Sara Wilkinson
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swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Sara Wilkinson
@swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
400 followers 350 following 190 posts
Contemporary romance writer, baker, lover of rugby and all things chocolate.
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swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
When playing goalkeeper as an apology ends with a bloody nose
'Shirt' -Stubborn Dreams...
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“It’s my fault for putting my face between the ball and the net.” “No, I shouldn’t have kicked it at full force.” Nat slipped out of her long-sleeved shirt and used it to stop any new blood before wiping away the drying blood on his upper lip. “You made me so angry with that jab.” Matt stopped her hand, pushing it and the bloody shirt away before gripping her chin until she met his gaze. “Not a jab. A joke. I thought we were back on an even keel.” Matt hitched his lips into a smile despite the pain it caused. “I’ve missed you, Nat.”
November 12, 2025 at 3:34 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Nat really loves her 'burger's so I'm surprised I didn't have more instances in my WIP Stubborn Dreams... This snip is the exception
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“It’s not our fault your last one-night stand ballooned into him wanting to bring you home to mother after two weeks.” Nat dropped her head against the freezer door and groaned. Her appetite shifted from something healthy to something not. A juicy cheeseburger with onion rings. Crispy, giant, greasy rings like she and her mom always ordered at that old-fashioned place her mom frequented as a teenager. Burger something or something Burger. They hadn’t been in years. Note to self, eat at Burger Whatever during winter break. No. It wouldn’t be winter break for Nat. More like her first taste of scary real life. It put her off burgers and onion rings as quickly as talking about the creepy, wannabe Norman Bates put her off healthy food.
November 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Yesterdays snip showed Nat's dreams, why not show her love interest Matt's today.
'Local' -Stubborn Dreams...
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Even after two weeks of classes, he couldn’t arrive with more than a minute to spare. He blamed his disinterest. The class was a basic graduation requirement that most students completed freshman year, but Matt put off in favor of harder requirements. A strategic plan. Fill his schedule with hard, major requirements upfront for a somewhat lighter load as he focused on med school apps. Unlike others, Matt had known his major since his best friend and neighbor Noah died when they were ten after his cancer relapse went unnoticed by the local pediatrician. A man more concerned with tee times and capitalizing on fitting as many patients into narrow time windows as possible. A fact Matt learned later, but which only increased his already strong desire to study medicine and provide his hometown with another, better pediatrician.
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Picture' - Stubborn Dreams...
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Part of Nat, the part she kept hidden under her mental bed from her mom’s prying eyes, much like a picture of her dad under her childhood bed, wanted to show him what he lost by leaving. That she could now outplay his other children, if he had them, unlike when he originally bought her that first ball. That even though she hadn’t been worthy of his love then, she was now worthy of his attention and a position on a pro team, on the national team. She spent the last three years flourishing on the field, helping her college team make the NCAA tournament in the hopes of doing just that without slacking on her education as evidenced by her near perfect GPA and expected early graduation with a kinesiology and sports nutrition and management degrees.
November 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Nat is bound for a pro soccer career thinking it will bring her dad back into her life, Matt is bound for med school in honor of his late childhood friend, but after Matt rescues Nat from a sticky situation, deep feelings threaten to disrupt their long pursued dreams.
#FiFRevPit #MockPit #A #R #C
Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Agents Guide Details: *87,000 Word Dual POV Contemporary Romance * After Matt rescues Nat from a sticky situation a friendship develops that neither sought nor particularly desired. Both are on paths shaped by childhood experiences and are loathe to change course even when their friendship deepens and threatens to turn romantic. Nat has dreams of being a professional soccer player in the hopes it will make her dad proud and entice him back into her life. Matt wants to honor his childhood best friend’s death by practicing as a pediatrician in their hometown. As they advance down their respective, solitary roads, they must decide if success is enough to make them complete if it means being without the other. Tropes Friends-to-Lovers-to Friends-to Lovers Slow Burn Sworn off love Inspired by: "KIds in Love" - Pink feat. First Aid Kit Comps: "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry "When Harry Met Sally" "Slow Dance" by Rainbow Rowell "Every Summer After" by Carley Fortune EXCERPT: “I’m not ready for this to end.” Nat searched his eyes with eyes full of understanding. Too much understanding. As if she too knew this, whatever this was, had to end. Every time he held her, every time she shuddered in his arms, he wanted more from her. Something Nat couldn’t, wouldn’t give. Not yet. Maybe someday. An improbable idea, not an impossible one. Where’s there’s life, there’s hope. But it dwindled with each passing semester, each passing season. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or should wait. With his all-encompassing residency starting in a few weeks and with Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
A longer snip today but it made me smile and who doesn't like a little chuckle on a Friday

