader there. My story, “Kropsy’s Curse” makes great use of setting. What’s better than a horror story set in a graveyard on Halloween? It’s available on www.fictionwise.com. The link is: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook17627.htm

Remember that all characters (even the monsters) need to have a purpose. Why are your zombies in Wegmans? Your readers will want to know why (and how) the events in your story are happening. Your job as a writer is to get readers to suspend their (dis)belief and buy into your story. This is done by giving characters a goal and following it up with in-depth characterization and details. You don’t have to go into a lengthy explanation, just give your readers a reason, have your characters believe it, and move on. In my story, “The Man in Apt. 3-A”, the main character really didn’t believe a vampire lived upstairs…until he met him. (Read it for free in the horror section of my site!)

And try to avoid clichés like the plague! Masked killers hunting campers in the woods, serial-killing cannibal families, miserable Goth vampires in ruffles, and mindless zombie attacks have all been done to… well, death. When writing horror, don’t be afraid to break patterns, make your characters different or have them go against the stereotype. Give readers something unexpected, turn a cliché on its ear, or use a different point of view — it’ll make your story stand out. Why not set your werewolf story in Hawaii? My flash fiction story, “Guest of Honor” uses setting, mood, and purpose to deliver a clever ending. It was featured in The Best of the First Line. Read more about it here: http://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror01.html

My flash fiction story, “Death is Just a Tick Away” appeared in the premiere issue of Dark Moon Digest’s e-magazine (Issue #1) this summer. The story is based on a real superstition! You can order a Kindle version here: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Moon-Digest-Magazine-ebook/dp/B005BSSL66/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

Remember, when writing horror, the only limit is your imagination!

Want more horror? Visit the horror section of my website: http://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror.html

 Look for a special Halloween-themed blog next week, then exciting changes in the new year!

Happy Haunting,

Kelli