Heating Up Summer Romances with Sizzling Details

 

Happy Summer everyone!

To celebrate the summer months, I’m posting a “Summer Romance Series” of blogs. Today I’m sharing a few thoughts on how authors use details to spice up sultry summer romances.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the beach. The ocean waves are rolling into shore… you feel the sun on your skin and the warm, gritty sand beneath your toes… the air smells like salt water mixed with coconut-scented suntan lotion… You open your eyes and see a tanned hunk standing in front of you. A bead of sweat drips down his six-pack abs…

Did it feel like you were on the beach? Could you sense everything happening around you? Good, because conveying sensory details to readers is an excellent way to draw them into the book and make them part of the action.

More than anything, readers want to get inside the story, feel what the characters are feeling, and live vicariously in the world the author has created. When writing a summer romance (or any romance), authors should make the most of the five senses to bring the story alive. Exploring all the details of a scene gives the reader the experience of “being there.”

Here are a few examples of how authors bring everyday surroundings to life and enhance the sensory details in a story:

What’s the weather? How does the weather influence the action in a story? Is it too hot and humid to move? Does a sudden thunderstorm send everyone at the baseball game running for cover? Or is it a perfect breezy summer day? When does the scene take place? At an early morning sunrise? In the blazing afternoon heat? A cool summer night?

Liven it up with color! Summer colors are usually bold and bright. Authors can use details to describe the heroine’s hot pink bathing suit, the hero’s cherry red convertible, or the vibrant turquoise beach towel they make love on…

Add some flavor: The sense of taste is usually hard to work into a romance, but authors can get inventive. When the characters kiss, what do they taste? Zingy lemonade? Beer? Mint chip ice cream? Spicy BBQ? Does the heroine taste like the strawberries she’s just eaten?

The sounds of summer: Summer is a great time of year for main characters to be outside, so what do they hear in the background? Kids yelling and playing games? Music? Splashing in a pool? Carnival-ride sounds from a boardwalk? Sea gulls calling? Lawn mowers blaring?

Look around: What do the characters see as they go through a scene? Fireflies? Bees buzzing around flowers? A tattoo peeking out from under a bathing suit? Her long tan legs? Are people watching them kiss on the beach?

Breathe deep: The sense of smell isn’t always crucial to a romance, but having a hero follow his nose to the scent of burgers cooking on a grill, or relaxing in the comforting smell of smoke from a campfire can enhance a scene. Maybe the heroine is turned on (or off!) when she smells suntan lotion. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers. Flowers are blooming all summer, and the heroine can be an avid gardener who loves the scent of roses, while the hero has allergies.

Reach out and touch: One way to pull readers into the action is to describe what the characters physically feel as they go through a scene. Authors can describe sweat trickling down the hero’s back, the brisk coolness of walking into an air-conditioned room, jumping into a cold lake, rough sand under bare feet, or even what it feels like to touch the hero’s hot, sweaty skin…

My summer paranormal romance, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover, is set at the beach. (Yes, it’s quite an unusual setting for a vampire romance!) In this book, I used a variety of details to describe the hero’s obsession with the sun, sand, and surf (or as he put it: wax, water, and waves).

I contrasted all that with details of his nights spent with the vampire heroine (the moonlight reflecting off the ocean, making love on the deserted beach, and swimming at night). By enhancing the details, I showed how Brian and Anya lived in completely different worlds (literally, night and day) and still found summer love.

I incorporated a lot of “summer” details into my contemporary romance, Trust with Hearts. In this sizzling tale, Curtis and Sherrie fall in love over the course of a summer. I used the hot and sticky weather, cool summer drinks, and sultry summer nights to build heat between the two characters.

Want more writing tips and advice? Order my fun and easy guide to writing, You Can Write, Really! here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really

The next time you read a summer romance, pay closer attention to the little details the author has added. Notice how they draw you deeper into the world of the characters and the story. And don’t we all want to get swept away into another world for a while?

I hope you enjoyed this “Summer Romance Series” blog. Visit my site www.kelliwilkins.com to learn about all of my books, read more blogs, and get links to my social media.

