Chatting About New Releases and More with Author Kelli A. Wilkins

 

Today we’re chatting with Kelli A. Wilkins. She answers a few fun questions and shares a look at her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer.

Tell us about your latest release, The Route 9 Killer. How did that come about?

Years ago I had an idea for a serial killer/thriller story that was sparked by something simple: I was driving somewhere and saw a woman’s shoe lying in the road.

I started wondering about the shoe. What if a woman was abducted and the only evidence left behind was her shoe in the road? I bounced this idea off of a few people and they scoffed; but when I explained my story idea, they were intrigued.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he’s discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is, nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

Without giving away any plot details or spoilers, I can say that the main characters come together in the end, and the story packs a great twist ending. (If you’ve read the book, please don’t give away the ending!)

You’re the rare author who writes across genres. Are you still writing romance and horror? What are you working on now?

Yes, I’m still writing full-length romance novels and short horror fiction, but now I’ve added “mystery/thriller” to my genre list! I just finished writing the first draft of a historical/fantasy romantic adventure. It’s an epic tale in three parts. I hope it will be out sometime in 2024.

I have an outline for another mystery/thriller featuring Detective Rourke from The Route 9 Killer, and I’m working on new horror stories. Readers can visit my social media pages and blog for the latest updates.

How do you come up with the titles for your books?

Titles are tricky! Sometimes I’ll know the title before I start writing the story. That happened with several romances: Four Days with Jack, Beauty & the Bigfoot, Trust with Hearts, and Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover. Usually I’ll have a few ideas for a title, based on the characters, the setting, or theme, then I take a survey of my writing friends and family to see which one they like best. My husband has come up with a few great titles.

How important are the character names in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

Character names are very important to me. Sometimes the characters cooperate with me and tell me their names when I get the idea for the story, but sometimes I have to hunt them down and try to figure out who they are.

I choose names primarily based on the sound and how well the name matches the character’s personality traits. For some reason, many of my romance heroines have strong female names that end in “A” (Elara, Anya, and Odaria). Before I write, I try to match the hero’s name to his personality. Sam (from Lies, Love & Redemption) is easy-going, so his name is “softer.” While Rothgar (from The Viking’s Witch) is a strong warrior.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Fortunately, I don’t get writer’s block. I have folders filled with ideas for short stories and novels, but I don’t have time to write them all. Usually after I finish a book, I’ll take a break from writing for a while and let my mind relax and catch up on my reading. Then, when I’m ready to write something new, I’ll read through my ideas folder and see what inspires me. But sometimes the next story in line jumps into my head and I’m off writing something new the next day!

What authors have inspired you?

I’ve been inspired by many authors throughout the years and probably every book I’ve read has influenced me in some way. I started out reading Stephen King short stories and novels, so I got a feel for good storytelling and world-building at a young age.

Lately I’ve been reading John Sandford and the Preston & Child novels. When I’m reading for fun, I read anything and everything that isn’t in the romance genre. I enjoy a good detective/mystery story, and these authors have created some fantastic and memorable characters.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to be able to teleport from one place to another in the blink of an eye. Just think about where I’d like to be, snap my fingers, and then I’d be there. It would make traveling a lot easier and faster!

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?

I want to visit Easter Island. I love the moai and collect them, so I’d love to see the actual statues in person. I’d also like to go to Romania and spend some time at Bran Castle.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes, I welcome questions and comments from readers, so feel free to drop me a line. Let me know which of my books is your favorite, and which characters you love best. I invite everyone to visit me on social media for book updates and more.

Here’s the summary and links to The Route 9 Killer:

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

 

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

 

If you’ve read the book and loved it, please post a positive review online (no spoilers, please!).

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 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/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

 

Writing Across the Genre Spectrum

 

Hi everyone!

When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a writer. Usually their next question is: “What do you write?” My answer? “Everything.”

