Sci-fi Spotlight on… Extraterrestrial Encounters
By Kelli A. Wilkins
Hi everyone!
To celebrate the release of Surreal Escapes - 7 Speculative Stories, I’m sharing a look back at my sci-fi 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, 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
And if you would like to read seven speculative stories where even more strange things happen to people… check out my new release, Surreal Escapes. Read more about the book here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror/surreal-escapes
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, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.
In August 2024, Kelli released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.
Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.
She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in May 2023.
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.
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