Are you ready to be scared? Beware of Kropsy’s Curse!

 

Hi everyone!

It’s October, and you know what that means! Halloween is my favorite holiday, so today I’m sharing a look at my Halloween-themed horror story…

Kropsy’s Curse

Late one Halloween night, two young boys venture into a secluded graveyard in the hopes of conjuring up a spirit. Although Kyle is skeptical and would rather be home eating candy and watching horror movies, he reluctantly goes along with Jerry’s plan. He doesn’t believe Ouija boards work—until this one starts spelling out a message…

This Halloween-themed 1500-word short story is a cautionary tale about playing with a Ouija board in a graveyard.

Here’s a mini-excerpt:

“Where is it?” Kyle whispered.

“Over there.” Jerry swung his orange plastic flashlight to the left. “Why are you whispering? It’s just a graveyard. Ain’t nobody here,” he joked, then laughed. “Come on.” Jerry hoisted his black backpack over his shoulder. “Hurry up. It’s almost midnight.”

Kyle’s sneakers slipped on the dewy grass as he followed Jerry down the last hill in the cemetery. He paused and glanced around. The moon appeared as a slit in the night sky. Dark clouds floated out of its way, and a sliver of pale yellow mixed with the blue-black night. Something made a noise off to his right, and he jumped. Maybe they should go home. This didn’t seem like fun anymore.

Kyle watched Jerry head deeper into the graveyard. He wanted to call out to him, tell him his plan was ridiculous, it would never work, they shouldn’t have snuck out and come here. Halloween night should be spent trick-or-treating, watching monster movies, and eating candy—not creeping around in an abandoned graveyard and trying to talk to a dead man.

Kropsy’s Curse is only $.99! Get spooked here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kropsys-Curse-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B014IAH848

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kMYj

Want more horror stories for Halloween? Visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Or

Visit my Amazon page for links, a full title list, and more!

www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

 

Happy Haunting!

Kelli

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 January 2025.

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

Kelli also released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

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.

 

 

Autumn… My Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

 

 Ahhh, Autumn! Some people love the long hot days of summer, basking in the sunshine and lounging at the beach, pool, or lake. That’s great for them, but me? I prefer Autumn.

Maybe I love Autumn so much because I was raised in rural upstate New York. As soon as September hit, the Catskill Mountain air turned chilly. It was almost as if the earth/nature was breathing a sigh of relief after enduring the sweltering summer months.

Everywhere I looked I could see nature in full bloom, autumn-style. Most of the summer flowers were gone, but now the maple trees came alive and showed off their brilliant yellow, ruby red, rust, and vibrant orange leaves. This was also the best time of year for everything apple-related: homemade applesauce, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple crisp, candied apples, and caramel apples; with so many varieties of apples to choose from: McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, Cortland, Crispin…

September transitioned us into October and all things Halloween!

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. As a child, I looked forward to decorating for Halloween, and one of the best places to shop was a store called Woolworth’s. It was a five and dime store in its heyday (and has long since gone out of business), but anyone who ever shopped there knows they had the best decorations and Ben Cooper Halloween costumes.

Back then, Halloween wasn’t as commercialized as today. You didn’t find SpongeBob vampires, Mickey Mouse ghosts, tv show or movie tie-ins, and nothing was graphic or gory. The typical decorations featured Frankenstein’s monster, the mummy, Jack O’Lanterns, black cats, owls, and ghosts.

I still have some of those original decorations, and over the years I’ve acquired an extensive collection of “old school” Halloween decor. I found most of my treasures at garage sales and flea markets, but now there’s a growing market for “vintage” and “mid-century” Halloween. Antique malls and flea markets ask outrageously ridiculous prices for things I’ve collected for a dollar or two.

Since leaving upstate New York I still get outside as much as I can in October. I read a book under a bright blue sky and relish the color changes in my oak and maple trees. I don’t mind raking up the leaves because I get to kick up my feet and wade through the big pile of leaves before I bag them.

My husband and I visit a state park in October and walk the trails, enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, and ending the day with apple cider and doughnuts. A few weeks before Halloween, we go to a local farm and buy pumpkins and gourds to put on the porch. At some point, the squirrels run away with the gourds, but that’s okay. Squirrels preparing for winter are another sign of the changing season.