I write fiction in various genres and levels of intensity. I can give romance readers a tender love story or a spicy erotic novella in any time period. Fans of speculative fiction can be terrorized by my horror stories, solve a murder-mystery, or get whisked away into an alternate reality in my sci-fi tales. And if you’re ready to write your own fiction, well, I wrote the book on how to get started.

I’m often asked a lot of questions about how (and why) I write across the genre spectrum. Here are four FAQ:

How did you get started writing in so many different genres?

I never set out to be such a multi-faceted writer; it was something that happened gradually. I started out writing short horror fiction, and always dreamed of “someday” having my work included in an anthology. (I’m happy to say my horror stories have appeared in several anthologies, both online and in print.)

Then one day I came across a “10-minute love story” in a magazine and thought, “I could write one of those.” So I did. The story was accepted and I became a regular romance author for the publication. A year or so later they asked me if I could write sci-fi. I said, “Sure!” and I did.

From that point on, I realized I didn’t have to “just” write horror, or romance, or sci fi… I could branch out into any genre or type of writing I wanted. I figured, why limit yourself? If I have an idea for a story (regardless of genre), why not write it?

Recently I’ve branched out into mystery/thrillers with The Route 9 Killer and the paranormal romance/mystery genre with In Another World. Who knows what’s next?

Within the romance genre, you write contemporary, gay, paranormal, fantasy, and historical stories. Why do you vary so much in one genre?

I get inspired from a multitude of ideas, so I basically go wherever the story takes me. My fantasy romance, A Most Unusual Princess came about because I wanted to write about a headstrong princess looking for a husband. The idea of a gay wrestler forced to come out sparked A Secret Match, and a mysterious stranger collapsing into the arms of an 1877 storekeeper became my historical romance novel, Love, Lies & Redemption.

The plot and characters dictate the genre, setting, and heat level in my books. So I may write a hot contemporary romance one month, and then two months later I’m writing a mild historical. I don’t mind switching up genres because it gives me leeway to create unique characters and plots each time I write. Even I never know where the next story will take me.

Within the historical category, my books range from mild to super-spicy and take place in different time periods (Old West, Colonial, Pioneer, Celtic). I don’t stick to writing “all” Westerns or “all” Colonials. Once I have the time period for the story, I do research for details and/or ideas for clothing, occupations, etc. I like to weave authentic details into the books and blend them in as naturally as possible.

When I’m writing fantasy romance, I try to make the details believable, even if I’m making them up. Right now I’m writing an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure.

How do you balance writing romance and horror? Which one do you like best?

My horror stories are more psychologically spooky rather than gory, and usually after I finish writing a few romances I switch up and write a horror tale or two. I use different “writing muscles” when I tell a horror story, and I can develop different plots, characters, and have an overall darker tone in my horror fiction than I can in a romance.

I like both genres, so it was only a matter of time before I blended the two… into paranormal romance. When I write paranormal romances I have to make sure I don’t cross over too far into the horror world. You don’t want to create a paranormal hero/heroine who is too frightening and/or violent in the story.

Romance lovers don’t want to read about a full-fledged monster. The character has to be likeable and loveable with all the traits of a romance hero/heroine – even if he or she is a vampire who needs to feed. (This was the basis for my paranormal, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover.)

Lately I’ve been scaling back on my romances and focusing on speculative fiction. These short stories aren’t exactly classic “horror” tales designed to scare readers, but they do include paranormal elements. One reviewer said the stories have a “Twilight Zone feel.” For example, More than I Bargained For is an offbeat mini-mystery about a woman who can talk to the dead.

One of my favorite horror stories is Nightmare in the North. It’s a novella about a man stranded with strangers in a blizzard. It was a lot of fun to write and after reading it, my husband called it “disturbing.” I love writing horror stories (or mainstream stories with speculative elements) and I’ve got lots of ideas…. I just need the time to write!

You wrote the non-fiction book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. What made you decide to write a book about writing?

Every time I do an interview, I’m often asked the same batch of questions: Where do you get your ideas? How do I get published? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips?