Whether you’re writing a summer romance, or losing yourself in one on a lazy afternoon, enjoy the summer!

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.

Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in January 2026. This mystery/thriller 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's 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 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.

 

Set New Writing Goals for the New Year

 

Hi everyone!

Welcome to 2024! It seems like everyone is talking about making changes and setting goals. If you’re a writer, you may already have a list of things you want to accomplish this year—or not.

If you need some motivation to get back into the swing of things writing-wise, take some time to look back at what you achieved last year and start thinking about this year. Evaluating your writing goals now will help you get on target for 2024.

Perhaps you took time off from writing during the holidays. Maybe your writing muse went on vacation to Hawaii and hasn’t come back yet. That’s okay. It’s fine to take a break from writing for a while—but not too long. (If you rest too long, you’ll rust!) Writing exercises, journaling, and freewriting story ideas are great ways to revive your motivation.

What are your writing goals for 2024? 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! https://www.kelliwilkins.com/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.

If you write magazine articles, are there any major publications you’re targeting? Start brainstorming ideas now, make a list of places to send queries, and check out potential markets for their latest submission guidelines. (It’s also time to be thinking 3 to 6 months ahead and plan those spring and summer articles.)

Write fiction? Have you found any new markets? Signed up for online market newsletters? If you’re published in one genre (say, romance or horror), are you going to expand your horizons and write a different type of story this year?

Is the writing part going fine, but you need to develop (or enhance) your online profile and/or marketing? Explore writing-related websites and blogs, social media groups, and advertising opportunities for your work. Are your blog, website, and author page(s) up-to-date? Should they get a refresh (or a major overhaul) for the new year?

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, do you need to clear out clutter? Recycle excess paper? Get rid of stuff you’re saving for “someday”? Do you need to let go of relationships that are toxic or not working? Now is a good time to reevaluate everything.

Everyone gets 24 hours each day, so choose how you use your time wisely. 

Happy New Year! Let’s make the most of it.

Kelli

 

 

How to Be Your Own Best Editor

 

This blog is part of a series offering fun and practical advice to fiction writers. The blogs are based on the material in my non-fiction guide to writing, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. Whether you write horror, romance, sci-fi, or mysteries, I hope you find the hints helpful.

What is one thing that will set you apart as a professional writer and help you outshine the amateurs? Believe it or not, it’s not the subject of your story, your witty proposal, or even if you’ve been published before—it’s your presentation.

How you present yourself and your writing to editors, agents, and readers speaks volumes about you. People will stop reading if they find misspelled words, missing words, and repeated words. These avoidable errors will flag your writing as unprofessional and sloppy. And it might get your story rejected.

So, how do you make sure your work is ready to go? Be your own best editor!

Here are a few tips:

* Always start your story with an interesting hook to capture the reader’s (or editor’s) attention. Begin either 5 minutes before, during, or 5 minutes after “the big moment” that gives the character a problem and draws the reader into the character’s world. Keep the action going in the first few paragraphs.

Don’t waste the first page describing the weather or how a character got dressed in the morning. Jump into the story and take your readers with you. When you hook an editor, you stand a good chance of staying out of the slush pile.

* Read your story out loud and proofread every word on each page. This forces you to slow down and you will notice missing words. If you stumble over a sentence or a phrase, it probably needs to be edited. Stop reading and fix it. Then read the paragraph or sentence again to make sure it sounds right and keep going.

Reading aloud also lets you hear how the piece sounds, and you’ll pick up on words or phrases you overuse. As a rule of thumb, a word or a phrase shouldn’t be repeated more than five times in a novel, and even less in a short story. Use a thesaurus to give you suggestions on similar words and replace them. (For example, “scream” can become: shout, yell, yelp, squeal, cry, etc.) 

Also do a search for similarly-spelled words and check that you’re not accidentally using the wrong word. Some to look out for include: they’re, there, their; four, for, fore; to, two, too; here, hear; you’re, your…

* Before submitting your story, get the publication’s submission guidelines from their website and follow them. Every publication is different, and you need to tailor your submission to their requirements, or face automatic rejection.