'Movement's from Stubborn Dreams...
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“I believe I’ve already thanked you for that. With breakfast no less. But, fine, if this is how you want to play it, I’ll admit, again, that I was more than a little afraid in that situation and wasn’t sure how to escape when you came along. So, thank you, kind sir, for your gallant rescue.” Nat swept her arm in front of her as she dipped into a mock curtsey. “Please accept this…” Nat patted her pockets while still bent over until she pulled out a folded white square. “Bar napkin as a token of my appreciation. What else can thou doest to repay your kindness?” “For starters, you can stop making a scene.” Matt glanced around at the curious looks her exaggerated movements garnered. Torn between laughter and bowing his head in shame. Or both. “Non, kind sir. Tis too much fun watching your face ripen into a bright rouge like an innocent lass.”
November 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
May have already posted this snip but its my only instance of 'trail' in Love on the Vine or my other WIP.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Ian stayed close, but a breath of space remained between their shoulders unlike earlier. Becca couldn’t decide if the cold hastened his steps or the cameras. Either way, he hurried along with a lowered head and hands clenched in his pockets, slicing through the wind like an icebreaker ship. Becca practically powerwalked to keep up. Three strides, in heels, barely equaled one of his. He stopped every few feet when he realized she trailed behind before hurrying ahead once more.
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Steel' from Love on the Vine
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“Where’d you learn to cook so well?” “I should be offended. Again. First my body and now—” “I just figured you’re too busy or have…people,” Becca hurriedly added. “Becca, you can’t offend me that easily. Emphasis on you. Others might not be so lucky.” A hint of steel tinged his voice and melted just as quickly. “I know what you mean. Just like I know you see me as more than…what did you say last night?” Becca’s face burned. The exact words escaped her, but not, unfortunately, the gist. She refrained from calling him god’s gift to women. Just.
November 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Nice'
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“Nice hat,” Heidi said as Ian joined their usual table in the far corner. Great for watching passersby and the weather with a semblance of privacy. “I thought so.” Ian set the fur lined hat beside them on the table with a twinge of guilt. He hadn’t realized he was still wearing it until a particularly strong breeze froze the tip of his nose, but not his ears as he walked back to Liam’s house. “New hat. New bracelet. Who is she?” Ian shrugged nonchalantly. “Haven’t a clue what you mean.” His twitching lips and tensing torso betrayed him.
November 3, 2025 at 3:25 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Cobweb's - Love on the Vine
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By the time she made a path through the stacked boxes, she heard Sammy’s echoing footsteps. “Started without me, I see.” “Merely clearing away dust and cobwebs and making room.” “Lunch break?” Sammy held up a bag from Sally’s café. Becca’s laugh turned into a cough from the disturbed dust. “We barely started.” “And already you need a break. Let the remaining dust resettle as we properly prepare.” Sammy raised a bottle of wine with his other hand.
November 2, 2025 at 7:57 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Had to switch back to previous WIP (Stubborn Dreams...) for today's word 'monster'

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
The food’s arrival calmed the charged atmosphere and the conversation shifted to a shared interest in Blumhouse horror movies. Something Jordan introduced Nat to during long flights. “But I can’t watch them at home or else I won’t sleep.” “Makes sense.” “It does?” Nat set her fork down and stared. Dwayne set his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “You can leave the monsters behind.” “Damn, that’s brilliant.”
October 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
"Spell" -Love on the Vine
Becca being interrogated by her new boyfriends best friend

