Showing posts with label vampires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vampires. Show all posts

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Celebrate Women in Horror Month with… Surreal Escapes

 

Hi everyone!

Valentine’s Day is over, and if you’ve had your fill of love and romance for a while, why not curl up with a horror story—or several horror stories?

To celebrate Women in Horror month, I’m sharing a look at my short story anthology, 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.

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

If you love horror and are celebrating all things scary this month, visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror to read about all of my spooky stories!

Until next time…

Happy Reading!

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 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.


Thursday, December 4, 2025

Ready for Some Holiday Havoc?

 


Hi everyone!

Quick question: What do you get when you drop a Halloween-loving retail worker in the middle of a battle between Sam Hain and Santa?

Holiday Havoc!

That’s the premise of my short story, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Kira is having a typical, horrible day at her dead-end retail job… When all of a sudden she becomes embroiled in a seasonal battle of epic (and amusing) proportions. Decorations from both sides of the holiday war come to life and fight for store supremacy—until they realize who the REAL enemy is.

I wrote “Holiday Havoc” in response to the ever-encroaching Christmas merchandise that hits store shelves earlier and earlier each year. One October day I was in a store admiring the cute black cats and other Halloween décor…. Then I went around the corner and found myself lost in a forest of artificial Christmas trees.

I have nothing against Christmas, and I know retailers are putting merch out earlier every year to get sales, but really? Can’t they wait til November 1 at least? Give us our Halloween at least through Halloween! 

“Holiday Havoc” is a bit unusual (okay, the story is as strange as hell), and blends a bit of horror with my wacky, off-beat humor to make a point (okay, several points). It’s also one of seven speculative/spooky stories that appears in my short story collection, Surreal Escapes.

In this anthology, 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.

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so I 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.

Some of these stories 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

If you’re looking for a few quick, unusual reads this holiday season, why not give these short stories a try? They’re perfect for a lunchtime break or a short escape from the holiday hustle.

And if you love mysteries and/or spooky stories, visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Or visit my Amazon Author page for a full title list, book links, and more: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

I welcome questions and comments from readers. If you’ve read one of my books, let me know which one you loved best and why.

Enjoy the rest of the year!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

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

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

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

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


Sunday, September 15, 2024

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.

 

 


Tuesday, November 30, 2021

New Release - Blood Red Moon (Worlds of Fire Series)

 

Hi everyone!

I’m kicking off December with something new… a spotlight on a great romantic fantasy novel from Deborah A. Bailey. Blood Red Moon is part of her Worlds of Fire Series, and if you like fantasy, vampires, shapeshifters, and stories filled with twists and turns… this new release is definitely for you!

Here’s the book description, buy link, and an excerpt. 

Blood Red Moon

Out of the ashes, a new beginning...

When his family and most of their kind were destroyed by the Guild, Derek inherited the position of Vampire Lord. Alchemists held the keys to creating portals to other worlds, knowledge they passed down to phoenixes. Their utopian society was crushed when the Guild invaded, intending to unlock the powerful secrets phoenixes possess. Lovers Derek and Avani met the night their city was sacked and after the city succumbed, they were lost to each other.

Love will be resurrected in blood and fire…

Having lost her memory, Avani became a protégé of the Guild Master, conditioned by magic to believe shifters and vampires were evil. Eventually, she was made Seeker, tasked with finding the Vampire Lord in order to gain access to phoenixes.

When Derek finds Avani, he neutralizes the magic that’s kept her from remembering who she is. However, the Templars have almost certainly made a pact with the enemy of all supernatural creatures, in order to gain access to the portals. Only a phoenix can save the world from utter ruin now, but that was precisely the asking price…

Here’s an Excerpt:

As he studied me his eyes were more hazel than brown. And they showed me his raw desire. This was Derek desperate to reclaim me.

“You’re not hungry for blood right now, are you?” I asked.

He shook his head, then averted his eyes as though he was afraid of revealing too much. But I’d already seen and felt it. When he met my eyes again, his were darker. Mesmerizing, pulling me in so that I was unable to look away.

An intense vampire gaze burning into me, arousing me to the point where I gripped the edges of the towel I’d wrapped around me. If I said yes, we could be together now in the way that he hungered for.

The image of him running towards me flashed in my mind. The sunshine, the sound of the water lapping on the shore, the smell of the grasses and sweet flowers…all of it came back to me in that instant. His arms around me. His touch. His scent that reminded me of the fresh, comforting earth.

Another image cut into my mind. The Guild house…our plans to purge the vampires, finish them off…destroy the evil. It had to be done and that was our purpose.

Before I could stop it, a sob pushed its way up into my throat. I covered my mouth before I voiced it. He can’t know what you’ve done. He’ll never understand.

Derek gripped my shoulders. “What is it? Is the heart magic still—”

“I’m not the person I was back then. We’re not the same people.”

“I know that. But you and I are connected, Avani. We have a purpose.”

“I’ve been told that before.”

“That was a lie. This is real,” he said.

***

Order your copy here:  https://books2read.com/BloodRedMoon

 

Author Bio

Deborah A Bailey’s Science Fiction, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. She’s the author of non-fiction books and articles for various online publications.

Visit her site https://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks for more information and subscribe to her newsletter here: https://eepurl.com/bokGdX. You’ll be the first to find out about giveaways, book launches and sneak peeks.

Follow Deborah on Social media:

https://www.instagram.com/AuthorDeborahB

https://www.twitter.com/AuthorDeborahB

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahAB/

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/deborahannbailey

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/deborah-a-bailey


Thursday, July 8, 2021

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Welcome Summer 2021 Issue

 

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying life getting back to “normal” these days. It’s summer, and time to relax and have fun! In this issue of the Quill I’m showcasing my new blog series, still celebrating Pride month, sharing info on my hot summer romances, and more! Let’s get started….

Kelli’s New 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.

I’ll be blogging about all of my romances over the course of the year (and beyond). So far, I’ve blogged about the Royal Desires series (A Most Unusual Princess, A Most Intriguing Temptation, and A Most Unfortunate Prince), A Secret Match, and A Deceptive Match. The 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/

 


Still Celebrating Pride Month

If you’re looking for some hot gay romances to read this summer, check these out. Follow the links to read book summaries, reviews, and order your copy today.

A Secret Match: My favorite M/M romance. Set in the world of professional wrestling, Ev and Josh learn lessons about honesty and self-acceptance. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

Four Days with Jack: Best friends David and Jack embark on a sexual relationship. David has always loved Jack and has fantasized about being his lover, but he lacked the courage to admit his feelings—until now. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/four-days-with-jack

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing: This paranormal gay romance is a fun look at the werewolf legend and blends mystery, danger, humor, and sizzling love scenes. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/killer-in-wolf-s-clothing


June’s Not Just Pride Month… June is also Adopt-a-Cat Month


June is Adopt-a-Cat month, and as always, I’m advocating adopting pets (of all kinds) from shelters and giving them a loving, forever home. (Would you want to live out the rest of your life in a wire cage?)

Years ago, when I adopted my furry children, I went to my local no-kill shelter. The volunteer was happy to hear that I was interested in adult cats. Most everyone wants cuddly kittens because they’re cute now—but they do grow up. Sadly, adult cats are often overlooked and sometimes have a hard time getting placed. Older cats need love too!

Want to learn how you can adopt a loving feline friend? Check out this blog and see two cuties who are still waiting for their forever homes…

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/save-a-life-adopt-a-shelter-cat

 

Kick off Summer with a Hot Romance!

If you love sizzling summer romances, why not add these to your reading list? Follow the links to read book summaries, reviews, and order your copy today.