I’ve answered these questions many times in interviews and addressed them in blogs, but I always wanted to say more. One day, I started thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years, and inspiration hit me: Why not write a book on how to write? The result? You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction.

This fun and practical book walks you through the story-creating process step-by-step: from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work. It covers the basics of storytelling—regardless of what genre you write.

Each easy-to-read chapter is based on my years of hands-on experience as a writer, advice I’ve received, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and professional writing workshops. Basically, it’s practical advice on how to get started, almost like a Writing 101 workshop. Any writer can use the tips and writing exercises for an extra boost of motivation or just for fun.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Writers shouldn’t be afraid to try new things. Yes, it might be “easier” or “better” to find a genre or a niche and stay there for your entire writing career. You could build a solid brand, get a large fan base, and become a household name in the genre. That may work for most writers, but for me, it would become tiresome after a while (like having the same thing for dinner every night). I like to explore something new and different each time I write.

For me, writing across the genre spectrum is just what I do. Some days, I venture down a dark and mysterious pathway into a haunted cemetery… Other days, I’ll lose myself in the romantic adventures of a feisty historical heroine… But no matter what I write, I enjoy creating the characters, plots, and settings that bring the story to life for readers—and I hope they enjoy the journey as much as I do.

I welcome comments from readers and other authors. Feel free to drop me a line with questions or comments about my books. You can find a full title list and all my social media links on my site: www.kelliwilkins.com

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 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/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

Sharing Reviews for The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

 

Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing two reviews for my latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he has discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

Here’s the book summary and those 5-star reviews:

 

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

Reviews for The Route 9 Killer

“5 Stars! From the opening pages this is a gripping read that just doesn’t let up. Wilkins cleverly builds the tension throughout the story leading to a bite-your-nails climax. The book is dark at times, but excellently written and not too graphic.

It alternates between the POV of the abductee, the detective, and the killer, and the author did a great job of giving each of them their own voice. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end and anyone who enjoys thrillers will appreciate the twists the author incorporated into the story.”  -  NurseyByNature - Vibe Reviewer

 

“5 Stars! Awesome read. I was totally glued to the story until the very end. Great job!” - Natalie C. - Amazon Reader

 ***

I hope you’ll check out the book for yourself. It’s a great summer read!

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 blogs about my writings here: www.KelliWilkins.com/blog

Until next time,

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/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

Behind the Scenes: The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

 

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 I might even reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. Warning: Blogs may contain spoilers.

 

Looking for something to read? Why not spend the summer with a serial killer?

The Route 9 Killer is my latest release, and it’s been a long time coming. Years ago, I had an idea for a serial killer/thriller story that was sparked by something simple: I was driving somewhere and I saw a woman’s shoe lying in the road.

Immediately, my writer brain started asking questions: Whose shoe was it? What happened to the woman? Where was the other shoe? Why was this shoe in the road? Strange? Yes. But writers think that way. Anything that catches our attention can spark a flurry of questions and develop into a story idea.

I started wondering about the shoe and then an idea hit me. It was a simple “What if…” premise: What if a woman was abducted and the only evidence left behind was her shoe in the road? I bounced this idea off of a few people, and they scoffed. “Who cares about a shoe? Why would anyone think someone was abducted based on a lost shoe?” But, when I explained my story idea, they were intrigued.

I wrote an outline for the story and filed it in my “someday I’ll write this” folder and moved on to other projects. (At the time, I was writing romances and not focusing on horror/mysteries.) This past winter, “someday” arrived and I wrote the story.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he has discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

The book then switches to the point-of-view of a young woman who wakes up in a strange place, handcuffed to a bed. When I wrote her character, I didn’t want to make her a helpless victim. Yes, she’s hurting, scared, and in a really, really bad situation, but she’s smart, and a fighter. She quickly realizes that she’s responsible for her own fate. Nobody is coming to rescue her.

