Sara Wilkinson
LightNews LightNews
banner
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Sara Wilkinson
@swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
440 followers 400 following 260 posts
✨Contemporary romance author currently querying
✨Baker and lover of all things chocolate
✨Rugby lover and former second row
✨MSU Grad
Posts Replies Media Videos
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Snow'storm' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
“Speaking of drive,” Matt started. “When did Nat leave?” Phyllis checked her watch. “About five hours ago. She should be here soon.” She placed a hand on Matt’s cheek with a small smile. “Don’t worry, I taught Roo well. She can drive through any snowstorm.” “It’s not her abilities I’m worried about.” Glancing at his clutched phone, Matt debated calling, but he hated to distract Nat almost as much as he hated the wrathful look Leslie threw him. “Really, Matthew, I’m sure Natalie will be fine. You can’t live in Michigan and not know how to drive in the snow.”
January 27, 2026 at 4:17 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Commit'ment from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
While she had him on the phone, Nat couldn’t help asking, “Did you threaten Matt, Dwayne?” “If he boohooed to you, then he isn’t worthy.” “So, you did threaten him.” “Nope. I merely told him to walk away if he isn’t serious rather than toy with your emotions. If he hurt you again, he’d have to face me.” Nat smiled at the audaciousness and rolled her eyes at the proudness. “That’s big talk coming from a commitment-phobe.” “If anyone could cure me, it’d be you, baby.” Dwayne lowered his voice and added, “But your heart isn’t in it either.” “Touché,” Nat said before ending the call.
January 26, 2026 at 4:30 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Notice' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Nat’s eyes prickled, but she swallowed the oncoming storm when she noticed the despair fighting a wan smile on Maria’s face. On Bianca’s. On poor Gracie’s. Together they huddled near their goal as Nat acted as the voice of reason. They played hard. They played amazingly. Look how far they made it. Blah. Blah. Blahhh! Bullshit. All of it. If only she had played better. If only she took more risks. What pro team would want her now? She couldn’t even help her team move past the Sweet Sixteen. Hadn’t made more than a handful of shots on goal. And lost the ball more times than that for fuck’s sake. The strikers on the other team deserved a spot more than her.
January 25, 2026 at 5:02 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Wither' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
Nat just met the future love of her life but didn't ask his name out of fear.
#SundaySnips #WritingCommunity
Once safely inside the lobby, Nat watched him walk away with a final wave over his shoulder. And deeply regretted her choice of not inviting him upstairs. For all of five seconds. She started on this course way too long ago to diverge now. Especially for a path lined with freshly planted annual flowers that would wither and die by the first frost. And a relationship wouldn’t show her dad what he missed by leaving. Wouldn’t attract his attention like being a top pro athlete and national player standing on a podium for all the country to see as she accepted a future medal, preferably gold, as the national anthem played. A relationship wouldn’t bring him back so she could hug him. Or slap him. The fantasy changed given the day and her mood.
January 25, 2026 at 4:51 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Bone' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“Matthew James Wilson, where the hell do you think you’re going? You can’t teleport so sit the hell down. You’re not the only one who loves her.” Crickets. He swore he heard crickets. She hadn’t used his full name since…shit, before Noah’s death when they did something stupid as usual and nearly broke a bone. Like then, Matt bowed his head and mumbled sorry. When he reentered the living room, he noticed Phyllis’ paleness and settled beside her. His medical training kicked in, and he checked her over while assuring her, and himself, that everything would be okay.
January 24, 2026 at 4:51 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Traded' for 'transfer' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“It’s not fine, Roo. What can I do?” Nat shook her head with a sad smile. “Just vocalizing my fears is helping. I can’t stop worrying I’ll be replaced. Not only on the national team, but here too. Or, worse, traded to a team further away. I’m not sure I can restart in a new city. Or that I want to.” If this didn’t complicate matters by raising his hopes. Could he wait just a bit longer for that family? “It’s a problem for another day. I’m playing close enough to my younger self and think I’m safe. And I can’t stop. Not just yet.” Matt’s spine collapsed as the momentary hope melted away. He needed to stop being gullible like Charlie Brown when Lucy promised to hold the football. He and Matt fell for it every time. But no more. Time to fully commit to Leslie rather than thinking of her as a backup plan even if he wasn’t fully in love with her yet. It would grow with time. Right?
January 23, 2026 at 4:45 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Tried a different use of the word 'tattoo' in 'Love on the Vine'. Hoping it works.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“I’m stealing you away and I doubt we’ll have time to come back,” Heidi added. “Take your time, I need a word with Ian. Birthday stuff.” The snarling of his name sent a shiver of fear down his back. It increased when Heidi shoved him into the pantry off the kitchen, slamming the folding doors behind them. She peeked through the slats until satisfied Becca stepped away. “What did Michel do?” She slapped his arm, and again before crossing her arms over her chest. Her foot tapped a tattoo on the tiled floor. A sure sign she hadn’t the patience for his bullshit. “He saw a photo of us having dinner and made it clear Becca is not the woman to further my career. And he’s bringing Sabrina tonight.”
January 22, 2026 at 4:18 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Activity' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“Shit, Matt.” Nat slid to his side and grabbed his face between her palms as she looked him over. “I didn’t think you’d—” Matt patted her arm, unable to speak with her hands on his cheeks. The pressure, yes, but also the softness, the coldness despite their activity. She turned his head this way and that as she peered in his eyes and examined his nose. “How does it look?” Matt’s voice nasally as if he had a head cold. “Swollen. How does it feel?” “Swollen but not broken. I think. I haven’t broken anything before so I’m going strictly on painfulness.” Nat’s guffaw was one of the sweetest sounds he’d heard in recent memory. “I’m so, so sorry, Matt.” “It’s my fault for putting my face between the ball and the net.”