On October first, I decorate the outside of the house with lighted plastic (“vintage”) pumpkins, inflatable black cats, ghosts, and lots of orange lights. I’m known as the “Halloween house” on the street, and that’s just fine with me. Kids have walked past the house and exclaimed, “Look at that house! We have to go trick-or-treating there!” I remember doing that at their age.

We carve our pumpkins the weekend before Halloween. Sometimes our Jack O’Lanterns turn out silly, sometimes scary, but we celebrate their uniqueness and showcase them on our outside wall. I’ll light them (using real votive candles) on Halloween eve, Halloween night, and the night after.

Many of the Halloween traditions I carry on were started by my mother. Every Halloween she would call me and sing “the Halloween song” about five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. She made up treat bags for the kids, and gushed over the younger trick-or-treaters dressed like princesses and pirates.

My mother made sure we had our fill of delicious seasonal treats: frosted sugar cookies shaped like cats, bats, and pumpkins, chocolate cupcakes with orange icing and sprinkles, and of course pumpkin bread and apple cider. I still make those today.

When I answer the door on Halloween night and see the trick-or-treaters thrilled to be out in costume, free to be whoever they want for one night, their happiness extends to me. I comment on their pretty, funny, or spooky costumes as I hand out the candy. I know I’ve done a good job if lots of kids stopped at the house.

And when the trick-or-treaters are all gone for the night, I sit on the porch for a while, enjoying the quiet. I watch the candles flickering in the Jack O’Lanterns, take in the crisp night air, and gaze at the moon and stars.

I savor this magical night of wonder and excitement, knowing that Halloween will soon be gone for another year… but the memories last forever.

Enjoy the season!

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

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

Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in May 2023.

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.

 

Behind the Scenes: Surreal Escapes - 7 Speculative Stories

 

This “Behind the Scenes” blog is part of a series examining my books. In each blog, I’ll talk about why I wrote the story, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. Warning: Blogs may contain spoilers.

 

Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing a Behind the Scenes look at the making of my latest release, Surreal Escapes. The stories in this collection don’t fall into one set category and range from a bit spooky, to humorous, to… just about anything I can imagine.

I’ve always been attracted to the unusual and “weird” that exists in the horror and sci-fi 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. So I guess it’s no surprise that when I started writing, I wrote what I loved reading. 

In this collection of seven speculative stories, ordinary people start off having an average, normal day… until they encounter the world of the surreal. They’ve entered another realm where anything can—and does—happen.

My horror stories have always been a bit different from the norm. They’re more psychologically scary than gory. And some of my “horror” stories aren’t intended to scare at all—they just happen to have main characters who are a little bit… dead.

When I decided to put this collection together, I wanted to feature a broad spectrum of stories that would appeal to a variety of readers. (I also liked the idea of having several of my short stories available to readers all in one place.) They’re not all ghost stories (although several stories feature ghosts in some way) and they’re not all about Halloween. (But of course some are—after all, it is my favorite holiday!)

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so I decided to share a peek at my writing process. I’ve included a brief note at the end of each story (as I did in my sci-fi anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters), explaining what inspired me to write it, where I got the idea, or general comments about the plot or the characters.

I hope you enjoy these stories. Some are humorous, some will make you think, and others might unnerve you a bit, but they will all take you on a journey into the surreal for a little while.

Here’s the book summary and links:

Surreal Escapes - 7 Speculative Stories

Are you ready to take a journey into the unexpected?

In these 7 speculative stories, ordinary people start off having an average, normal day… until they encounter the world of the surreal. They quickly realize they’re in another realm where anything can—and does—happen.

Some of these tales include:

“Holiday Havoc” – The night shift in a retail store hosts the ultimate Halloween vs. Christmas showdown

“Little Boy Lost” – After several strange incidents, Beverly suspects her son’s imaginary friend isn’t so imaginary

“The Man in Apt. 3-A” – What do you do when you discover your neighbor is a vampire?

“Whispers from the Past” – Not all ghosts are scary… or strangers

This collection of short fiction will unnerve you, spark your imagination, and make you wonder what else is possible in the world of the surreal.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBWRLCB3

Other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/b5ge7O

Visit my site to see all my titles: www.KelliWilkins.com

***

Putting together this collection of stories was a special summer project of mine, and I hope readers enjoy it. If you’ve read the book and liked it, please share a review online.

