Kelli's Quill Newsletter

Four Days with Jack

When David invited his best friend on vacation, he never expected them to fall in love…

Spending four days in a tropical paradise with Jack is a dream come true. For years, David has lived a lie and denied his romantic feelings for Jack. Now that they’re together in an isolated Caribbean resort, he finally admits what he really wants—to be Jack’s lover.

Jack has been in love with David for years and is encouraged by his desire to explore a sexual relationship. He’s more than willing to introduce David to the life he has always fantasized about. Their sizzling nighttime encounters confirm David’s long-hidden cravings, but what will happen when they leave the resort?

Will David come out and start a new life with Jack? Or will he go back to his old ways and risk losing the best friend he ever had?

Order your copy of Four Days with Jack here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FTMWHL

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-days-with-jack-kelli-a-wilkins/1109557509;jsessionid=1D70C74A962E0DE7D2F5CD770AAE14DD.prodny_store02-atgap01?ean=2940154705599#productInfoTabs

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1243886678

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/four-days-with-jack-1

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/350128475/Four-Days-with-Jack

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/fa9ee1d1-3b1c-4e9c-b8ce-138ac7f472eb

24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2275200

I hope you’ll check it out. I fell in love with the characters, and I hope readers will too. It’s got a good blend of humor, drama, and plenty of sizzling love scenes that will heat up your summer!

That depends on the book. Some of my romances are shorter novellas (A Most Unusual Princess, Killer in Wolf’s Clothing, Midsummer Night’s Delights) and others are longer, full-length novels (A Deceptive Match, A Most Unfortunate Prince, The Viking’s Witch, Dangerous Indenture).

Obviously, the longer the story, the longer it takes to write, revise, edit, etc. I generally take about a month to write the first draft of a novella and anywhere from two to four months for the first draft of a full-le

ngth novel.

When I’m writing, I focus on one project at a time. As I write the first draft (whether it’s a short story or a romance novel), I divert all my attention and energy into the story until it’s finished. Then I set it aside and work on other projects, such as submissions, promotions, blogging, updating my site, or outlining another story. After a few weeks or so, I go back to the new project with fresh eyes and start making revisions.

Are you a plotter or do you just write/see what happens?
I’m both. When an idea comes to me, I make an outline with basic scenes, snippets of dialogue, character descriptions, notes on point-of-view and plot, then I sit down and start writing. I follow the outline but I keep myself open to scenes going in different directions. Sometimes characters reveal things about themselves or an unexpected detail is revealed while I’m writing. I go with it and see where the story takes me. Each book is a new adventure for me as I’m writing it.

Which is more important—plot or characters and why?
Both are incredibly important to any story, (you can't have one without the other!) but an interesting character (provided the reader loves him or her) can carry a not-so-great plot. I’ve read books where the plot was so-so but I loved the characters, so I kept reading.

I strive to make all of my characters well-rounded with realistic goals, life experiences, and challenges. Readers want to root for the characters—whether they’re in a romance, a mystery, or a sci-fi story. When readers are invested in the lives of the characters they will follow them anywhere.

Plot is also very important, however. A confusing plot that’s hard to follow will turn readers off. Likewise, a plot that’s too simple or not engaging may have readers giving up before they read very far. I’ve started reading books that had interesting plots (or so it seemed) but after 100 pages nothing happened, so I gave up.

I like to include minor subplots in my stories to keep the action moving and the reader guessing at what might happen next. A talented writer will know how to create a perfect balance between plot and character.

Do certain themes and ideas tend to capture your writer’s imagination and fascinate you?
Yes. My heroines are generally strong-willed and determined to make their own way in the world on their terms (whether they exist in a

contemporary or a historical romance). Other themes or ideas I’ve brought out in my romances are: being true to yourself, acceptance, moving on/starting over, and learning to trust. Several of my horror stories involve ghosts and hauntings and have young children as clever main characters. (Kropsy’s Curse and the “The Ape” are two examples.)

What’s on the horizon for you?
I just returned from a trip to Peru, and I've got a bunch of projects in the woks. Currently, I’m revising a new historical romance novel (as yet untitled) and I’m working on re-editing the last of my romances previously published with Amber Quill Press. After that, I have ideas in the works for a few other romances (a historical, a paranormal, and a gay contemporary).

Do you like clowns?
Heck no! And dolls are next on the Big List of Nope. No thanks! I know someone who collects clown drawings, paintings, and figurines. I shrieked when I saw a clown doll hanging off the back of the door (and no, it wasn’t Halloween). I told him, “Nobody is ever going to want to stay here with these clowns all over.” Twisty the Clown was the best “worst” clown ever. He rivaled Tim Curry's clown in "It" and really shocked people. I do feel sorry for all the nice, happy clowns out there who just want to entertain kids, juggle, and join the circus, because they have to fight the “creepy clown” stigma. They probably need a support group!