When you have the guidelines, read them carefully and ask yourself if your story is a good fit for the publication. If the guidelines specifically say “no vampire stories” and your main character has fangs and drinks blood, try somewhere else. If the guidelines state the publication is only accepting stories under 2,000 words and yours is 6,000, try again. Submitting a story where it doesn’t fit, only to have it rejected, wastes your time and may sour the editor on further submissions from you.

I hope you enjoyed these writing tips and find them useful. If you’re interested in learning more about the writing process, check out my non-fiction writing guide, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. The book is designed for writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started. It’s packed with writing tips, advice, and fun exercises.

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4AqYN4

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really

Happy Writing!

Kelli 

Have you always wanted to write? Get started with… You Can Write—Really!

 

Hi everyone,

My name is Kelli Wilkins and I’m an eclectic writer. That means I write everything—short horror fiction, steamy full-length romance novels, science fiction, and even non-fiction. People are always asking me, “How can you write in so many different genres and styles?”

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 draws the reader into the story.

As an author of 100+ short stories and 20 romance novels, I’m often asked: Where do you get your ideas? How do I get published? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips?

I’ve answered these questions many times in interviews and addressed them in guest blogs, but I always wanted to say more. 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.

Once you have the basics down, you can write—really! Here are two fun writing exercises:

EXERCISE 1: Write three to five dialogue exchanges where two characters meet for the first time. What do they talk about? What is happening in the scene or around them?

EXERCISE 2: All characters want something, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a new car, to escape from jail, to eat lunch, or to finish a big project. Brainstorm five things your character wants, large or small. Here are some examples: woman wants to escape her abusive husband; man wants to bury a body; private investigator wants to find a blackmailer; fifth grade kid wants to get away with cheating on a math test.

Here’s the book summary:

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

If you’ve always dreamed of writing and getting published, but have no idea where or how to start—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 author Kelli A. Wilkins takes you step-by-step through the writing process, covering the basics of plotting, editing, revising, and submitting. In addition, she explores ways to get your creativity flowing, explains where authors get ideas, and shows you how to create interesting characters for your story.

Helpful tips and fun writing exercises throughout the book keep you on track.

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4AqYN4

 

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really

 

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, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

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 and social media links.

What Readers Want to Know…

Hi,

Today I’m answering a few fun questions about myself, my books, and writing in general.

Readers want to know…

How would you describe yourself using only five words?

Busy romance and horror author.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Of course! I lounge around on the couch in front of the TV when I should be writing, or cleaning, or doing something else. I usually devote my Friday nights to being lazy.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

I block out a chunk of time and review my outline. Then I envision the scene I want to write and just do it. My first draft is nowhere near perfect—at that stage, all I want to do is write the scene so it’s out of my head and on the paper. When I go back and revise, I add dialogue tags, sensory details, and fix up the word choices to make the scene come alive.

If someone hasn’t read any of your work, what book(s) would you recommend that they start with and why?

That depends on what genre they like to read. My romances include almost all genres, and the heat levels vary from mildly sensual to scorching-hot.

Historical romance lovers would enjoy Dangerous Indenture. It’s a full-length novel set in Pennsylvania Colony and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. Or, if they like something with more adventure, they could read Loving a Wild Stranger. Redemption from a Dark Past is perfect for Gothic romance lovers.

Readers of historical/fantasy romance would like either the Royal Desires series (A Most Unusual Princess, A Most Intriguing Temptation, and A Most Unfortunate Prince) or the Naughty Nobles trilogy (Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights).

Contemporary romance readers can fall in love with Vinnie, the hero from A Deceptive Match, or Curtis, the sexy country singer from Trust with Hearts. Paranormal lovers would like Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover or Beauty & the Bigfoot.

And readers of gay romance have a choice between A Secret Match, Four Days with Jack, or Killer in Wolf’s Clothing. I like to say I have romances for everyone!

Most people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. What’s your take on this?