I’m also contemplating doing a second volume of speculative stories. If readers would like to see a sequel, drop me a line and let me know.

I welcome comments and questions from readers. Be sure to follow my blog for the latest updates and visit me on social media. You can read more “Behind the Scenes” blogs about my writings here: www.KelliWilkins.com/blog

Happy Reading,

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

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

Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in May 2023.

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.

 

 

Spooky October Spotlight on… Nightmare in the North

 

Hi everyone,

Happy October! Today I’m sharing a look at my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. Think of it as a pre-Halloween treat!

Some of you may know me as a romance author, but I also write short horror fiction. I originally started out as a horror author, and nowadays I divide my time between romance, horror, and mysteries. (My latest mystery is The Route 9 Killer.)

Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about traveling alone in the winter and trusting strangers. Travel takes a deadly turn in this story!

So… how did this novella come about? Believe it or not, I wrote a version of this story for my eighth grade English class. The assignment was to write a short story – and boy, did I! The original version was much shorter and less detailed, but the basic premise was there. I’m not sure what my English teacher thought when she read it, but I got an A.

I grew up in upstate New York where winters can be brutal and last a long time. It can be an isolated place, and sometimes you could be snowed in for days. I used that as the backdrop to the story, threw in some strange characters, and added a little mystery. After I submitted the story for my English class, I pretty much forgot about it.

Then, one January I drove to Vermont in a snowstorm. I was in the car for 12 hours, and naturally, my mind started to wander… I wanted to write a horror story, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write. As I was driving, I thought back to that original story and decided to rewrite it – to tell the story the way it needed to be told.

I changed the opening, moved the setting to Vermont, and filled in all the details and backstory that set the tone. The ending of the new version is slightly different from the original, but it’s not off by all that much. I added an epilogue (of sorts) to the end, and spent about twenty minutes getting the last line just right.

After reading Nightmare in the North, my husband said that it was well written and it drew you in, but it was “twisted” and “disturbing” — I consider that high praise!

Here’s the summary and links…

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 it here:

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

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

I hope you’ll check it out. If you like horror fiction, visit the Horror, Mystery & More section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Happy Reading,

Kelli

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her latest release, The Route 9 Killer, was published in May 2023. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ.

Kelli’s paranormal/mystery romance, In Another World, was released in 2022. She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

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.

 

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Happy Autumn 2021 Issue

 

Hi everyone! I hope you’re enjoying the cooler autumn weather and getting ready for my favorite holiday, HALLOWEEN! In this issue of the Quill I’m showcasing my blog series, sharing info on my two new releases, flashing back to my horror stories and more. Let’s get started…. Two New Releases in Time for Halloween… Just released! Silent Sentinel - A Mini-Thriller Earlier in October, I released Silent Sentinel. This 4,100 word mini-thriller blends a crime story with the unusual.   Silent Sentinel - A Mini-Thriller One afternoon, Valerie visits a flea market and meets a peculiar man who tries to sell her an ancient statue of Anubis—the Egyptian god of the dead. Despite her protests, the man insists that she must have the statue. Valerie gives in and brings her new “guardian” home. Later that night, Valerie awakens to discover an intruder has broken into her house. She’s forced to fight for her life and relies on Anubis to save her. When the police investigate, they make a shocking discovery about her attacker and his motive. Only then does Valerie realize how lucky she was— the statue was the last thing she wanted, but exactly what she needed. Links: Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB57751 All other platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/mgExB0 Recently Released… More Than I Bargained For   I released More Than I Bargained For - A Paranormal Mini-Mystery in August. This 4,500 word mini-mystery blends offbeat humor with the paranormal.   More Than I Bargained For - A Paranormal Mini-Mystery   Katie doesn’t like going to estate sales. Why? Because she sees dead people. When Katie reluctantly attends an estate sale with her friend Diane, she gets more than she bargained for. The deceased former owner of the house, Grace, realizes that Katie can communicate with her, and she has a lot to say. As Katie pretends to shop, Grace tells her the story of how she was murdered—and reveals that her killer is still in the house. It’s up to Katie to uncover the murder weapon and get it to the police… before time runs out. Links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG4J8B2 All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/me9jzl Read reviews on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/more-than-i-bargained-for Tis the Season… to be Scared! If you love to be scared (or at least slightly creeped out) be sure to visit the horror section of my site https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror  and read about these spooky stories…                Dead Til Dawn Kropsy’s Curse Nightmare in the North   And if you like sci-fi, don’t miss Extraterrestrial Encounters, a collection of 18 out-of-this-world stories. Don’t forget, my short horror fiction has appeared in dozens of horror anthologies. Visit my Amazon author page for a full title list: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

If you don’t like to be scared, how about a paranormal romance?   If you love paranormal romances (or romances in general) check out these unusual love stories… Beauty & the Bigfoot: Can true love exist between the species? Things aren’t exactly what they seem in this paranormal comedy. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/beauty-the-bigfoot Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover: In this super-hot paranormal romance, a vampire falls in love... at the beach. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/confessions-of-a-vampire-s-lover The Viking’s Witch:  A historical romance adventure between a Viking warrior and a Celtic witch. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-viking-s-witch   Need to vent what bothers you? Want to explore your memories? Try Journaling!   In case you missed it… Earlier in 2021 I released my non-fiction guide, Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing. This fun and innovative book is filled with hundreds of journaling prompts that cover your childhood, friendships, beliefs and values, your career, coping with grief, fears, forgiveness, your purpose, and much more. Whether you are experienced in journaling or completely new to the process, this book is designed to get you thinking about—and writing about—your life, relationships, patterns, goals, and some of your fondest memories. You’ll benefit from writing about these thought-provoking prompts and learn something about yourself along the way. Journaling is a useful tool for self-discovery. In your journal, you can explore a wide range of subjects, themes, and ideas, revisit the past, and vent about anything (or anyone). In a way, you play counselor to yourself by digging deep into your innermost thoughts and emotions and writing about how you feel. Journaling Every Week makes a great gift for yourself or someone you care about. Order it today and start journaling! Learn more about the book, read reviews, and order your copy here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/journaling-every-week   Kelli’s Continuing Blog Series... This year, I started two new blog series. The first is called Behind the Scenes. Each Behind the Scenes blog examines my romance novels. I talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. The second blog series is called Meet the Character Day. These blogs are fun chats with the heroes and heroines from my romances. Each series is featured on both of my blogs. If you missed one, you can catch up here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog or https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ (My Blogger blog has a new look – be sure to check it out!)    I hope you enjoyed this autumn issue of the Quill. Use the buttons below to share this newsletter on social media. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors. Want to get in touch with me? All my links are listed on the contact page of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/contact Happy Halloween! Kelli

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Happy Halloween 2020

Hi everyone,

As you all know by now, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and this year there’s a Full Moon on the 31st. Not only that, but it’s a “blue” moon! Very rare! I hope everyone gets to celebrate the holiday in one way or another.

In this issue of the Quill, I’m sharing news about a new Halloween-themed anthology, highlighting my horror novellas, sci-fi anthology, paranormal romances, and more…

New Release!

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

My short story, “The Uninvited” appears in this collection of spooky Halloween tales. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, so let’s just say it’s about a children’s Halloween party that goes horribly wrong…

Here’s the official book blurb and buy link:

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

The season's best and darkest tales of Halloween.

Stories of adventure, mishap, magic, and macabre happenings on All Hallows' Eve.

The night when spirits walk among the living and dead things crawl from their dark hiding places to unleash Halloween Horror.

Available as an ebook or paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Horror-2-DBND-Publishing-ebook/dp/B08K4QPV2B/

And if you want to really get creeped out, check out my other horror ebooks:

Dead Til Dawn is a Civil War themed ghost story,

Kropsy’s Curse takes place in a cemetery on Halloween,

and Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about travelling alone…

Read summaries, reviews, and get links here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Here’s a pre-Halloween treat! Read my flash fiction story “Unpleasant Dreams” for free here:

https://www.fabledcollective.com/journal/unpleasant-dreams

 

Stay tuned… more horrors await! Another of my horror stories will be included in Madame Gray’s Creep Show anthology.

Want more?? Read the rest of Kelli’s October newsletter here:

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/kelli-s-quill-newsletter-happy-halloween-2020

Enjoy the holiday!

