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~ Kelli A. Wilkins ~

Kelli A. Wilkins was raised in upstate New York and is a graduate of Voorheesville High School, where she began writing short stories and taking creative writing classes. Rural settings and small towns often appear in many of her stories.

She received a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Dramatic Arts from Hofstra University and completed the Commercial Writer's Certificate Program at Middlesex County College in New Jersey.

Kelli currently divides her time between her writing career and her job as a proofreader/copywriter. She is available for freelance writing and proofreading projects.

 

Hi Kelli, Welcome to Sensual Reads and Reviews. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today.

It’s my pleasure to be here. Thanks for inviting me to share this time with your readers.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a multi-published author and write in a variety of genres, including romance, horror/sci fi, and non-fiction. I’m a member of RWA-PRO, and I have four romances published with Amber Quill Press: Dalton’s Temptation, A Most Unusual Princess, The Dark Lord, and The Sexy Stranger.

In addition to my full-length romances, I’ve also published four non-fiction pet care guides, and dozens of my science fiction and romance short stories have appeared in print.

On a more personal note… I’m a Capricorn, I was raised in Voorheesville, NY, and my favorite TV shows are Lost, Supernatural, and Dr. Who.

When you are not writing, what are some of your favorite pastimes?

When I’m not writing, I like to garden, go to flea markets, travel, and (of course) read. I also like to explore unusual and/or historical places. Sometimes I get ideas for stories based on objects I find at flea markets, people I encounter, or peculiar places I’ve visited.

What inspired you to submit your first story?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, but I never tried to get published until I started taking writing classes. My teacher and classmates encouraged me to submit my stories. The first story I ever read in class was a horror story, but my first professional sale was a romance. One day, I came across an issue of the Sun and read their 10-Minute Romance. I thought, “Hey, I could write those.” So I did. They didn’t take the first story I submitted, but they took the second one. From there, I started submitting my fiction to romance and horror publications.

You have had several of your stories win contests and have won or placed in writing contests, how did you feel win you won or placed?

Thrilled, ecstatic, and shocked! It’s a great feeling to be notified that something you’ve written has won or placed in a contest. I started out entering contests “just to see what would happen” and since then, I’ve won contests in both horror and romance categories. When I was just starting out as a writer, I came across a contest to write a short story in 50 words. I submitted my entry, and I placed in the top ten. From that point on, I decided to enter contests whenever I could, because “you never know…”

Since then, my horror stories have won First Place in the Weird Tales World Horror Con writing contest, Fourth Place in The Dark Krypt Ezine’s horror story contest, and First Place at the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference.

My romances have also won or placed in several contests. My book, A Perfect Match, was one of the ten finalists in the first-ever “American Title” writing contest, won Second Place in the Southern Heat RWA writing contest, and won First Place at the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference.

Could you tell us what inspired you to write Dalton's Temptation?

Dalton’s Temptation is the long-awaited sequel to A Most Unusual Princess. Even before I finished writing A Most Unusual Princess, I knew I had another story about Elara and Dalton waiting to be told. (It was just a matter of sitting down and writing it.)

Although Dalton’s Temptation is a sequel, the book stands alone as it’s own story. It follows the adventures of Elara, Dalton, and Elara’s brother, Allan, in an emperor’s “pleasure palace.” Elara dons a disguise to test her new husband’s fidelity, and then discovers that she may have gotten in way over her head.

How many more stories will be in the series with A Most Unusual Princess and Dalton's Temptation?

There is one more book in the series. It’s tentatively titled The Pauper Prince, and focuses on Prince Allan (Elara’s brother) and the aftermath of what happened in the second book. Like Dalton’s Temptation, this book can stand on its own without having read the others, but it ties everything together. In this story, Allan learns a few important lessons about life and himself, and Elara and Dalton become parents.

What are you currently working on now?

I literally just finished writing The Pauper Prince a few days ago. Now I’m working on the edits, revisions, etc. It’s my intention to submit it to Amber Quill Press before the end of the year. Aside from that, I’m working on a few shorter erotic romances and some sci fi stories. Sometimes after finishing a big book project, I like to write shorter stories or switch genres and write something completely different for a while. I always have more ideas for stories than I have time to write them.