That’s a fantasy. People want to believe that writers sit around contemplating what to write all day, crank out a perfect book in a week, then sit back and collect outrageously huge checks. That’s fiction! Many non-writers don’t understand that creating a book out of thin air is a time-consuming (and sometimes frustrating) process that takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

I’ve had people ask me how come I don’t have a million dollars or why haven’t my books been on the New York Times Best-seller List yet. The reality is that some authors can and do quit their day jobs to write, while others put in 40 hours a week doing something else and then carve out time from the rest of the day to write. It’s not always glamorous, but creating characters and writing about them is fun, and that’s why I do it.

Do you ever feel forced to write?

Yes. Sometimes when I haven’t been writing for a while and I’m slacking off, a little voice pops into my head and says, “You’d better sit down and start writing something, now!” This usually happens after I’ve taken a week or so off after a new release to recharge.

Have you ever written about your own bad habits/personality flaws? 

I haven’t yet – at least not consciously! But Elara in A Most Unusual Princess can be pushy, stubborn, opinionated, and doesn’t always listen. (Some people might see a bit of me in her…) I do give my characters some of my better traits: a wacky sense of humor (Beauty & the Bigfoot), inner strength and determination (Dangerous Indenture) and belief in a good cause (Trust with Hearts). I like to include character traits or incorporate aspects of real people into my stories, so I always tell friends and family (and others), “be nice to me, or I might put you in a story.”

If you could invite any famous person, dead or alive, for lunch, who would it be and what would you eat?

I’d have lunch with Stephen King (his schedule permitting, of course). Most people probably don’t know that in addition to my romances, I also write horror fiction. I read Stephen King’s short stories at a very young age, and his writing style and distinct voice have always stuck with me. I think his book On Writing is a must-read for anyone who writes or wants to write. And lunch? We’d go someplace low-key and casual (like a retro diner that has its fair share of unique characters) and be so busy talking about all sorts of stuff (writing, the horror genre, Dwight Yoakam, and Lucas Davenport!) that we’d forget to eat!

Tell us about your latest release(s).

In March, I released Dangerous Indenture. This full-length novel is set in Pennsylvania Colony and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. Earlier this year I published the second half of my flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence. Readers can learn more about them on my website.

What’s next on the horizon for you?

Currently, I’m re-editing my historical romances previously published with Medallion Press. After that, I have ideas for a few other romances (a paranormal, and a gay contemporary). Of course, in between all this, I’m also working on a few new horror stories.

Where can readers get in touch with you or find you on the web?

I just launched a brand new website - www.KelliWilkins.com - same url, totally new look! It’s the best place to read about all of my books and find me on social media. There’s also a contact form where readers can get in touch with me and ask me questions or leave feedback. I invite everyone to stop by for a visit. I enjoy learning which books, characters, and scenes readers love best. 

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts today.

Happy Reading!

Kelli 

My Top 3 Writing-Related Frustrations...

Hi everyone!

Many people think that a writer’s life is glamorous and every day is filled with roses and sunshine. Well, that’s not always true. Over the years I’ve had my fair share of writing-related frustrations. Today I’m sharing my top three.

Editors Introducing Errors: I work really hard to submit a professional manuscript, whether it’s a 2,500-word horror story, or a full-length historical romance novel. I edit, revise, and proofread until the submission is as perfect as I can make it. So you can imagine my frustration when I see the final product and find errors the editor introduced into the story.

This can be anything from scrambling words in a sentence so it makes no sense, omitting words from sentences, swapping out a correct word for wrong one (one/once; sign/sigh; hours/horse), typos, and more. Recently I reviewed a galley and pointed out errors that need to be fixed. The editor had relied on the “track changes” function of Word to autocorrect things—and it didn’t. It added errors! She promised she’d make sure everything was right before the file went to the printer. But when I received my printed copy of the book, guess what? All the errors were still there. They took away from the final product and ruined the story.