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
But that would defeat the purpose of his departure. Best to get the anticipated interrogation over with sooner rather than later. Disappoint Heidi now before Becca completely fell under Heidi’s spell, thus decreasing the sting of rejection when it came. “You’re nervous. Don’t be. I don’t bite. Much. I just—” “Want to make sure I’m not using your friend. That I’m not some succubus out to drain his lifeforce.”
October 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Screamed' for 'blood-curdling' and the fearful vibe of not knowing what to do when someone falls through ice covering a pond.
-Love on the Vine
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Becca rose onto her knees and crawled toward the water’s edge. Forgetting the pain in her wrist and shoulder. She placed her palms on the ice, ready to crawl toward him when it shifted under her weight. “Shit. Ian,” Becca screamed. “Ian, hold on.” She flopped onto her belly and slithered onto the ice. Another crack stopped her a few inches in.
October 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Hat' -Love on the Vine
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The man’s laugh boomeranged around the little hut. Apparently, he saw through Becca’s bullshit better than she dished it. “I liked the hat,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I wandered over. Besides the obvious.” His eyes held Becca’s before glancing down. “Right,” Becca croaked with face and hands warming at her stupidity. Mind out of gutter, Becca. Why would a guy, this guy, come over for anything other than wine? Even if he liked the overly large, silly, warm furry hat.
October 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Total'ly awesome I have the word today.

#WIPSnips -Love on the Vine
Ian stopped midstride. Had he misread the situation. Did her nerves stem from not wanting to disappoint him with a refusal rather than a true interest in accepting. “Yes and no and…” Her teeth caught the side of her lip, but her shoulders squared. “I’m ready, but, if I’m being totally honest, I’m nervous as all hell.” Ian chuckled with relief. “Full disclosure, so am I.” He offered his arm. Enjoying the way her body relaxed into his once she accepted after the briefest of hesitations. He led her, purposely, past the offending display. The anger at seeing it again dampened most of his nerves.
October 24, 2025 at 3:05 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Hard choice b/t two WIPs. Went w/ this 'charge' from Love on the Vine since I'm finalizing it for querying.
#WIPSnips
“Oh, it’s not for sale. I mean,” Becca started at Oliver’s crestfallen face. “I can’t charge you for it.” “That’s ridiculous. It’s worth too much.” Becca scoffed with a wave. “Hardly. And not after you bought three cases of wine. Based on shitty descriptions I might add. Consider it a bonus gift.” “I can’t accept it after all your help today.” Oliver stepped close as if his hulking presence could so easily shift her mind. Another step and it just might.
October 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Silly me, I missed yesterdays word 'field' and my MC is a soccer player. Making up for it by combining 'field' with todays word 'second'
#WIPSnips
Nat lined up with her team on one side of the field as the anthem played. Her nerves were surprisingly calm as she searched the stands for…there. A few rows up and near the center stood Matt beside…was that her mom? How… Not important. Not at that second anyway. Time enough later. Nat caught Matt’s eyes and, remembering their pact, hooked her pinkies in a pinky swear and held the combined hands over her heart as the anthem ended. And Matt responded in kind.
October 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
#WIPSnips 'Trial'
But no. He needed to focus on med school. She needed to focus on training camp and earning an official spot on the team. Neither of them had the necessary time for making a new relationship sturdy enough to last such trials and tribulations. Somehow one, or both, would be let down and blame the other. Ending not only their love life, but their dependable friendship. And Nat couldn’t fathom losing friend Matt for a chance at lover Matt. Regardless of the way he made her body sing and thrum long after he put the instrument away.
October 19, 2025 at 9:31 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Too many 'might's in WIP Stubborn Dreams. Might have to fix that.
#WIPSnips
Her head swiveled like an owl a second later. Amber eyes widening and sparking as her lips pursed to one side. When she turned away, her fingers flew over the keypad. His simple question of how he could earn the right to call her by her shortened name elicited a much longer response. “First, have you always had these stalking tendencies or do I bring out some natural predisposition. Second, if you could take this class for me so I can graduate in December, then I might consider letting you call me Nat. Until then its Natalie.”
October 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
#WIPSnips -'Care' from Stubborn Dreams...
“No? He reappeared? Is that why she’s looking hotter than usual?” “First off, I’m right here. No need to discuss me in the third person. Second, I think Lucy meant dinner—” “The only detail I care about is whether I have time to change,” Lucy said as she dashed into her room. Her words punctuated by closing drawers and squeaking hangers. “I’d rather miss the delicious smelling meal than miss the delicious sounding man.” Crap on a cracker.
October 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Ultimate'
#WIPSnips
“Just one more question,” Matt threw over his shoulder in a bad Columbo impression. “Why ‘Roo’?” “Because she had too much energy as a kid and loved Winnie-the-Pooh. We watched it more times than I can count. And Roo seemed more fitting than Tigger since she was so small.” “So glad to be home,” Nat said sarcastically as she hugged her mom. And she wondered why Nat never brought boys home. Besides the obvious—Nat’s disinterest in boys since it conflicted with her ultimate goal. Until Matt stalked into her life.
October 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Push'ed - Stubborn Dreams...