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover: In this super-spicy paranormal romance, a vampire falls in love... at the beach. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/confessions-of-a-vampire-s-lover

A Deceptive Match: One of my favorite books. It’s got everything a good wrestling storyline needs: heroes, heels, action, drama, humor, betrayal, suspense—and in this case—hot love scenes. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

Dangerous Indenture: An Irish indentured servant falls in love with her master’s son and tries to stay alive as she solves a murder. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/dangerous-indenture

Love, Lies & Redemption: In 1877 Nebraska, a stranger stumbles into the life of a feisty storeowner and changes their lives forever. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/love-lies-and-redemption

Trust with Hearts: A steamy contemporary romance about a sexy country music singer hiding who he really is and finding love when he least expects it. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/trust-with-hearts

Kelli’s Guest Blogs…

Why are vampires sexy? Kelli was asked that question back in February—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Read Kelli’s newspaper interview about vampires, lust, and love here:  https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2021/02/09/valentines-day-cuddle-up-vampire/4236489001/


She also blogged about it here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/why-are-vampires-sexy

Another interview:

In Kelli’s latest interview she talks about the writing process, her historical western romance, her non-fiction guide to journaling, and more! http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/2021/05/author-interview-kelli-wilkins.html

 

Recent Release: Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing


In case you missed it… Earlier in 2021 Kelli released her latest 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

 

I hope you enjoyed this summer issue of the Quill. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors. Want to get in touch with me on social media? All my links are listed on the contact page of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/contact

Enjoy the summer!

Kelli A. Wilkins


Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Why are vampires sexy? Find out here!

 


Welcome to February! 

It’s Women-in-Horror month, and recently I was interviewed for an article on “what makes vampires sexy?” It’s a good Valentine’s Day/horror crossover, don’t you think?

Here’s the link to the article:

https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2021/02/09/valentines-day-cuddle-up-vampire/4236489001/

What are your opinions of sexy vampires? Of paranormal romances? Who is your all-time favorite vampire? Write to me on social media and share your thoughts.

If you love horror, be sure to visit my Facebook Horror page: https://www.facebook.com/HorrorFictionbyKelliAWilkins

And don’t forget to check out the horror section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror to read about my horror ebooks, sci-fi stories, and more!

If you’re looking for some hot romances to get you ready for Valentine’s Day, you’ll find just what you need in the romance section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/romance

Until next time,

Kelli


Monday, October 7, 2019

Paranormal Romance… Where Love Meets Monsters





Hi Everyone,
To celebrate my favorite month, I’m writing about what happens when horror meets romance—paranormal romance!

Although I create hot and spicy romances, I actually started out writing horror stories. For some, that might seem like an odd combination, but it works for me. One half of my brain writes the horror, and the other half writes the romance. (In fact, I have published three horror ebooks. You can read more about them on my site or my Amazon author page.)

I like writing horror fiction because I get to explore different settings, plots, and characters that I couldn’t develop in romance. Sometimes after working on several romances, I’ll switch moods and write a horror story to give my brain and writing muscles a change of pace.

My horror short stories are more psychological/spooky/creepy than gory, but it’s always fun to add something scary (or strange!) into a romance. Sometimes it’s hard to keep a paranormal romance within bounds—you have to blend just enough horror elements into the love story without grossing out (or turning off) the heroine or hero… or readers!

Other times, the challenge to writing a good paranormal romance is creating a believable plot or finding a way to make a “monster” attractive/romantic/sexy. If one of your characters is a monster (of the non-human variety) you must believe your creature is real, whether he’s a vampire, a werewolf, or something else entirely.

If you don’t write the creature believably, readers won’t buy into it, and there certainly won’t be any sparks flying in your romance. As a writer, you need to make your monster as real as any other human character and flesh him out completely with a backstory, goals, motivation, and conflicts. (What kind of monster is he? How did he get that way? What is life like for him?)

My contemporary paranormal, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover started out with the premise “What if a vampire went to the beach and fell in love with a surfer?” The book is extra “unique” in that it’s told in first person from the male character’s point of view.