What’s an author to do about this? Not much. Sigh and move on. (And reconsider ever submitting to that publication again.) It frustrates me because readers will naturally blame the author for any typo, misplaced comma, or wrong word in a book—even if it’s not our fault—and we suffer the consequences. 

This brings me to frustration #2 and all its hazards…

Poison Pen Reviewers: When authors submit their books for review they hope to get great 5-star reviews—not to be slaughtered in a public forum by a vengeful reviewer or blogger. Reviewers are supposed to be professional and actually read the book before they write an intelligent review.

If they didn’t like the book, fine. The review should tell readers what didn’t work: the characters needed more motivation, or the plot wasn’t exciting, etc. But to write the equivalent of: “I hate all books in this genre, so I’m not surprised that this book sucks. The author is terrible and can’t write, so nobody should read this or anything she ever writes again…” Not cool.

What makes this even more damaging is that the “reviewers” who write these scathing/snarky rants never let the author know about them ahead of time. They post the “review” to every social media platform, blog, and book site in the Universe, then sit back and congratulate themselves.

What can the author do to fix this? Nothing! There’s no reasoning with these unbalanced folks. Asking them to take the review down sparks flame wars, and commenting publicly or trying to defend yourself (or the book) only invokes a heap of trouble no author wants or needs.

We can handle a not-so-great review provided it’s done professionally, but not personal poisonous attacks. And it makes you wonder… If the reviewer hates a certain genre, why agree to read a book in that genre? It’s even more suspicious when the reviewer gets the plot wrong or uses the wrong character names in the caustic review. Did they read the whole book, skim it, or skip around to random pages?  

And I have to ask… What qualifies these “reviewers” to judge others? Do they have any credentials beyond writing book reports in high school? Have these “reviewers” ever written anything? Probably not. Do they care (or understand) how much time, energy, and effort an author puts into a book, only to have all that work destroyed by a review that was cranked out in five minutes? Nope. They do their damage and run.

Some review sites have a policy not to publish a review that’s less than three stars. That’s a professional policy I wish all reviewers/book sites would follow. There’s enough negative energy and nasty people in the world, we don’t need to add to it.

My third frustration is another one other authors have probably encountered. I call it…

Blogger Boo-Boos: Authors love doing guest blogs and interviews on writing sites, book-related blogs, and just about anywhere. We spend time working on our posts, trying to make them interesting (and maybe even humorous). We edit, revise, and proofread before submitting our blog. So when we see the live post and our name is misspelled, the title of the book is wrong, and our links don’t work (or worse, link to somewhere they shouldn’t) we’re not happy.

Where do these errors come from? Usually the blogger introduces them into the text when he or she writes an intro paragraph, a headline, or inserts links. I get it—we all make mistakes—but please proofread the blog before posting it. Or at least double-check anything you’ve typed that the author didn’t send.

My name has been changed to just about everything: Kellie, Kelly, Kelley, Kathy, Wilkens, Wilks, Wilkems, Willens, and I was once credited on a short story as Kathy Williams. Hello! My name is at the top of the blog, please use it.

So those are my top three writing-related frustrations. (Don’t get me started on the “everyday life” or job-related ones, or we’ll be here forever.) Unfortunately, I’m sure I’m not the only author who has encountered these issues. Maybe we should start a support group…

But no matter what challenges we face, we keep writing and submitting. Why? Because the stories need to be told, and we’re the ones telling them.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I like hearing from readers and other authors. Feel free to contact me on my NEW website (same url, totally new look!)with questions, comments, or your frustrations. You can also follow me on social media for updates and other fun stuff.  All the links you need are on my new site: www.Kelliwilkins.com

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Big Winter Issue

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter

Winter Issue

Hi everyone! 

I hope 2019 is off to a great start for you! Time flies, and it’s hard to believe that we’re into February already. This Winter Issue of the Quill has something for everyone.

Writers: I’ll show you how to you can get on track with your writing goals for 2019.

Readers: I’m sharing a look at my newest collection of mini-romances, flashing back to my 2018 releases, and giving you the “Best of” my 2018 blogs!

JUST RELEASED!