No thriller would be complete without a peek into the life (and mind) of the antagonist. Our not-so-nice killer has a few scenes of his own. This is where we get inside his mind, see what makes him lose control, and gives a hint at why he does what he does.

Without giving away any plot details or spoilers, I can say that our three main characters come together in the end (very briefly), and the story packs a great twist ending. (If you’ve read the book, please don’t give away the ending!)

But then… there’s the Epilogue, where we get a little more info on Rourke’s case—and another shocker.

Although the story has a very serious/dark subject matter, I stayed away from overt sexual violence toward our heroine. I didn’t want to write anything too dark, too graphic, and nothing along the lines of “torture porn” or an unsettling episode of “Criminal Minds.” I concentrated on Rourke and his investigation. The other characters are there to pull the reader into the story through their points-of-view, and increase the drama and tension. I think it worked.

Can you solve the mystery? Here’s the book summary and order links:

 

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

 

If you’ve read the book and loved it, please post a positive review online (no spoilers, please!).

And looking ahead, I have an idea for another thriller. I’ve decided I’m bringing Detective Jim Rourke back to work on that case, as well. A friend of mine suggested I write a third book and make it into a trilogy. That’s a good idea. What do you think?

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 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 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 the 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/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

 

Kelli's Quill Newsletter - Welcome Summer 2023 Issue!

 

Welcome to the summer 2023 issue of the Quill. As most of you may know, I’ve been on hiatus for a while. I’ve been working on a lot of projects and I’m sharing my latest news here.

This issue features info on my new release, links to my Still Moments articles, and includes a “romance rewind” showcasing some of my sizzling summer romances. Enjoy!

 

 

New Release - The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

Here’s an idea: Start your summer with a new mystery/thriller… The Route 9 Killer!

My latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer was just released on ebook platforms. See if you can figure out the mystery…

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

 

Don’t miss… Still Moments Magazine

Kelli has been contributing to Still Moments Magazine, a digital magazine of positive reading and enjoyment. So far in 2023, she has authored articles on setting goals, exploring the writing/gardening connection, and adopting older cats. New articles are posted every other month, so don’t miss an issue!

Read her articles and catch up on back issues here:

https://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com/

Follow them on social media here:

Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Moments-Magazine/111477208866396

 

Get Ready for Summer with Kelli’s Sizzling Summer Romances

 

All of Kelli’s romances make great beach reads, but these romances are specifically set in the summer months… Follow the links to learn more about each book, read reviews and order you copy today.

 

Love, Lies & Redemption: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/love-lies-and-redemption

Trust with Hearts: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/trust-with-hearts

Loving a Wild Stranger: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/loving-a-wild-stranger

Beauty & the Bigfoot: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/beauty-the-bigfoot

Dangerous Indenture: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/dangerous-indenture

A Deceptive Match: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

Confession of a Vampire’s Lover: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/confessions-of-a-vampire-s-lover

In Another World: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/in-another-world

See all her romances on her site: www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Celebrating Pride Month with Kelli’s Gay Romances

Kelli has written 3 gay romances (and is working on a new one). Catch up on these spicy reads here:

A Secret Match: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/killer-in-wolf-s-clothing

Four Days with Jack: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/four-days-with-jack

 

I hope you enjoyed this summer issue of the Quill. Be sure to follow me on social media and check out my blogs to get the latest news. Links to all my social media pages can be found here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/contact

Visit my site for a full title list: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/

Enjoy the summer!

Kelli

New Release - The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

 

Hi everyone,

Here’s an idea: Start your summer with a new mystery/thriller… The Route 9 Killer!

My latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer was just released on ebook platforms. See if you can figure out the mystery…

Here’s the book blurb and links.

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

The story was inspired by a simple “what if” idea and blossomed from there. I don’t want to give away too much about the story now, but stay tuned for an upcoming blog that takes you behind the scenes and offers an inside look at the making of the book.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

How to Be Your Own Best Editor

 

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

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

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

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

Here are a few tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

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

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

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

Happy Writing!

Kelli