I made Anya (the vampire) sympathetic and sexy, and not overtly terrifying—yet she still flexed her vampire muscles when she wanted to. This story could have easily gone down the horror road and become a full-fledged vampire story, but I wanted to show a softer, kinder side to the Anya and embrace her once-human side.

My gay paranormal, Killer in Wolf’s Clothing is not your usual werewolf love story. Deke, the “werewolf” character, doesn’t actually turn into a “wolf-man”—he’s more of a shapeshifter who transforms into a super-aggressive Alpha male during the full moon. As I say in the book, “It’s more Incredible Hulk than American Werewolf in London.”

I almost had a problem writing Killer in Wolf’s Clothing because I’m “old-school” when it comes to creatures of the night. I expect my werewolves to be violent and vicious, and anything but cuddly. In my opinion, if a person is going to turn into a werewolf/wolf-man, he should look like the werewolves in Dog Soldiers. (A horror movie I highly recommend.)

As I wrote the book, I contrasted Deke’s harsh and demanding personality with that of his gentle alter-ego Greg. Greg understands his condition and does everything he can to keep Deke suppressed. But Deke is a badass with a serious need for revenge, and the antagonist, Blayne, is just about as violent and vicious as you can get (without fangs and claws). I enjoyed writing this story, and although it’s dark in places, Larry (Greg’s boyfriend) lightens the mood with his offbeat sense of humor.

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing is not your typical werewolf or werewolf/shifter romance. Some people might have a problem or take issue with the subject matter, the use of humor, and/or my treatment of shifters (what they expect a shifter to be could be quite different from my interpretation) in this book. Yes, it’s very different. Yes, it’s graphic. And yes, you either “get” it or you don’t.

And the same goes for Beauty & the Bigfoot. It’s a paranormal-comedy that starts with the premise: “What if a Bigfoot hunter’s daughter falls in love with Bigfoot?” I took a lighthearted look at the whole subject of Sasquatch, blended in some wacky lead characters, and added pretty hot love scenes. I don’t want to give away the ending, but not everything about Bigfoot is what it seems. He’s not the “monster” everyone thinks he is.

The Viking’s Witch is a historical romance with paranormal elements set in Scotland. The heroine, Odaria, is what they called a witch back then—nowadays we’d call her a psychic and a healer. Odaria’s “magic” is the catalyst that sets the story in motion. When the book opens, Odaria is about to be burned alive for being a witch. She calls down a spell and curses the villagers while unknowingly invoking a Viking raid. Or so it seems…

Odaria uses her “powers” for self-preservation and to get revenge on the people who hurt her. Rothgar (the hero) doesn’t believe in her “magic” and thinks she’s merely pretending to be a witch to frighten people. But after a highly-charged interaction with Brennan (the villain), Rothgar gets a taste of what Odaria could really do if she set her mind to it.

Vampires, shapeshifters, witches… no matter what subgenre of paranormal romance you write, readers need to be swept into the story and buy into the premise that you’ve created. Your job as a writer is to make the reader believe in the paranormal element (whether it’s a werewolf, zombie, vampire, or ghost) and take the reader on a journey with the main characters as they fall in love. The situations in the story need to be plausible and told in a way that grips the reader, even if the premise seems a bit far-fetched (at first).

When writing paranormal romance, don’t be afraid to break patterns, make your characters different, or have them go against stereotype. Give readers something unexpected, turn a cliché on its ear, or use a different point of view—it’ll make your work stand out.

Order Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover here:
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/49xp1J

Order Killer in Wolf’s Clothing here:

Order Beauty & the Bigfoot here:
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4Dog0Q

Order The Viking’s Witch here:
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at paranormal romances. I like hearing from readers, so feel free to drop me a line with questions or comments. You can catch up on all of my writings and follow me on social media via the links on my contact page.

Happy Haunting!

Kelli

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

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:
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:


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:
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:
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:
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:
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:


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:
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:

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.

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