My second collection of contemporary romances was released in January.

Cupid’s  Schemes - A Collection of Sweet Romances (Vol. 2)

In these 12 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:

* a photographer falls for a sexy cowboy in a supposedly abandoned ghost town

* new neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it

* a long-lost love returns in an unexpected setting

These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Order Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2 here:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFR25KF

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mYrBBd

And don’t miss Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 1 containing 16 more love stories.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

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

2018 FLASHBACK

My historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. It also was a Night Owl Romance “Top Pick” and got a 4 ½ star review.

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.

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

READY TO BE SCARED?

In August, I released my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. This cautionary tale about traveling alone and trusting strangers makes a great winter read! It received 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.

Order Nightmare in the North here:

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

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

WRITERS… WHAT ARE YOU GOALS FOR 2019?

If writing a novel or a short story is on your list of things to do, don’t miss my online writing course, Fiction Writing for Beginners.  It’s a must-have for anyone who is interested in writing and needs practical advice on how to get started, PLUS motivation and encouragement to keep writing.

AND for a limited time, Fiction Writing for Beginners is on sale!

Thirteen easy-to-follow classes cover the writing process from start to finish. You’ll learn where writers get ideas, how to create characters, get expert tips on writing your story, and find out how to submit it for publication. Everything you need to know to start writing is wrapped up in this comprehensive and fun course.

Each class is self-contained and self-directed. This way, you can learn about a specific topic at your own pace, and not worry about completing the class by a certain deadline. Short writing exercises at the end of each class highlight the subject matter and get you writing.

If you’ve always wanted to write, Fiction Writing for Beginners gives you all the tools you need. Visit the course page and enroll here: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

Don’t miss the limited time sale. Enroll today and start writing tomorrow!

BEST OF… BLOGS

Kelli was blogging like mad in 2018. Here are links to the “Best of” blogs!

What are your writing goals for 2019? Learn how to set goals and get writing in this blog!

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2019/01/what-are-your-2019-writing-goals.html

December news & reviews: Read a 5 star review for Nightmare in the North and a 4 1/2 star review for Redemption from a Dark Past - PLUS get links to a new horror story!

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/12/kellis-december-news-reviews.html

Kelli was a guest food blogger in December. Just in time for the holidays, she shared a recipe for spicy ginger cookies.

https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2018/12/welcome-back-guest-cook-kelli-wilkins.html

Another food blog! Here’s a simple side dish recipe for wild rice & broccoli.

https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2018/11/guest-cook-kelli-wilkins.html

Read about Kelli’s contemporary romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes in this blog.

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/new-romance-release-cupids-schemes.html

Looking for a yummy treat? Get Kelli’s recipe for pumpkin bread here:

https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2018/10/guest-cook-kelli-wlkins.html

Read about Kelli’s horror story, Nightmare in the North. Post includes an excerpt!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/single-post/2018/10/12/Spooky-October-Spotlight-on%E2%80%A6-Nightmare-in-the-North-by-KWilkinsauthor-horror-bookboost-FridayReads

Katarina, the heroine from Redemption from a Dark Past, answers fun questions in this blog:

https://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/2018/06/meet-author-kelli-wilkins-newest-heroine.html

Kelli kicked off Pride Month with a character interview. Everett, the hero from her gay romance, A Secret Match shares a few insights...

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/06/kicking-off-pride-month-everett.html

Read a character interview with Princess Elara from the historical/fantasy romance A Most Unusual Princess.

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/04/princess-elaras-meet-character-interview.html

Prince Dalton from A Most Intriguing Temptation shares his thoughts in this revealing character interview. https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2018/04/guest-author-day-with-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=e7f5b3d942bb1098

Hear from a hero! Prince Allan from A Most Unfortunate Prince shares his thoughts - and a secret! - in this character interview.

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/05/prince-allans-meet-character-interview.html

Looking for something to read? Check out Kelli’s Books2Read page. It features her romances (in all genres), her horror fiction & more!

https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins

I hope you enjoyed this winter edition of the Quill. What’s coming up in 2019? Look for a non-fiction romance guide, more horror stories, and I’ll be re-releasing all three of my historical romances previously published by Medallion Press. If that isn’t enough, I’m also working on a few brand new romances.

