Guest Author Day with Kellie Wilkins

 

Sci-fi Spotlight on… Extraterrestrial Encounters

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing a look at my anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories. Right now you might be asking yourself, “Wait… What? Sci-fi? Don’t you write romances and horror stories?”

Well, yes. I’m mainly known for writing sensual romances and spooky horror fiction, but every so often I like to surprise myself – and readers.

I’ve always been attracted to the unusual, peculiar, and “weird” that exists in the sci-fi and horror genres. I grew up watching Tales from the Dark Side, Amazing Stories, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Outer Limits, and of course, The Twilight Zone.

I read every sci-fi and horror short story I could find, and I believed in the Ancient Astronaut Theory long before Ancient Aliens ever aired. So I guess it’s no surprise that when I started writing, I wrote what I loved reading: sci-fi and horror. 

For me, science fiction is imaginative fiction, and it’s fun to make up all sorts of strange things. Sci-fi stories explore anything possible (or that may be possible one day), such as time travel, parallel universes, alien contact, lost civilizations, artificial intelligence, robots, cloning, repressed societies, UFOs, mind control, futuristic societies, and more.

Sci-fi authors are free to dream up anything and use it in a story without having to do too much explaining about how or why these unusual or fantastic things are possible. In general, readers of sci-fi/fantasy are more open-minded about different plotlines, characters, and settings than readers of a romance novel, for example. Readers know the story isn’t “real” and most likely couldn’t happen, but they’re fine with it. They enjoy escaping into the world of the fantastic.

I like writing in multiple genres because I get to explore different plots, characters, and styles of writing in a horror or a sci-fi story I couldn’t do in a romance – and vice versa. After writing a few romances I like to switch up and focus on horror or sci-fi for a while. My horror stories tend to be more psychological and creepy than bloody, and my sci-fi stories are about strange things that happen to ordinary people.

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so when I wrote Extraterrestrial Encounters, I decided to share a peek at my writing process. I’ve included a brief note at the end of each story in the collection, explaining what inspired me to write it, where I got the idea, or general comments about the plot or characters.

I hope you enjoy these stories. Some are humorous, some will make you think, and others might scare you a bit – but they will all take you on a journey into the realm of the unknown for a little while.

Here is the book summary and buy links.

 

Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories

Are you ready to step into the unknown?

In these 18 sci-fi stories, you’ll encounter aliens of all shapes and sizes, curious (and sometimes unlucky) space explorers, and ordinary Earthlings having otherworldly experiences.

Some of the out-of-this-world tales in this short fiction anthology include:

“The Hoax” - A reporter learns that a creature from another planet is a dangerous thing to fool with

“It Grows on You” - A strange kind of mold has invaded an office, and it’s the perfect tool for revenge

“What Lurks Below” - Everyone knows there’s no life on Mars, but nobody thought about what might be lurking under the surface…

“The Con” - An alien becomes an unlikely ally to a down-on-his-luck petty crook

“Space Cowboy” - When a second-rate rodeo star is abducted by aliens, he makes the most of the situation

 “They Just Keep Eating” - A Nebraska farmer encounters a menace from space… and it’s hungry

This collection of speculative fiction will stimulate your imagination, unnerve you just a little, and make you wonder… “What if we’re not alone?”

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5JG1DC

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JVJ9e

 

I welcome questions and comments from readers. Let me know which story you loved best, which one made you laugh, or why you love reading sci-fi.

You can learn more about my current titles on my site (www.kelliwilkins.com) sign up for my newsletter, or follow my blog and social media posts for updates on new releases.

Keep watching the stars!

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, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

Her latest novel, In Another World, was published in early 2022. This contemporary mystery/romance is set in the world of the paranormal.

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.

Talking with JoAnne Meyers today

Can you tell us a little about yourself?  

I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paints. 

When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at: booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

What is your book(s) about? 

It is a fantasy anthology, starring the Mothman, the Chupracabra, mermaids, time travel, reincarnation, a love curse, a Quaker love story, a serial killer family from 1873, werewolves, and a demonic cellmate.