Kelli

Just Released! Halloween Horror Volume 2

 

Hi everyone,

Halloween will be here before we know it, and to celebrate my favorite holiday, I’m sharing a look at a new Halloween-themed anthology, Halloween Horror Vol. 2.

My short story, “The Uninvited” appears in this collection of spooky Halloween tales. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, so let’s just say it’s about a children’s Halloween party that goes horribly wrong…

Here’s the official book blurb and buy link:

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

The season's best and darkest tales of Halloween.

Stories of adventure, mishap, magic, and macabre happenings on All Hallows' Eve.

The night when spirits walk among the living and dead things crawl from their dark hiding places to unleash Halloween Horror.

Available as an ebook or paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Horror-2-DBND-Publishing-ebook/dp/B08K4QPV2B/

And if you want to really get creeped out, check out my other horror ebooks:

Dead Til Dawn is a Civil War themed ghost story,

Kropsy’s Curse takes place in a cemetery on Halloween,

and Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about travelling alone…

Read summaries, reviews, and get links here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror 

Here’s a pre-Halloween treat! Read my flash fiction story “Unpleasant Dreams” for free here:

https://www.fabledcollective.com/journal/unpleasant-dreams

Stay tuned… more horrors await! Later this month, another of my horror stories will be included in Madam Gray’s Creep Show anthology.

Happy Haunting!

Kelli

DO YOU LIKE SCARY MOVIES? Kelli shares a list of her favorite horror movies, just in time for Halloween!

Hi everyone!

In honor of the Halloween holiday , I’m sharing a bit about my favorite horror movies. Although this is off my usual topic of writing, writing and movies are connected – after all, every movie begins with a story idea.

Horror movies (like ice cream) come in a variety of flavors, and horror movie fans/buffs have their personal likes and dislikes. Some people are devoted to the classic 1930 and 1940 Universal Studios “monster” films starring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Others enjoy the British Hammer and American International films of the 1960s and 1970s. Those are famous for featuring Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, and Christopher Lee.

Some fans are attracted to a specific genre (torture porn, mutant hillbilly families, camping, killer clowns) or a particular type of monster (vampires, werewolves, zombies). Still other folks are loyal to a specific character (Jason Voorhees) or a franchise (Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm St., SAW)

At this time of year, you can find almost any kind of horror movie or monster on TV or available for screaming... I mean, streaming. Horror movie fans can practically glue themselves to the couch and catch all day marathons of their favorite movies.

I could go on and on (really!) about what makes a good (scary) horror movie, but here’s a list of my favorites (in alphabetical order – with 2 ties.). They’re not all necessarily gory or scary, but they have a good story, tense camera work, or are just plain cool.

The Amityville Horror (1975) – Some houses are cheap for a reason! Skip the sequels & remakes.

Dog Soldiers (2002) – Best werewolf movie ever.

Dracula (1931) tied with The Mummy (1932) – Can’t choose between them!

Evil Dead (1983) – Bruce Campbell stays in the worst cabin ever – yey!

Halloween (1978) tied with Black Christmas (1974) – Both are classics that freaked people out – and are strikingly similar (watch them back to back!).

King Kong (1933) – A classic for its time – the island part is the best.

The Other (1972) – Often overlooked story about creepy twins – need I say more?

Pitch Black (2000) – Life on other planets isn’t always nice.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Paranoia and persecution = Polanski.

My personal favorite genre is 1970s horror movies. Some are considered classic or revolutionary and others are just plain bad. (The “so bad they’re good” kind!)

Bad Ronald (1974) – Who’s living behind your walls?

Black Christmas (1974) – Yes, this makes BOTH lists. It’s the first really creepy Christmas movie and a true classic!

The Car (1977) – Before Christine started trouble, this scared everyone.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow – Okay, it’s really 1981, but who won’t jump at the last scene in this TV movie?

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1973) – When someone tells you not to open something, don’t!

Frogs (1972) – One of my favorites – original poster had a hand hanging out of the frog’s mouth.

The Hills Have Eyes (1977) – A family goes camping and meets another, stranger, family.

Race with the Devil (1975) – Again, while trying to go camping, a group meets up with trouble (anti-camping movies are their own genre!)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – The horror classic about a dysfunctional family – and there’s no blood – really! (RIP, Gunnar.)

Twisted Brain (1974) – Horror in high school (makes a great double feature with Bad Ronald).

