On Genres with Kelli A. Wilkins

This week we’re going to find out a little about author Kelli A. Wilkins. January’s theme is ‘Genres’ so Kelli will be talking about genres. She’ll also tell us a little about herself and her writing, and answer some fun questions.
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

Loving a Wild Stranger was released in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.

Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.

In 2016 Kelli began re-releasing her romances previously published by Amber Quill Press. Visit her website and blog for a full title list, book summaries, and other information.

Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative non-fiction guide based on her years of experience as a writer. It’s filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

If you like to be scared, check out Kelli’s horror ebooks: Dead Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse.

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write?
Kelli: I write romances in nearly every genre (historical, fantasy, contemporary, paranormal, and gay) at all heat levels. Some of my romances are mild (Loving a Wild Stranger) and others are super-sizzling hot (Killer in Wolf’s Clothing). I feel drawn to historicals, but I’m not “married” to the genre. If I’m inspired to write a character’s story, I go where and when the idea takes me. That could be in any time period, in any setting, and in any genre.
Although I’ve written several historicals, they all have different settings. For example, Loving a Wild Stranger takes place in the wilds of the Michigan Territory in the early 1820s; Lies, Love & Redemption is a western set in 1877 Nebraska; Dangerous Indenture takes place in Pennsylvania Colony, and The Viking’s Witch is set in 804 in Scotland. Setting books in the different locations and time periods lets me explore plot ideas and create unique characters for those settings.

Beverley: What prompted you to write in the genre/s you do?
Kelli: I like reading about history, watching historical movies, and visiting historical places, so all that plays a part in my interest in writing historical romances. I enjoy researching what life was like hundreds of years ago and learning about how people lived, what they ate, and how they survived in different time periods. I incorporate this information into my stories and use details to flesh out the characters and settings.
Beverley: What genres do you enjoy reading?
Kelli: I like to read everything in all genres: thrillers, mysteries, horror, suspense, non-fiction, and romance. When I read romance, I don’t just stick to historicals, I read paranormals, contemporaries, or whatever sounds interesting.
Beverley: How long have you been writing?
Kelli: I started writing professionally about fifteen years ago. At first, I wrote short romances and horror fiction. From there, I progressed to full-length romances. I still write horror stories, and I’ve been published in several horror anthologies.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Kelli: I’ve always been interested in writing and was an avid reader from a young age. So in a sense, all the books I’ve ever read have influenced me in some way. When I was growing up, I watched Twilight Zone reruns and got a taste for great storytelling. Later, I read a lot of Stephen King, and again, learned about the craft of telling an interesting story, adding details, and developing characters. I also took writing classes that taught me the basics. From there, I was encouraged to submit my stories.
Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work?
Kelli: I don’t have many obstacles when it comes to outlining, writing, or revising a book, but finding enough time to do all that can be challenging. Writing a book is a time-consuming process. Authors need to set aside time every day (even if it’s just an hour) to work on a writing project, and sometimes finding the time to write (while still having a non-writing life) can be hard.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Kelli: A great idea will always inspire me to grab a pen and paper and start writing! Sometimes I’ll see or hear something that sparks an idea and that will give me the basis for an entire book. Of course, once I’m writing a book, the characters and the story keep my creative juices flowing. Even though I plot out my books and have a good idea of what’s going to happen next, every once in a while my characters will surprise me and take things in a different direction.
Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Kelli: Getting interrupted! When I’m in the writing zone and I get interrupted (by the phone or whatever), it’s sometimes hard to get back into the story.
Beverley: What do you have for breakfast?
Kelli: Coffee is a must, and then usually cereal, oatmeal, or eggs.
Beverley: What do you wear when you are writing?
Kelli: I like to be comfortable when I’m writing, so I’m usually in sweatpants and a t-shirt.
Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?
Kelli: That depends on the season. If it’s warm, I like to sit in my yard and write. During the winter months, or when it rains, I usually write in a chair in the living room. I actually write my books using pen and paper, so I can break out a notepad and start writing anywhere. When I’m editing or revising, I’m in my home office.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Kelli: Believe it or not, I watch a lot of cartoons. I find that their simplicity relaxes me and makes me laugh after a long day at work. My favorite is Felix the Cat. Felix is a favorite because I love cats (especially black cats) and he was a wiseass troublemaker who always found a clever way out of his jams.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?
Kelli: I think it would be interesting to sit down with authors that I read (Stephen King, John Sandford, Preston & Child) and talk about their books, characters, and their writing processes. I’d also like to meet several musicians and enjoy free concerts!
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Kelli: I’d probably spend most of it working on a book! Then I’d go for a walk or do something fun with my husband or friends.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Kelli: Last year I started re-releasing my romances previously published with Amber Quill Press. I’m re-reading, editing, and revising each book as I go, and most of them have gotten great new covers. I’m continuing that in 2017. Right now, I’m editing three books: Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights. They make up a super-hot historical/fantasy trilogy. All three books should be available in February. In addition to that, I’m working on a new (as yet untitled) historical romance. I’ll be pretty busy in 2017!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with readers. I welcome questions, comments, and feedback about my books. Readers can contact me via my social media pages or by the email address on the news page of my website.

Blurb for Loving A Wild Stranger

 A woman running from her past… straight into the arms of an untamed man

In a moment of desperation, Kathleen Stanton flees her pampered life in Kingston, New York and ends up stranded in a small town in the Michigan Territory. Out of money and forced to rely on her instincts, she impersonates a handsome stranger’s mail-order bride.

Committed to her deception, Kathleen calls herself Michelle and starts her new life with Luther in an isolated cabin in the wilderness. Luther can’t believe his luck when his beautiful bride arrives, but something doesn’t feel right about his new wife. Michelle has terrifying nightmares involving a man named Roger and is reluctant to talk about where she came from.

Luther’s friend, Redfeather visits and tries to convince Luther to send Michelle back east. Distrusting Michelle, he warns Luther that his bride is not what she seems. But Luther is in love with Michelle, and he is harboring a secret of his own—one that might force Michelle to reject him when she learns the truth.

Michelle falls in love with Luther and adapts to her new way of life. Together, they face off against brutal townspeople and overcome harsh living conditions. When they finally give in to their desires and agree to become a proper man and wife, a dark figure from Michelle’s past resurfaces and threatens to destroy everything.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6M551H
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1190943526
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-a-wild-stranger-kelli-a-wilkins/1125413251?ean=2940154172131
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/loving-a-wild-stranger
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/335361512/Loving-a-Wild-Stranger
Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/51d0c248-fe8d-4a14-b1db-b524786870f4
24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1854921

You can find Kelli at:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins
Website: www.KelliWilkins.com
Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Don’t forget to check back next week for another author interview. This time a   discussion on Self–pubbed/traditional/ other writing formats, and why?