What genre is your favorite to write between romance and horror?

I like writing in both genres. It allows me to explore different ideas/settings/themes and “switch” modes. I started reading and writing horror fiction at a young age, so naturally I wrote that first. My horror fiction is usually very “moody” and I focus on the paranormal/creepier aspects of horror, such as haunted places, graveyards, vampires, etc. (Although every so often I do write about murderers and/or serial killers.)

My romances have a “lighter” feel, and allow me to explore the more sensual aspects of the characters’ relationships, add some humor, and then everyone lives happily after. In my romance, The Dark Lord, I blended some horror elements into the romance, giving the book a gothic tone, while not being too “dark” (excuse the pun).

I also have a few paranormal romances in the outline stage. So when I write them, I’ll be able to incorporate horror/supernatural elements with the romance, and vice versa.

Is there a Genre that you haven’t tried yet but would like to?

I would like to try my hand at writing dark mysteries/thrillers. I have a few ideas for full-length novels (involving detectives, mysterious vanishings, murders, and serial killers). I’m not sure when I’ll sit down and write them, but as ideas come to me, I take notes for “one day” when I’m ready and have the time.

I see you have your hands in writing about pet care and you are a pet advocate, can you tell us a little bit about this?

I’ve written four pet care guides - Cats, Quick & Easy Cat & Kitten Care, Hermit Crabs for Dummies, and The Simple Guide to Cats - each book advocates proper care, housing, and feeding of the pet. Although my books mostly focus on cats, I believe that all pet owners should take good care of their animals, no matter what the species. Sometimes pet owners don’t understand that their pet is relying on them for proper care, and/or don’t follow through with their responsibilities. In my books, I advocate the following:

1. Commit to your pet. Some animals live 10 years or longer. Be sure you’re ready, willing, and able to commit to a pet for that length of time. Be sure you can handle the expenses (vet bills, food) and daily requirements your pet will need. Don’t adopt a kitten or puppy because it’s “cute” and then decide that it’s “too much work” to take care of once it’s grown up.

2. Adopt your pet from a shelter. Millions of unwanted cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals are waiting out their last days hoping for a better life. Sadly, many will be put to sleep. Skip buying from a breeder or any store that sells pets, and give an animal a second chance at a happy home.

3. Take the time to understand, bond with, and love your pet. Each animal has its own personality and preferences. If you only want to adopt a pet just to “have” one, and don’t take the time to play with it, train it, or love it as a member of the family - then don’t adopt it in the first place. If you’re not willing to make an emotional attachment to your cat/dog and only see it as a “thing” - then reevaluate why you want a pet.

What is the biggest hurdle you have to overcome when you are writing a book?

I don’t really have any hurdles when I’m working on a book. Before I start writing, I do any necessary research, and I make sure I know the full story. I make a scene outline and go from there. However, I sometimes encounter a hurdle when it’s time to revise, edit, and put the final polish on the manuscript. Although I understand what work needs to be done, sometimes I have to force myself to sit in the chair and do it, instead of watching TV, starting a new project, or just plain goofing off. Writing and finishing a big project takes a lot of self-discipline.

What is the most satisfying part of being a successful author?

I think the most satisfying parts of being a writer are seeing your work in print and knowing that people are reading your stories. It’s a good feeling to get an email from readers who say they loved your book and/or characters and can’t wait to read more. It’s also nice to know that the characters and worlds I’ve created have “come alive” and are appealing to people.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

I think the top challenge for any writer is breaking in and getting that first acceptance, whether it’s for a short story or novel.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

In five years, I see myself still writing, with dozens of romance novels published. I also suspect that by then I’ll have a horror/thriller novel in the works. I’ll probably have sold off a bunch of horror/sci fi short stories, as well.

Anything you would like to add for your readers?

I invite readers to visit my Website. They can learn more about me and my writings, order copies of my romances, read excerpts and reviews, and catch up on my latest news.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has purchased my books, and I look forward to hearing from new readers.

Thank you Kelli for being here with us today, we really enjoyed it.

Thanks for letting me share my ideas and thoughts. I hope your readers enjoyed the interview.

Interview conducted by Crystal Stone
Sensual Reads & Reviews
October 2007

 

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