What are you currently working on? 

My biography true crime anthology Twisted Love, is being released in July and I am getting the finishing touches on it along with its cover.

If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be? 

A jumper, so I could jump in and out of everywhere.

What do you do when you’re not writing? 

I have a day job at a nursing home, and I paint and spend time with relatives.

Are any of your characters like you? 

Yes. I fuse my friends and relatives and co-workers into my characters.

What genres do you write in?   

A write fantasy, paranormal, true crime, mystery and poetry

Is there anything you will never write about? 

Erotica. It is to naughty.

Is there anything you would tell aspiring writers? 

Never give up. If you want to be published, you must stay with it.

If zombies attacked what kind of supplies would you want?   

Zombie killing ray guns.

What was the hardest part of writing your book(s)? 

 Determining when to end it. 

 Loves, Myths and Monsters by Joanne Myers

Paranormal, Fantasy Anthology

WELCOME TO ANNA

            Little does 17 year old Zoe, realize, but the Chupracabra followed her to Ohio from South America.  What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and unsuspecting friendships and love.

                                    THE HUNTER’S BRIDE

            When all game warden Daren Abram, had to worry about was which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being stalked by the reincarnation of the town’s legend.

                                    MOON PEOPLE

            For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside town of Willowick, is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the boy and town she loves.

                                                THE BIDDING

            Apiologist 34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister then anyone imaged.                                                       

                                                THE AGREEMENT

            Incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail, is the last thing rich college student and speeder Brice Conrad, needs. With an “agreement” between the town and a permanent demonic “guest”, only the unfortunate ones know the truth, but do not live to tell.

                                                LOVE’S CURSE

            When an Egypt love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean’s office, persons begin dying in bizarre and grisly ways, with the college’s mascot a Viking King statue jokingly blamed for it.

                                                            THE PACK

            When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian falls for mortal girl Drenda Way, he must save her from his fellow Lycan’s and stop a werewolf uprising.

                                    IS IT ONLY A MYTH?

When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James “Jim“ Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he stops at nothing to save his citizens.

           

                                    FOR THE LOVE OF GINNIE

            Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the thirtieth century, returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved Ginnie Wade from a snipers bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy and perils.

                                    THE HOUSE ON SHADY LANE

            A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in 1873.

                                                THE PROPOSITION

            The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of his life, when the ad to break a “wild filly” turns out to be a fiery Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all.

Excerpt

For the Love of Ginnie

I don’t know why I wanted to save the life of a person I never met. Maybe it was because I was tired of bachelorhood. Maybe it was because I was a chemist and the unusual, and unexplained, fascinated me. Or, maybe, it was because I was obsessed with this twenty-year-old, dark-haired beauty named Mary Virginia “Ginnie” Wade I had read about.

These questions filtered through my mind as I drove to the bar to meet my best friend Will.

Will’s favorite hangout was “The Bling,” originally an old truck stop on State Route 93, in Nelsonville, Ohio. The place became a restaurant/lounge/dance hall and brothel when semis no longer became a necessity for long distance hauling. The invention of the transporter also replaced many other primitive jobs such as mail delivery and travel. “The Bling” was best known for the large flashing lights suggesting scantily clad women in seductive positions above the front entrance, and its “bulldogs,” monster-sized bouncers in Armani suits who patrolled its two-block perimeter, inside and out.

“The Bling,” just another joint with a sleazy atmosphere, like all alcohol-serving establishments, differed only in that it catered exclusively to class “A” clientele. Politely—or maybe not so politely—everyone called it the “Whorehouse for the rich and bored.” Its reputation grew. Its income grew even faster.

I pulled up in front and exited my vintage DeLorian, tossing the keys to the baby-faced valet, by-passed the doorman with no questions asked. Just an exchange of large smiles between us. Will was also part-owner.

As I entered the twenty-four carat gold, electronic doors, Will immediately spotted me and motioned me toward the bar with his diamond embellished hand.

I loved sitting at the bar. It was the perfect place to see the shows. “Two double scotches and water,” Will said, as we shook hands, and I slid into my seat beside him, just as the tall, leggy waitress produced the drinks in an instant.

I immediately recognized the “girl” as one of the latest “do-everything-like-a-wife” robotics. Robot manufacturing had become a booming business since the last war destroyed the immune and reproductive systems in most humans, especially females.

“I don’t know why you waste your time flirting with non-humans,” I said, cautiously sipping my drink. The immense emptiness of not being able to acquire a wife and soul mate, I felt at this age in my life, almost drove me to alcoholism, but my boss and mentor, Doctor Obar Gabry, intervened, saving my life and promising career.

“Because, dear friend,” Will began, “beggars can’t be choosey, and ladies are in scarce supply. Beside, these ‘girls’ are all pink inside.”

“Ugh!” I said, gulping down a large swallow of alcohol as if it could wash away my friend’s vile mental picture from my mind.

“Come on, Alex, loosen up. Live a little.” Will motioned to the waitress for another round of drinks. “You’re alive, so act like it. Don’t let your beautiful mind go to waste. This world needs people like you. People started treating me like a god once I became an entrepreneur, and I love it.”

I had to laugh. Maybe my self-pity stage had outlived its use. Only I can find a wife for myself. I certainly won’t ask Will to hook me up. His sense of values are as artificial as the women he beds.

The pain and loneliness I felt at times from yearning for a life-long partner and family wasn’t easy to accomplish. Scientific and Medical technology still could not reverse the sterilization effects on the female species.

Sure there were some human women to date. But most were either sterile, too old, too young, or there was just no chemistry between the two of us. I wanted that spark that unites between two people madly in love...like my parents. I never met any couple happier with one another then my beloved parents. That’s the kind of love I want…never ending.

The emptiness and frustration of not finding companionship at times made me want to die. But that was the loneliness talking. I know that now. I love life. I want to live, and I know who I want for a wife. It’s just that meeting her would be a little tricky.

Abruptly, I asked, “What do you think about time travel?”

“Are you serious?” Will asked. “Scientists have tried to conquer time travel for hundreds of years, and failed.”

“Maybe they failed because they weren’t Doctor Gabry and me.”

Will looked at me in awe. “Oh, my god, you’re serious!”

“We discovered something today in the lab,” I said, giving him an arrogant smile. “We believe this is the answer.”

“So who is to be the Guinea pig?”

“Me.”

Silence came from Will, then a gasp. “That could be suicide.”

“Or the biggest discovery of the thirtieth century.”

Other books by JoAnne:

Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery

Wicked Intentions- a paranormal anthology

The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime

Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between

Upcoming Releases:

Twisted Love- biography true crime anthology available in July 2014

Flagitious- a detective/mystery anthology available in August 2014

Buy Links:

MELANGE IN PRINT AND EBOOK:

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/LMM.html

LULU in print

http://www.lulu.com/shop/joanne-myers/loves-myths-and-monsters/paperback/product-21546632.html

AMAZON KINDLE STORE

http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Myths-Monsters-Collection-Urban-ebook/dp/B00JL3J4P4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397151617&sr=1-1&keywords=Loves%2C+Myths+and+Monsters

 JoAnne hails from the famous Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio. She has worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. Besides having several novels under her belt, she also canvas paints. 

When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, she spends time with relatives, my dogs Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteers within her community. She is a member of the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. She believes in family values and following your dreams.

Where to find the author:

joannetucker98@yahoo.com

http://www.facebook.com/joanne.myers.927

  Website: http://booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com  

 

Book Spotlight & Giveaway for Midnight Rodeo: Homecoming

Midnight Rodeo: Homecoming by Kiernan Kelly, B.A. Tortuga & Julia Talbot

Cover Artist: Anne Squires

Publisher: Torquere Press

Available HERE

What happens when rodeos start to get too tough for humans to compete in? Midnight Rodeo, of course, where supernatural creatures like shifters and vampires work for the prize money, and for the awe of their audience.

In Welcome to the Pack by BA Tortuga, when head bullfighter Denton is killed by a demon bull, his twin, Denver, comes back to take his place. Denver was gone for years, working mundane rodeos and missing his twin. He’s not sure the pack can heal him since the other bullfighters challenge Denver at every turn. All except Blaine, who’s an outcast himself, and who knows Denver is like no one he’s ever met.

In Oklahoma Rain by Kiernan Kelly, psychic Blaze scouts locations for the rodeo company, Darque and Knight, where he finds another psychic talent, Zack, who’s as hot as the Fourth of July. Zack is complicated, though, thanks to his sidekick, Mikey, a damaged kid. Blaze invites the pair back to the rodeo, but not everyone is as happy as Blaze to have them there.

In Big Bear, Little Bear, by Julia Talbot, bear shifter Ben is returning to the rodeo after a long injury recovery. Big bear shifter Ozzie is the barrel man and clown, and he’s been waiting for Ben to come back to the big show. But is Ben ready to ride again, let alone be the lover Ozzie is ready to take on?

Teaser Excerpt:

Denver was-- wow.

Denton had been stunning, making Blaine stare a lot. A lot. Still, Dent had been off-limits, and he’d bet Denver was, too. No one could be that hot and be like Blaine.

He was the weird one, the one brought into the pack by a she-wolf who had already had a single pup. Blaine figured he was lucky no one had killed him when he was a kid.

Everyone else was broad and wide, shaggy headed with eyes like green glass. All of them came from the same line. Denver was the spitting image of Denton, really. A little harder around the edges, a little more wild. A shit ton more bruised.

The guys had been taking turns. Two a night, just like clockwork, they’d come and challenge Denver. One at midnight, one at three a.m. Greg and Vince went, then Carter and Caul, and finally Hank and Mike. Boom.

He supposed Denver was waiting for him, now. Blaine sighed. He had no intention of trying to take the pack. God, the very idea made his head hurt.

The real question was, were they going to just start over, or was Denver going to get a night off, a chance to sleep before they settled in town for tonight’s show?

Talking with BA Tortuga

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Oh, lord. I’m a big old redneck. I love my wife, my dogs, knitting, the mountains, country western music, Sherlock, roughstock events, and weird horror novels. I’m a lucky duck.

What started your interest in writing?

I published my first story when I was little and my mom says I never once said I ever wanted to anything else.

What is your book(s) about?

Midnight Rodeo (the universe) is about Darque and Knight Rodeo Company. It’s a paranormal rodeo universe with nightmares and ghost riders, werewolves, vampires and dragons and werebears and kitty shifters…

My story is about Denver and Blaine, two werewolf bullfighters that are trying to trying to find their places in the pack, in the world.  Julia brought us werebears in the form of the rodeo clown and a down-on-his-luck bulldogger, while Kiernan focused on the magical aspects of the universe with a psychic and a telekinetic. :D

What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m finishing a contemporary m/m novel about cowboys and their kids tentatively titled Ever the Same, a contemporary m/m piece about a country musician, a bodyguard and a stalker, a m/m/m Roughstock book about the Brazilian riders, a m/m paranormal shifter novel set in Glenwood Springs and my first YA novel, about a teenaged fast pitch softball player that is very much a coming of age piece.

How long did it take you to get your rough draft finished on your latest release?

About 4 weeks, give or take

If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be?

I think I would make an EXCEPTIONAL dragon, don’t you?

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Knit and talk about writing.

Are any of your characters like you?

I would say no. My wife would say yes. ;-) She says that MJ, the violent eco-terrorist, is right up my alley.

What genres do you write in?

Yes.

I write all the things – romance, western, paranormal, contemporary, action adventure, YA, horror, m/m, m/m/f, f/f, m/f…

Is there anything you will never write about?

I never say never because that’s an immediate curse. I told Andrew Grey I’d never write YA and I’m ¾ through my first YA novel…

Do you have a favorite quote from your book(s)?

“You can’t chase alligators with a hard-on.”

Tropical Depression

Is there anything you would tell aspiring writers?

Write every day. When you don’t feel like writing, write more. Don’t ever read reviews.

If zombies attacked what kind of supplies would you want?

Chainsaw, blowtorch, shovel, yarn and a nice supply of Aquanet.

What was the hardest part of writing your book(s)?

On Midnight Rodeo, the most challenge thing was making sure none of the three of us contradicted each other too terribly much, especially Kiernan, because I can look over at Julia and say, “barrel racing dragons!” Kiernan I have to remember to text…

If you could sit down with any author dead or alive who would it be?

Stephen King – I know, I know, but I’d want to just sit and jabber and listen and tell stories. I’d bring Kiernan with me so we could talk about it afterward.

Do you keep a notebook near your for when new ideas pop into your head?

No. I keep my wife nearby at all times. She remembers all the things for me. I couldn’t survive without her.

If you write a series do you reread your previous books before you begin the new one? 

God, yes. I have the attention span of a caffeinated gnat on crack. I have to reread.

Is there anything you wish to say to your readers?

Thank you and y’all rock my whole world. Much love.

For readers who haven't tried your books yet, how do you think your editor or loyal readers would describe your books?

I think they’d tell you that I write just the way I sound, that I’m in love with all the guys and girls – good and bad. That I have no issues with casual violence or casual drug use and I require a happy ending.

When writing, how do you keep track of timelines, ideas, inspiration and such? By notes on the computer, a notebook perhaps?

I’m an Evernote and Pinterest whore. I have them synced between laptop, tablet and phone. I also make a lot of notes on walks using my phone.

I’m always looking for book recommendations. What books have you been reading? Would you recommend them?

Right now I’m rereading IT by Stephen King for my book club. I read it when it came out and adored it.  I’m also reading Kransen House by Sara Brooke, which I am currently withholding judgment on, Keepers of the Cave by Gerri Hill, which I love, and Bubble Gum Thief by Jeff Miller which I’m taking a break on because spoiler main character death broke my heart.

Tour Dates/Stops: 7/28 – 8/22

7/28: Prism Book Alliance

7/29: Parker Williams

7/30: Up All Night, Read All Day

7/31: Amanda C. Stone

8/1: LeAnn’s Book Reviews

8/4: Love Bytes

8/5: Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Jade Crystal

8/6: The Hat Party

8/7: Night Owl Reviews, Because Two Men Are Better Than One

8/8: The Novel Approach

8/11: Decadent Delights

8/12: Wake Up Your Wild Side

8/13: Tara Lain

8/14: MM Good Book Reviews, Emotion in Motion

8/15: Iyana Jenna, Rainbow Gold Reviews

8/18: Fallen Angel Reviews, Velvet Panic

8/19: Hearts on Fire

8/20: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Dawn’s Reading Nook

8/21: Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Kimi-Chan

8/22: My Fiction Nook, Smoocher’s Voice

 

  About the Authors

BA Tortuga:

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA's personal saviors include her wife, Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has answered the call of the high desert mountains. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

Links:

Website: http://www.batortuga.com

Twitter: @batortuga

Kiernan Kelly:

Kiernan Kelly lives in the wilds of the alligator-infested U.S. Southeast, slathered in SPF 45, drinking colorful tropical, hi-octane concoctions served by thong-clad cabana boys.

All right, the truth is that she spends her time locked in the dark recesses of her office, writing gay erotic romance while chained to a temperamental laptop, drinking coffee, and dreaming of thong-clad cabana boys.

Sigh.

To date, Kiernan has over a dozen novels in print and ebook, and a plethora of short stories in both formats.

Links:

www.KiernanKelly.com

KiernanKelly@KiernanKelly.com

https://www.facebook.com/kiernan.kelly

Julia Talbot:

Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Torquere Press, Ellora's Cave, and Changeling Press. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.

Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com

https://www.facebook.com/juilatalbotauthor

Giveaway Information: Fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered to win an E-Book of Midnight Rodeo

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