FAR would like to welcome Kelli A. Wilkins, author of A Most Unusual Princess, Dalton's Temptation, The Pauper Prince, The Dark Lord, and The Sexy Stranger.

What is the first story/book that you ever wrote?

That's hard to answer because I've been writing short stories since I was about six years old! I started writing horror fiction while I was in high school, but I never tried to get my stories published until I took writing classes as an adult. I like to write in the horror and romance genres, although I've had mainstream stories and four non-fiction books published.

My first published short story was a romance that appeared in the Sun. It was called "Catch of the Day" and was about a girl dressed like a mermaid.

My first book-length romances were A Most Unusual Princess, The Dark Lord, and The Sexy Stranger, published by Amber Quill Press. They were all winners in the "Heat Wave" writing contest. Since then, I've published two more books with Amber Quill; Dalton's Temptation and The Pauper Prince. My latest novella, A Midsummer Night's Delights, is scheduled for release in October.

Could you tell us the names of some of your favorite authors?

I like to read in several different genres, so I have too many "favorites" to list. I don't limit myself when it comes to reading for fun. If a book sounds interesting, I'll give it a try, no matter who writes it.

What is the driving force behind your writing?

I have a lot of ideas, and I always have at least two (or sometimes more) stories brewing in my head. I find that as soon as I write one story, another idea pops up to take its place. So I guess the driving force behind my writing is the urge to get the ideas down on paper, write the stories, and send them out into the world.

I find it fascinating that you grew up not that far from where I live. Who would you say encouraged you to go for your dreams and what memory from your youth influenced you the most?

I grew up in a small town in rural upstate New York, so I read a lot to pass the time. (I read all the Little House and Nancy Drew books, then moved on to adult fiction.) The more I read, the more I found an interest in telling stories. At one point I thought, "I can do that!" and I started writing. I took several English and Creative Writing classes in high school, and my teachers encouraged me to keep writing.

After college, I signed up for a series of writing courses. The instructors and other students loved my work and encouraged me to start submitting my stories.

I'm pretty much self-motivated when it comes to writing, but I have several good writing friends that encourage me and offer critiques on my books and short stories.

You write books in a variety of genres. Where do you get your inspiration from in the diversity of stories that you write?

Since I read in a lot of different genres, I get inspired from many different sources. Whenever I get an idea for a story (or a character, plot, or whatever), I jot down notes and file it away to come back to later. I keep a folder of ideas, and if I'm ever at a loss for my next project, I read through the folder and see what story/plot/idea appeals to me to write next. Sometimes after writing romance for a while, I'll switch and write a few horror stories, or vice versa. I think it allows me to be more creative and explore different moods, settings, plots, and characters.

What type of characters do you enjoy writing the most?

I tend to write female characters that are intelligent, headstrong, and independent. My "Royal Desires" fantasy romance trilogy that consists of A Most Unusual Princess, Dalton's Temptation, and The Pauper Prince, is a good example of that.

The main character, Princess Elara knows what she wants (and doesn't want) and stands up for herself, despite what other people think she should do. (She's also stubborn, spoiled, and manipulative, but that gets worked out later.) Over the course of the trilogy, we see Elara change and grow up as her circumstances change.

I also like writing witty characters, and the trilogy was a good way for me to develop Prince Allan (Elara's brother). He's sarcastic and has a quick wit, which I enjoyed writing.

I'd like to add that although I've written these books as a series, each book stands alone as a separate story. Readers can read just one book and come away with a sense of completion. I don't leave anyone guessing about the plot or characters from book to book. Everything's tied up at the end of each story, yet each book follows the recurring characters as their lives develop and change.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

I'll read anything…fiction, non-fiction, self-help…it doesn't matter as long as it's interesting. When I'm writing, I generally don't read anything (or I read something non-fiction), when I'm taking a break in between writing projects, I'll read whatever I have lying around in my "to read" pile. If I have a particular interest in a subject (or if I'm doing research) I'll read a whole bunch of books on the topic, then move on to something else. I'm pretty much known for having an eclectic reading list.

Tell your fans something about you that they would never guess.

Most people know that I like to travel. I've been to the UK, Egypt, and various places around the US. But I especially like going to "creepy/haunted" places that most people avoid! Or maybe fans would guess that, based on my horror stories…

How do you choose the names of your characters? Do these names hold any significance to you?

Picking a character's name can be tricky. I'm usually very particular with them. I try to use names that evoke a certain significance or "sound" right to the story. Sometimes I'll know the entire plot of the story and all about the characters, but I won't have the "right" name for someone.

In addition to my file of ideas, I also keep a file of names. Whenever I come across and interesting or odd-sounding name, I'll write it down. Then when I start to work on a story, I consult the list and see what appeals to me and what works with the characters and genre.

Of the characters you have created, do you have a particular favorite? If so, why?

I love all my characters, so it's hard to pick one that I like best. Each one has little quirks that I created just for him (or her).

However, I did find great amusement in writing about Allan's adventures in The Pauper Prince. When I introduced him in Dalton's Temptation, he stood out as being funny, obnoxious, and sarcastic. Right then, I knew he needed his own book. He's almost like a female version of Elara from A Most Unusual Princess.

How has being published changed your life, if at all?

Being published really hasn't changed my life much, although my coworkers were surprised to find out that I write "steamy" romances. I try to keep my "writing life" separate from my "regular life" and go about my daily routine. I write every day, and I've always maintained a balance between writing and doing other things.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Writing classes are a great way to learn the basics and meet other writers. If possible, join a writer's group or a critique group to get feedback on your stories. When you've written the best story you can, submit it! You can't get published if you never submit, and you never know when your first acceptance will arrive.

Aside from that, the best advice for any writer is to keep writing. It takes a lot of dedication and determination to sit down every day and write something. But the more you write, the easier it gets.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?

A lot of people think being a writer is easy, and that you just sit around collecting money while the stories write themselves. (I have yet to see magic elves deliver me a finished book!) It takes a lot of time, energy, effort, determination, and perseverance to be a writer. Some days, you may not feel like editing, revising, or proofreading a story, but it has to get done. That's when you have to force yourself to sit in the chair and do the work. Writers also need to have thick skins, so they're able to deal with rejections, bad reviews, and critiques of their work. It's not as easy as (or as profitable as) everyone thinks.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I enjoy hearing from readers and welcome feedback about my books. Readers can learn more about me and all my writings on my website: www.KelliWilkins.com. They can read excerpts, reviews, order my books, and follow links to other interviews and free story reads.

Folks can also sign up for my free monthly newsletter, Kelli's Quill, via the "Contact the Author" form on my site. The newsletter contains my latest news and updates, plus a "For Writers" section (that's like a blog) that contains writing tips and prompts.

I also have author pages set up on several social network sites, including: ManicReaders.com, Goodreads.com, Shelfari.com, and AuthorsDen.com, just to name a few.

Thanks for allowing me to do this interview. It's great to share my ideas and insights with readers!
Happy Reading,
Kelli

I wish to say thank you to Ms. Wilkins for taking the time to answer some of our questions and giving us insight about herself and her books. Again, thank you for your time.

Interviewed by: Teresa