Welcome to: Catching up With Kelli A. Wilkins

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Catching up With Kelli A. Wilkins

Most people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. What’s your take on this?

That’s a fantasy! Most people want to believe that writers sit around contemplating what to write all day, crank out a book in a week, then sit back and collect outrageously huge checks. Yes, sometimes that happens to a few authors, but the rest of us put in lots of hard work. Many non-writers don’t understand that creating a good book out of thin air is a time-consuming (and sometimes frustrating) process.

I’ve had well-meaning (I think!) people ask me how come I don’t have a million dollars or why haven’t my books been on the New York Times Best-seller list yet. The reality is that some authors can and do quit their day jobs to write, while others put in 40 hours a week doing something else and then carve out time from the rest of the day to write. It’s not always glamorous, but creating characters and writing about them is fun, and that’s why I do it.

If you could be a character in any of your books who would it be and why?

I’d be Odaria from The Viking’s Witch. Odaria is a very strong person who has magical/psychic powers. It would be interesting to see what I would do with her abilities - although the idea of living in 803 and giving up all modern conveniences isn’t terribly appealing. Odaria also has Rothgar, a hot and sexy Viking warrior as her lover, so spending time with him would be a big plus!

What do you enjoy doing with your spare time, your non-writing time?

When I’m not writing, I spend time with my husband and friends. I also read, travel, garden, and go to garage sales and flea markets. I get a lot of story ideas when I’m out exploring the world.

If you could invite any famous person, dead or alive, for lunch, who would it be and what would you eat?

I’d have lunch with Stephen King (his schedule permitting, of course). Most people probably don’t know that in addition to my romances, I also write horror fiction. I read Stephen King’s short stories at a very young age, and his writing style and distinct voice have always stuck with me. I think his book On Writing is a must-read for anyone who writes or wants to write. And lunch? We’d go someplace low-key and casual (like a diner) and probably be so busy talking about writing and stories over coffee that we’d forget to eat!

You’ve gotten the call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring one of your books to the big screen. Who do you cast in the major roles?

If The Viking’s Witch was made into a movie, Chris Hemsworth would definitely play the part of Rothgar. Odaria could be played by Mila Kunis or Amanda Seyfried. Of course, I’d just be thrilled to have the book made into a movie, let alone be the casting director! (Could I get a cameo?)

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with readers. I love getting feedback and comments about my books. Here are a few other places to learn more about me and my romances.