Stay tuned to my blog and my social media pages for updates and release info.

Before I sign off, I want to give a big Thank You to everyone who ordered my books, visited my blog, followed my social media pages, and supported my writing in 2018. Thanks!

Stay warm this winter!

Happy Reading & Writing,

Kelli

Want to Learn How to Write? Don’t miss... You Can Write—Really!

Hello everyone!

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 19 romance novels, I’m often asked: Where do you get your ideas? How do I get published? 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, and non-fiction. 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.

Once you have the basics down, you can write—really! Here are a few quick tips and writing exercises:

TIP: Set aside an hour a day to write. Not sure you have an hour? Consider writing on your lunch break or during a commute. Get up an hour earlier or schedule time after dinner. Make an appointment with yourself and keep it. You can also write in two blocks of 30 minute sessions.

TIP: Keep a pen and paper (or a voice recorder) with you at all times to note bits of dialogue you overhear, something strange, funny, or creepy you see, or anything else that captures your attention and could be used for a story.

EXERCISE: Write three to five dialogue exchanges where two characters meet for the first time. What do they talk about? What is happening in the scene or around them?

EXERCISE: All characters want something, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a new car, to escape from jail, to eat lunch, or to finish a big project on time. Brainstorm five things your character wants, large or small. Here are some examples: woman wants to escape her abusive husband; man wants to bury a body; private investigator wants to find a blackmailer; fifth grade kid wants to get away with cheating on a math test.

Here’s the book summary:

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

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?

If you’ve always dreamed of writing and getting published, but have no idea where or how to start—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 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 for your story.

Contains helpful tips all writers can use, PLUS fun writing exercises to get you motivated!

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4AqYN4

Happy Reading (and Writing!)

Kelli

Kelli's Quill - 2018 Writing Recap

Hi everyone!

As the end of the year approaches, I’m sharing a 2018 recap. 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 other writings. Why not gift someone a hot romance or a spooky horror story to read this winter?

My historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. It also was a Night Owl Romance “Top Pick” and got a 4 ½ star review.

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.

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

In August, I released my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. This cautionary tale about traveling alone and trusting strangers makes a great winter read! It received 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.

Order Nightmare in the North here:

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

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

If writing a novel or a short story is on your list of things to do in 2019 - or if you have a budding writer in the family, don’t miss my online writing course, FICTION WRITING FOR BEGINNERS.  It’s a must-have for anyone who is interested in writing and needs practical advice on how to get started, PLUS motivation and encouragement to keep writing.

Thirteen easy-to-follow classes cover the writing process from start to finish. You’ll learn where writers get ideas, how to create characters, get expert tips on writing your story, and find out how to submit it for publication. Everything you need to know to start writing is wrapped up in this comprehensive and fun course.

Each class is self-contained and self-directed. This way, you can learn about a specific topic at your own pace, and not worry about completing the class by a certain deadline. Short writing exercises at the end of each class highlight the subject matter and get you writing.

If you’ve always wanted to write, FICTION WRITING FOR BEGINNERS will get you started. Visit the course page to learn more and enroll: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

In October I released Cupid’s Schemes, a lighthearted contemporary romance anthology.

CUPID’S SCHEMES - A COLLECTION OF SWEET ROMANCES

In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:

* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady

* two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it

* a dehydrated mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger

These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

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

Wondering what’s coming up in 2019? Look for a non-fiction romance guide, Cupid’s Schemes Volume 2, and I’ll be re-releasing all three of my historical romances previously published by Medallion Press. If that isn’t enough, I’m also working on a few brand new romances and horror stories.

Stay tuned to this blog and my social media pages for updates and release info.

Before I sign off, I want to give a big Thank You to everyone who ordered my books, visited my blog, followed my social media pages, and supported my writing this year. Thanks!

Enjoy the rest of 2018, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Kelli