So there you have it, my take on horror movies. There’s still time to check out a few of these movies before Halloween. Or, if you’re like me, you can watch them anytime. Many of these have been remade or have spawned sequels, so why not watch the original and then the remake?

And while we’re talking movies… what’s my ALL-TIME FAVORITE movie with the word “horror” in the title? It’s not a horror movie... it’s… THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

And what Halloween music do I listen to? Two recommendations: Book of Love’s CD Book of Love. The whole thing is great, but download the song “Witchcraft” to get an idea. And, anything by Midnight Syndicate.

Have a happy, haunted Halloween! And a blessed New Year to all of us who are celebrating!

Kelli

Are you ready to be scared? Beware of Kropsy’s Curse!

It’s October, and you know what that means! Halloween is my favorite holiday, so today I’m sharing a look at my Halloween-themed horror story…

Kropsy's Curse

Late one Halloween night, two young boys venture into a secluded graveyard in the hopes of conjuring up a spirit. Although Kyle is skeptical and would rather be home eating candy and watching horror movies, he reluctantly goes along with Jerry’s plan. He doesn’t believe Ouija boards work—until this one starts spelling out a message…

This Halloween-themed 1500-word short story is a cautionary tale about playing with a Ouija board in a graveyard.

Here’s a mini-excerpt:

“Where is it?” Kyle whispered.

“Over there.” Jerry swung his orange plastic flashlight to the left. “Why are you whispering? It’s just a graveyard. Ain’t no body here,” he joked, then laughed. “Come on.” Jerry hoisted his black backpack over his shoulder. “Hurry up. It’s almost midnight.”

Kyle’s sneakers slipped on the dewy grass as he followed Jerry down the last hill in the cemetery. He paused and glanced around. The moon appeared as a slit in the night sky. Dark clouds floated out of its way, and a sliver of pale yellow mixed with the blue-black night. Something made a noise off to his right, and he jumped. Maybe they should go home. This didn’t seem like fun anymore.

Kyle watched Jerry head deeper into the graveyard. He wanted to call out to him, tell him his plan was ridiculous, it would never work, they shouldn’t have snuck out and come here. Halloween night should be spent trick-or-treating, watching monster movies, and eating candy—not creeping around in an abandoned graveyard and trying to talk to a dead man.

Kropsy's Curse is only $.99! Get spooked here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kropsys-Curse-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B014IAH848

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kMYj

Love horror stories? Don’t miss my horror ebooks - Nightmare in the North and Dead Til Dawn. Read about them on my site: www.kelliwilkins.com (or on this blog).

Want more? Visit my Amazon page for links, a full title list, and more!

www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Until next time,

Happy Haunting!

Kelli

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Welcome Autumn 2019

Hi everyone,

It’s hard to believe that summer went by so fast. I hope you had fun! Now we’re entering my favorite season – Autumn. And Halloween is just around the corner! In this issue of the Quill, I’m highlighting my horror novellas and paranormal romances, sharing news about my new sci-fi anthology, talking about my guest blogs, and more…

New Release!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my new science fiction anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters!

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 it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5JG1DC

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JVJ9e

Horror - It’s not just for Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner, so why not start getting scared now? Check out my horror novellas…

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 it here:

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

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

DEAD ‘TIL DAWN

Disturbing the dead doesn’t prove you’re brave – it proves you’re stupid.

After touring Gettysburg battlefield, Jessica, Tim, and Steve decide to sneak out to the Devil’s Den for some late-night fun. Jessica’s friend Kathy objects, and warns them about trespassing where they’re not wanted.

Undaunted by ghost stories and fueled by his own arrogance, Tim races toward the Devil’s Den. When the group drives through mysterious battlefield fog, they find themselves surrounded by Civil War soldiers looking for a little fun of their own.