#WIPSnips
Once sure the two blockheads remained in their room, as evidenced by raucous laughter and the pungent scent of something smoked, Nat pushed away from the wall and darted downstairs. Reaching the third man as he shifted toward the sound with wide eyes flashing and lips rising in recognition. “How dare you?” Nat poked his chest before his lips barely parted. The tip of her finger bent back from the force of her indignation and the solidness of his chest. “I had the situation under control.” “I think we have different definitions of control.” “Don’t be cute.” “Can’t help it.”
October 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Hope' - Stubborn Dreams...
#WIPSnips
“What if I promised to help you escape whenever you’re ready to leave?” Matt held out his right pinky. “A pinky promise? Are we five? Should we cross our hearts and hope to die too?” “If you think it’s necessary.” Nat eyed his still extended finger, eyed his face with an unreadable look. Damn, he wished he read minds. Luckily, she didn’t keep him, or his pinky, hanging long. Once her slender, shorter pinky entwined his, a jolt shot up his arm. A connection. An unbreakable knot of a spell. Based on the small gasp and knitting of her brow, she felt it too.
October 12, 2025 at 6:56 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
#amquerying my 85,000 word contemporary romance Love on the Vine. While working at the winery she recently inherited with her newfound half-brother, Becca rescues an actor hiding from an oversized role from rabid fans

🍷Dual POV
🍷Strangers-to-Lovers
🍷Found family

#writingcommunity #agentsguide
Love on the Vine Agent Guide Pitch: Becca Hopewell has trouble letting people in. She blames the death of her mom during childbirth and her father’s subsequent abandonment of her to a cold aunt. When she’s left part owner of a winery with her newfound half-brother she must decide if she’s willing to risk being rejected again. Not only by him, but by Ian Baker, the demi-god portraying, disillusioned actor she rescues from rabid fans while manning the winery’s Christmas market booth. *85,000 Word Contemporary Romance *Tropes: Different Worlds, Strangers-to-Lovers, Found Family Comps: Romantic Comedy-Curtis Sittenfeld Under Your Spell-Laura Wood Waiting for Tom Hanks-Kerry Winfrey We All Live Here-Jojo Moyes Notting Hill Quote: “You’re right. Better make it three. You’re too good a saleswoman. Even without the cheat sheet. Which begs the question: How does someone who professes not to know wine work for a winery?” “That’s a long, complicated story. Too long for a few sips of wine. Or coffee. Hell, I’m not even sure a three-course meal would suffice.” Becca froze. Eyes wide as her hands hovered over bottles. “That wasn’t me begging for an invitation or anything. Not that you thought such a silly thing. Or would ever think…” Becca snapped her lips shut. Avoided his twinkling eyes by assessing the progress of the three women. Now closer than she liked. With more make-up and hands that flattened flyaway strands. Their hungry look reminiscent of the wolf at grandma’s house. “And if I did?” “What?” The man followed Becca’s frantic glance. His head snapped forward. His body straightened and angled more towards Becca and away from the women’s eager glances. The openness, the calmness disappeared like wine at an awkward Christmas party.
October 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Prize' - Stubborn Dreams...
#WIPSnips
Not a chance, Natalie. Don’t invite trouble. Keep those eyes on the prize. The dazzling, shiny prize growing bigger in the window with each goal kicked, with each win. A prize that glowed bright like the Holy Grail beacon in that stupidly funny Monty Python movie her mom rewatched whenever she needed a laugh.
October 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM