Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Welcome 2021 Issue

 

Happy February!

Well, 2020 is over. It certainly was a long (and challenging) 12 months, and we’re all hoping for a better 2021. I’ve been pretty busy, and this issue of the Quill has something for everyone.

Readers: I’m sharing news about my latest non-fiction release, Journaling Every Week, and recapping my 2020 publications.

Writers: Are you ready to write in 2021? Then take a look at my writing ebook (and be sure to read about Journaling Every Week, too!).

Let’s get started…

2020 RECAP

In December 2020, Kelli’s short horror story “A Witch’s Wishes” was included in the Nothing Ever Happens in Fox Hollow Vol. 1 anthology. Nothing ever happens in Fox Hollow. There is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary going on in this perfect little town… unless you believe the rumors of witches, malevolent spirits, and tentacled creatures… Order a paperback or ebook copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Ever-Happens-Fox-Hollow/dp/B08R6TMVFQ

In October 2020, Kelli had horror stories published in two anthologies. “The Uninvited” appeared in Halloween Horror Vol. 2. This unsettling tale of a children's Halloween party gone horribly wrong is one of her favorites. Order Halloween Horror Vol. 2 in ebook or paperback formats here: 

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

“What the Peeper Saw” was included in the Madame Gray's Creep Show anthology. This eclectic collection of twenty-three tales of terror and gallows humor is available in paperback and ebook formats here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LZQZ495

DID YOU KNOW…  That February is “Women in Horror” month? If you love horror, follow Kelli’s Facebook Horror page: https://www.facebook.com/HorrorFictionbyKelliAWilkins/

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

In early 2020, Kelli published Love, Lies & Redemption, a western romance set in 1877 Nebraska. This novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger. Here’s the summary:

 

Love, Lies and Redemption

Shot and left for dead, Sam Hixton stumbles into a general store on the Nebraska prairie and collapses into the arms of Cassie Wilcox.

Cassie’s world is turned upside down when the handsome stranger drops into her life. Sam is another complication she doesn’t need: her business is dying and her trouble with the townspeople is escalating. Yet she’s determined to keep the store open — no matter what the cost.

As Sam recovers from his injuries, he hides the truth about his identity and convinces Cassie to let him work in the store. He’s attracted to her and admires her independent nature, but quickly realizes Cassie’s in way over her head. They fight their growing attraction, and Cassie questions whether she can trust her fragile heart to a mysterious stranger. Will he accept her once he knows about her troubled past?

Cassie resists Sam’s advances and represses her feelings until one fateful night when they give in to their fiery passion. Together, they work out a plan to save the store, but find their efforts are thwarted — and their lives endangered — by the locals.

Sam’s secret returns to haunt him and pulls him away just when Cassie needs him the most. Will he regain her trust when she learns the truth?

Cassie has everything invested in the store — can she save it and find true love with Sam before it’s too late?

Read more about the book here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/love-lies-and-redemption

 

WANT MORE ROMANCE? Why not make 2021 a year of romance? How? With

Romance Every Weekend: 104 Fun Ways to Express Your Love

Whether you’re just starting out dating, in a committed relationship, newlyweds, or you’ve been married for twenty years, Romance Every Weekend will show you how you can strengthen the bond between you and your loved one and deepen your relationship.

Romance shouldn’t be reserved for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or an anniversary. Why should people wait for a special occasion to show someone they love that they care? Love can (and should) be expressed every chance you get.

Romance Every Weekend features 104 fun and easy ways you can express your love to that special someone in your life. Perfect for men or women, it focuses on tender, everyday gestures that let your partner know how much you love him or her.

If you're looking for ways to keep your romance fresh, this is the book for you!

Romance Every Weekend makes a great gift for you – or for your sweetie! Why not order it now and try all 104 suggestions in 2021?

Get your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08124HBMS

All other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3npVVP

See all of Kelli’s romances here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/romance

 

JUST RELEASED…

Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing

Whether you are experienced in journaling or completely new to the process, Journaling Every Week 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.

 

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.

 

Read more about the book here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/journaling-every-week

 

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journaling-Every-Week-Topics-Writing-ebook/dp/B08QH4HQPD

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/b5kBZA

WANT TO WRITE? If writing a novel or a short story is on your list of things to do in 2021, don’t miss my fun and friendly guide to writing fiction, 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!

Each easy-to-read chapter:

* Is based on my experience as a writer, advice I’ve received over the years, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and workshops.

* Gives you practical advice on how to create a story, step-by-step: from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work.

* 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

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

 

KELLI’S BEEN BLOGGING…

I was blogging like mad in 2020. I shared “inside looks” at the making of my romances, did a two-part FAQ blog series, talked about my horror stories, shared some recipes, and more. Need to catch up? Read all of my blogs here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog

I hope you enjoyed this winter edition of the Quill. What’s coming up in 2021? I’m working on two new romances and I’ll be writing a comprehensive blog series about my romance novels. If that isn’t enough, I’m also toying with ideas for more horror fiction. Read this blog to learn about more changes: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/a-fresh-start-for-the-new-year

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 2020. Thanks!

Stay warm this winter!

