What’s on your desk, Wednesday? Weekly Spotlight Feature!
From the desk of : : Kelli A. Wilkins
My Writing Routine :
Kelli A. Wilkins
www.KelliWilkins.com
Greetings! My computer desk is in my guest room. We don’t have many guests, so I’m free to use the whole room as a makeshift office. The window closest to the desk overlooks the street, the neighbour’s house, and trees. Sometimes one of my cats will leap on the desk and walk across the keyboard to jump into the window. (He’s a birdwatcher.)
An antique dresser sits next to the desk and I have a bed behind me. It’s not for naps – it’s usually cluttered with papers, folders, notebooks, and my CD player. When I’m working, I always have music playing in the background. It’s one of my writing rituals.
People often ask me if music plays a part in my writing – yes, definitely. I even used music as an important plot element in my contemporary romance Trust with Hearts. (The hero is a country music singer.) I listen to everything from A to Z – all genres, all styles. Depeche Mode one minute, Elvis the next, then Dwight Yoakam, or disco…
The type of writing project I’m working on influences what music I listen to. For example, if I’m doing marketing (blogs, promos, review requests) I’ll listen to anything as background. (Right now Don Henley is on.) If I’m typing up a new book, I’ll listen to something loud and fast (the faster the music, the faster I can type). If I’m editing or proofreading and really have to focus and concentrate, I’ll put on something instrumental or New Age (like Loreena McKennitt or Enya).
Many people are surprised at how and when I write. Although I have my computer desk, I don’t actually use it to write. Believe it or not, I write everything out in longhand on paper using a real pen. It’s another of my writing rituals.
Before I start writing, I make a rough outline of the scenes in the book. This way I have a map of where the book (or short story) is going. Of course, the outline changes as I actually write, and I end up adding or deleting scenes, or completely rearranging things, but that’s okay.
I can (and do) write anywhere at any time. When the weather is nice I sit in my backyard and write. During the winter I’ll sit in the living room and write in a comfy chair. (With soft music playing in the background, of course. Silence is too oppressive.) For me, writing longhand lets me get deeper into the story and connect with the characters.
When I have the rough draft of the book (or short story) written, I take it to the desk and type it up. As I type, I make edits and revise each chapter, then I print it out. By the time I’m looking at a printed version, the book is already a second draft. From there, I take those printed pages anywhere and edit/revise again. (Usually that happens outside.) After that, I go back to the desk and type my changes, give it a final proofread, and I’m done.
Most days, I write for two hours at a time, then take a break and come back later for another hour or so. Of course, when I’m deep into the story I never realize how much time has passed. And I don’t aim to complete a certain word count or page count each day. Instead, I decide to write the next two or three scenes and see where I end up.
After I finish a book, I spend time doing guest blogs, interviews, and marketing, then it’s on to the next thing. Sometimes I try to do too much and my brain goes on strike and refuses to write, edit, or read another word. When that happens, I take some time off. I’ll read books I didn’t write, watch way too much TV, or do nothing. Within a week, my muse is refreshed and I’m back to writing.
But all work and no play can get dull, so I go on holiday with my husband every year. During that time I do no writing and I don’t even check my email. (When I’m away, I’m away!) However, I do keep a notebook handy for story ideas that pop up based on the places we travel.
My writing routine is a bit unusual compared to other authors, but it works for me. To date, I’ve written 19 romance novels (in all genres: historical, gay, contemporary, and paranormal), and published more than 100 short stories. I never know where my writing will take me, but I enjoy the journey!
I hope you’ll check out some of my books and tell me what you think. I enjoy getting feedback from readers and welcome questions and comments. You can contact me via the email address on the News page of my site, or visit me on social media.
Happy Reading!
Kelli A. Wilkins
About the Book : :
Kelli’s historical/fantasy novella, A Most Unusual Princess is the first book in the “Royal Desires” series. The other two books are A Most Intriguing Temptation and A Most Unfortunate Prince. Although the stories are connected, each stands alone as an individual read.
A Most Unusual Princess
Princess Elara needs to find a royal husband, but claims that no man can satisfy her. Her father hires Dalton, a special guard, to watch over her while she’s courting suitors. Dalton finds her unusual behaviors charming—and enthralling.
Dalton’s aloof manner intrigues Elara, and despite their differences, they share tender moments and intimate nighttime encounters. Elara is heartbroken when her father chooses a “proper” husband for her—until she meets the mystery man.
Bonus! This e-book includes a sneak peek at the second book in the “Royal Desires” series: A Most Intriguing Temptation.
Order your copy here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unusual-Princess-Historical-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B01CBX43D8
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1135216413
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/317882471/A-Most-Unusual-Princess-Royal-Desires-Series-1
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-most-unusual-princess-historical-fantasy-romance
Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/0a506ade-183c-49be-b36d-2fe4c1b9e92d
About the Author : :
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.
Her paranormal-comedy, Beauty & the Bigfoot, was published in September 2017.
Kelli released Trust with Hearts, a contemporary romance, in July 2017. Her third gay romance, Four Days with Jack, was released in June 2017. Kelli’s trilogy of erotic romance novellas, Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights was published in spring 2017.
Loving a Wild Stranger was published 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.
Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.
Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.
She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.
Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.
Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins
Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com
Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/
Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/
Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/
Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins
Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=61801
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Thanks for sharing all this good information. You’re really awesome to do this for authors!
Thank you!
I really enjoyed reading your post, Kelli. How intriguing that the writing project influences what you listen to. Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks! It’s always fun to share info with readers.
Thanks for stopping by, Kelli!
I just love finding out how authors do what they do! Writing routines, and the whole writing process fascinates me. As does taking a peek where it all happens!