Kathy leaves the others to fend for themselves and flees to Little Round Top. Although she’s rescued by a kindhearted Union solider named Charlie, she refuses to believe that what she’s experiencing is real. As the nighttime battle rages on, Charlie introduces Kathy to other weary soldiers, and she quickly realizes she’s trapped in the land of the dead until dawn.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Til-Dawn-Civil-Horror-ebook/dp/B015LHI08A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4X9aLb

KROPSY'S CURSE

Late one Halloween night, two young boys venture into a secluded graveyard in the hopes of conjuring up a spirit. Although Kyle is skeptical and would rather be home eating candy and watching horror movies, he reluctantly goes along with Jerry’s plan. He doesn’t believe Ouija boards work—until this one starts spelling out a message…

This Halloween-themed 1500-word short story is a cautionary tale about playing with a Ouija board in a graveyard.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kropsys-Curse-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B014IAH848

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kMYj

Want more? My short horror fiction has appeared in dozens of anthologies. Visit my Amazon Author Page www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins for a full list!

When Love Meets Monsters… Paranormal Romances!

Not all “monsters” are scary, in fact, some are sexy! If you love unusual love stories, check out my paranormal romances:

BEAUTY & THE BIGFOOT

Can true love exist between the species?

Tara’s world is anything but normal. Her father is known as the resident crackpot – just because he’s on a personal mission to catch a Sasquatch. Despite all of the “Bigfoot evidence” cluttering their house, Tara never really believed in Bigfoot – until the day her father brought him home.

She affectionately names her father’s prized catch ‘Joe’ and discovers there’s something oddly familiar – and erotic – about him. With a media circus descending on her father’s ranch and a showdown brewing with the local sheriff, Tara risks her life to save Joe.

When Tara finally succumbs to her animalistic urges, she learns that Joe is not exactly who – or what – he seems. Joe is more than a Sasquatch – he’s her soul mate!

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SL9WT2

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4Dog0Q

CONFESSIONS OF A VAMPIRE’S LOVER

The moment Brian spotted Anya sitting on the moonlit beach, he was hooked. Beautiful, smart, and sexy, Anya was the girl of his dreams. She didn’t mind that he spent the hot summer days riding the ocean waves, because once the sun set, he belonged to her—all night long!

Everything is perfect between them—until Brian discovers Anya’s shocking secret. Can Brian give up the sun, sand, and surf to be with the woman he loves?

Read Brian’s first-hand account of their unusual love story in… Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBYWYCI

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/49xp1J

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 romance is a fun look at the werewolf legend and blends mystery, danger, humor, and sizzling love scenes.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G3V9VWW

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYRB6x

THE VIKING’S WITCH

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time runs out.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

Share Your Thoughts!

As we head into another new year, (and a new decade – yikes!) I’ll be changing up the Quill newsletter. I’d like to hear from you. What would you like to see included in this newsletter? Writing tips? Writing exercises? Interview excerpts? Book excerpts? Contact me via the form on my site: www.KelliWilkins.com and let me know your thoughts!

Guest Blogs

I've been guest blogging and doing lots of interviews. Check them out here:

Read about The Viking’s Witch and writing romance in this interview with Long & Short Reviews: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/guest-blogs/interview-with-kelli-a-wilkins-giveaway/

Extraterrestrial Encounters spotlight:

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/spotlight-on-extraterrestrial.html

ANOTHER interview? Yup! This time I’m talking about my sci-fi anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/guest-blogs/sfinterview-with-kelli-a-wilkins/

Read about the making of Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover in this blog: https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2019/09/guest-author-day-with-kelli-wilkins.html

I was a food blogger in August. If you’re looking for a cool & quick dessert, check out my Custard Cake recipe: https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2019/08/quick-custard-cake-by-kelli-wilkins.html

Read a fun character interview with Ashton Bailey, the hero from Dangerous Indenture.

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/meet-the-character-interview-chatting-with-ashton-bailey-from-dangerous-indenture

Want more? Follow me on social media to catch up on all of my blogs, guest posts, and interviews.

Coming Soon…

In November/December, I’ll be releasing a non-fiction guide to romance. It features 100 fun and easy ways you can express your love to that special someone in your life. (It makes a great holiday gift AND it’ll keep you busy in 2020!)

I’m also revising a new contemporary paranormal romance, working on the January re-release of Lies, Love & Redemption, and drafting new horror stories.

I hope you enjoyed this Autumn edition of the Quill. 

Stay tuned to my site, blog and social media for upcoming release news and other fun posts. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors, so feel free to write me via the contact form on my site.

Don’t forget, I’m not just an author, I’m also an amateur photographer. Visit my pages on Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins and iStock https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins to view my photos.

Happy Haunting!

Kelli