Happy Reading & Writing,

Kelli A. Wilkins

Celebrating Pride Month - Writing Gay Romances: 4 FAQ (Part 1)

Hi everyone,

My name is Kelli A. Wilkins and I write romances in every genre and heat level from mild to super-spicy. When people learn that I write gay romances they usually ask “Why would you write one of those? You’re not a man or gay.”

I generally respond with “Why shouldn’t I write gay romances? I wrote a vampire romance, and I’ve never been a vampire.” (That quiets them down for a while.)

I get a lot of questions about “why” or “how” I write gay romances. To celebrate Pride month, I’m sharing four FAQ about writing m/m romances. In the second part of this blog, I’ll share four more questions from readers and authors.

#1: You’ve written lots of straight romances. Why write gay romances?

Why not? I’m a writer. And as a writer, I write whatever romance book comes to me, whether it’s a contemporary, historical, paranormal, or gay romance. My stories are about people who meet, fall in love, and overcome obstacles to be with one another.

This basic philosophy applies whether the characters are same-sex, different sex, or space alien and earth girl. Love is love and romance is romance. I’m not married to one specific genre or heat level. I go where the story and the characters take me.

When I wrote Four Days with Jack, A Secret Match, and Killer in Wolf’s Clothing I trusted my instincts and wrote the story that was in my head. Although all three books are contemporary gay romances, they’re very different.

In A Secret Match, a big part of the storyline centers around Everett dealing (or rather, not dealing) with his sexuality, and his (un)willingness to be open about who he really is. Ev has been in a committed relationship for years and is afraid that if he doesn’t come out, he’ll lose the love of his life. He’s also worried about his career. How will the world view a gay wrestler? Will there be backlash if he comes out?

David from Four Days with Jack has never come to terms with his sexuality. He’s been lying to himself for years about his orientation and hiding his true desires. David has always loved his gay best friend (Jack) and has fantasized about being his lover, but he lacked the courage to admit his feelings—until now.  

The main characters in Killer in Wolf's Clothing are comfortable with their sexuality, but have other issues to deal with (like shapeshifting and a serial killer). This erotic paranormal is a fun look at the werewolf legend and blends romance, mystery, danger, humor, and sizzling love scenes.

#2: How do you write the gay love scenes in your books?

I approach a same-sex love scene the same way I would if I was writing about a hetero couple. When I write a straight romance, about half of the scenes are written from a male point of view, so I’m used to writing in (and thinking in) a male “voice” anyway.

There’s not much difference in writing a story from two male points of view. Writing a love scene isn’t only about the gender or the anatomy of the characters—it’s about creating a believable, intimate scene where two people express their love for each other.

Each character in each book is unique, so the love scenes are always approached from different directions. In Four Days with Jack, David is introduced to a world of new experiences. Everett and Josh’s first kiss in A Secret Match is a tender and sweet moment; and the first time readers meet Deke from Killer in Wolf’s Clothing they realize he’s anything but shy.

#3: What’s the hardest part about writing a gay romance?

The answer to this might be surprising, and no, it has nothing to do with bedroom activities. The hardest part about writing a same-sex romance or m/m love scene is pronouns.

As I’m writing, I’ll dash off something like: “He ran his hand down his chest and…” Wait, what? He ran his own hand down his own chest? No… I have to pay extra close attention when revising or editing a same-sex scene. Too many “his” references and the reader doesn’t know who is doing what. Better to say: “He ran his hand down Kevin’s chest and...”

#4: Are you concerned about what people will think about you writing gay romances?

Not in the least. People will think whatever they want. I realize that not everyone wants to read the same type of romance. Some readers love historicals, others only read contemporaries or paranormals, and that’s fine. But if readers are turned off to me as an author just because I write gay romances… well, that’s too bad, see ya.

When I wrote my first gay romance, I considered “what people would think” about the book and me writing it—for about three seconds. Then I reminded myself that I’m a writer, and I create the characters and scenes that make up the book.

I don’t worry about what people might think of me writing about two male characters kissing, going to bed, or making dinner. Basically, the story needs to be told, and I’m the one telling it. As a writer, I’ve made up all sorts of things: an erotic Bigfoot story, a historical Viking tale, detailed ménage scenes (in all combinations), and a first-person vampire love story.

Writers need to turn off their internal editors and forge ahead with the story as it should be (and needs to be) told. If we constantly worried about what grandma would think about our writing, or if we were afraid to open up and let the characters (and the story) take us into the bedroom, we’d never write anything except G-rated fables.

Now more than ever, I’m just as proud/PRIDEful of my gay romances as I am of my straight romances. Why? Because I’m a romance writer—and in my books, everyone deserves to be in love and live happily-ever-after with whatever partner they choose.

And that’s the way it should be… in fiction and in real life. Here’s the book summary to my first gay romance, Four Days with Jack. I hope you’ll check it out. I fell in love with the characters, and I hope readers will too. It’s got a good blend of humor, drama, and plenty of hot love scenes!

I hope you enjoyed this FAQ blog. Stay tuned for Part 2, and don’t forget, you can catch up on all of my blogs on the blog section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog

Enjoy & Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

FOUR DAYS WITH JACK

When David invited his best friend on vacation, he never expected them to fall in love…

Spending four days in a tropical paradise with Jack is a dream come true. For years, David has lived a lie and denied his romantic feelings for Jack. Now that they’re together in an isolated Caribbean resort, he finally admits what he really wants—to be Jack’s lover.

Jack has been in love with David for years and is encouraged by his desire to explore a sexual relationship. He’s more than willing to introduce David to the life he has always fantasized about. Their sizzling nighttime encounters confirm David’s long-hidden cravings, but what will happen when they leave the resort?

Will David come out and start a new life with Jack? Or will he go back to his old ways and risk losing the best friend he ever had?

Order Four Days with Jack here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FTMWHL          

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bo6Rap

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/four-days-with-jack

 

Interview with a Mistress of the Macabre - Kelli Wilkins talks horror! Part 2

Hi everyone!

This week on the blog, I’m sharing part two of my interview with Dark Moon Books. My horror short, “Sometimes Monsters are Real” appears in their horror anthology, Mistresses of the Macabre.

More than 500 people submitted horror stories - but only 18 were chosen - and I am thrilled to be part of this collection of great stories written by women. To quote the editor of the anthology, “Kelli A. Wilkins is the author of “Sometimes Monsters are Real,” a story about a deal with the devil that didn’t turn out as expected. Not to mention, it is the only story to make the editor cry.”

I’m usually asked about my romances, so it was a nice change of pace to share my thoughts about writing horror. Enjoy!

DM: What comes first to you, the plot, the characters, or the ending?

KW: That depends. Sometimes I’ll have a character in my head and I follow him or her around for a bit and see what the story is. More often though, the story starts with a scene or an opening line and then the rest of the plot filters through. Every so often I’ll get an entire story (or book) in my head all at once and have to start writing it down immediately before it gets lost.

DM: Do you imagine colors or music as you write?

KW: I do see colors and vivid details as I write. I also listen to music when I’m writing, so I have a lot of senses activated all at once.

DM: How much research do you typically do before beginning to write?

KW: That depends on what I’m writing. For my historical romances I did a lot of research about time periods, history, what life was like back then, etc. Before I wrote my paranormal romance Beauty & the Bigfoot I did hours of research on Bigfoot. For my horror stories, I might research something that the character needs to know that I don’t—or research a fact or some piece of history—but for the most part, my horror stories don’t require too much research.

DM: Do you illustrate the story in your mind as you write it?

KW: Yes. When I’m writing the first draft, I see the story happening in front of me, like I’m watching a play or a movie. Then I write down what happens. I’m not sure if this is something all authors do, but it’s the process that works for me. Basically, I spy on the characters and write down what they do. When I revise, I go into the character’s head for dialog and details from his or her perspective.

DM: Is writing a male character harder?

KW: Even though my protagonist is female, I’d like to answer this. Many of my other horror stories have male protagonists and my romances are full of male characters. (For example. my paranormal romance, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover is written entirely in a first-person male point of view.)

For me, it’s not hard to write a story from a male POV, (I just put myself into that character’s head) but I make a conscious effort to go back in the revision/editing stage and check the male character’s voice and mannerisms: Is his dialog something a guy would say? Is that how a guy would react in this situation?

A writing teacher once told me that men usually use less words than women when they speak and they notice different things (and ignore different things) than women do. If I’m stuck on something, I ask male friends for their opinion on how/what a guy would do or say in a situation. One example came up when I was writing a romance: what word do guys use when referring to their penis? Do they call it dick, cock, or what? (I got very detailed answers!)

DM: What else do you do besides write?

KW: When I’m not writing I like to read, garden, travel, go to concerts, visit flea markets, and explore haunted/creepy places. I also watch TV. Supernatural, Grimm, The Dead Files, and Ghost Adventures are my main shows.

DM: Favorite dessert?

KW: This is a hard question! Pomegranate margaritas. Mint chip ice cream. Banana cream pie. Chocolate pudding.

DM: Favorite time of year

KW: Fall, absolutely. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I was raised in rural upstate New York surrounded by mountains and trees. A lot of my horror stories take place in small towns in the fall, and sometimes around Halloween.

DM: Pimp yourself, include links

I invite readers to visit my website to catch up on all of my writings (horror and otherwise). The horror section of the site has excerpts and links to the anthologies and e-mags containing my stories. The News & Links page has links to my interviews and guest blogs, along with contact info. (I like hearing from readers, so drop me a line.)

I’m also on:

Twitter: @KWilkinsauthor

Facebook

Amazon Author Page

and have author pages on Shelfari, Goodreads, Author’s Den, and Manic Readers.

It was great sharing my thoughts with everyone. I enjoy hearing from readers and would like to know what they think of my horror (or romance) stories.

Happy Reading!

(or, as Elvira says . . . “Unpleasant Dreams!”)

You can read the full interview online at: http://www.lastwritesdmd.com/killer-kelli-a-wilkins/

Link to the book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0988556952/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0988556952&linkCode=as2&tag=shadara-20

Next week, I’ll be posting my newsletter - filled with links, news, interviews, and more!

Kelli