January 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Only one instance of 'troll' in 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' but it comes just after last weeks snips where Matt brings his new GF to meet Nat.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
That tear nearly undid him. As did her sweetness with her neighbor’s daughter and her kindness and honesty with Ashley. He hadn’t realized the toll trolls took from her every game and almost jumped over the pub’s table and pulled Nat into his arms, damn Leslie and damn Nat’s thick skull. But Nat burned him too many times. Raised his hopes only to dash them with a no. Now he had Leslie. A woman who said yes. Yes, to coming here. Yes, to him. To them. Was he ready to lose this sure thing for a woman that led him by the nose, no, wrong body part, for nearly a decade. Okay, not that long, though it felt like it some days.
January 20, 2026 at 5:09 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Drain'ed from 'Love on the Vine'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Big heart. Ha. Big stupid heart that too easily filled only to be drained when the person responsible vanished. After so many disappointments, why couldn’t she learn the lesson? But here she sat. Enthralled by a handsome superstar superhero who would skip out of her life and back into his world in a day. Two tops. Becca was a big-hearted idiot for entertaining hope of being more than a footnote, if even that, in Ian’s future memoir. “What are you thinking, Bee?” And then there was that. His oh, so casual use of that moniker. A wonderful sound in his husky, uplifting voice that hurt like hell as it conjured memories of her uncle, her childhood before her aunt’s coldness. Before Becca understood the full truth of her birth and its consequences.
January 19, 2026 at 6:33 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Remain' from 'Love on the Vine'
Ian calls Becca out of the blue, but she stupidly ends the conversation too soon.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
The screen went dark and Becca stared at her reflection. Focusing on whatever strange connection allowed Ian to read her mind in the hopes he’d call back. Without luck. Apparently, such a connection only worked one way since the phone remained stubbornly silent. Why hadn’t she kept him on the line a while longer? Fear. That’s why. Fear of strengthening a connection with this demi-god only to have him realize her unworthiness and push her away. No point prolonging something destined to end as quickly as it began, assuming something had begun between them. Sammy returned a few minutes later, leaning his long torso against the door jamb with a mischievous smile brightening his hazel, oblong shaped eyes. “Who’s Oliver?” “An…acquaintance.” “That’s it? Seems like more.” Becca hid her burning face in her glass and gulped the remaining Bee Heavenly wine.
January 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Brain' from 'Love on the Vine'
Becca finds letters that puts into question the real reason for her father's estrangement
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
It was too much. Becca pushed from the island and stepped outside onto the deck slippery with recently fallen snow. The cold air cooled her raging brain. Whatever anger she retained against her father, and, in fairness, it lessened daily, shifted to her aunt. Clearly, she hadn’t wanted a relationship between Becca and her father, not the other way around. But why? Fear? It jumped from the page. Her uncle’s words hinted of Becca leaving, of her father wanting her back once they grew close. Even so, her uncle seemed open to the idea of visits, a relationship, why not her aunt? Especially when she grew so cold, seemingly like she no longer wanted anything to do with Becca or even have her under the same roof.
January 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Manager' from 'Love on the Vine'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Probably for the same reason he hadn’t proposed immediately. Instead, he kept the ring in his sock drawer and stared at it each morning. Unsure what exactly held him back, but inherently knowing he couldn’t propose. Not yet. Serendipitously seeing as he learned of her affair with her manager a week later. A three-month affair. A quarter of their time together. He put the ring in his wall safe and hadn’t looked at it since. “If you’d told me, I would’ve been more forthcoming. But I hadn’t realized it reached that level. You were in love, but not in love.” Heidi held out her hand, pinky finger extended. “Friends?”
January 15, 2026 at 4:11 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Current' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
Nat meeting Matt's new girlfriend for the first time
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“How did you meet?” Though sweet in nature, Leslie’s question dripped with bitterness. Nat’s lips lifted in what she could only describe as plotting Grinch face as Matt’s smile fell. His hands knotted on the table as his eyes pleaded with Nat for mercy. “It’s stupid really. Matt rescued me from a sticky situation at a party and walked me home.” Nat hadn’t realized she’d spare Matt until the words fell from her lips. As much as she despised the current situation, she couldn’t sabotage Matt’s chance at happiness, completeness. She loved him too much. “Two weeks later we realized we had a class together. We’ve been friends ever since.” Leslie’s eyebrows shot up at the word friend, but she left it be. Nat wasn’t stupid. She guessed Leslie would give Matt the third degree, if she hadn’t already, later. What would, had Matt said? What would Nat say in the same situation?
January 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Reflex'es from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
Nat stating why she and Matt can never let their guard down again.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Matt allowed her a minute of freedom before following. Despite the spaciousness of the kitchen, Matt leaned against the counter directly across and within arm’s reach, all but blocking the exit given his long arms and quick reflexes. “Nat.” One simple word caused an avalanche of emotions. Desire and sadness most of all. “Matt.” Clearly her use of his name didn’t have the same effect. If it did, he hid it better. Whereas she feared her reaction was writ large on her face, in her body language. Nat huffed and set the ice pack on the counter beside Matt’s hand before leaning against the far counter with her arms over her chest. More out of protectiveness against her growing feelings than fear of Matt’s actions. “Fine. Let’s talk about why it can never happen again.”
January 13, 2026 at 4:01 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Had to jump back to an old WIP 'Finding Fiona' for 'tentacle' when Fiona remembers throwing an octopus on the ice at a hockey game (any Red Wings fans?)
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Fiona smiled as she remembered the sliminess. The salty sea, fishy odor. The movement of her arm as she pulled back and the eight-legged creature slid from her hand. The wave of its tentacles as it shot forward and splat on the ice alongside three others. Her dad clapped wildly beside her as she held up her wet palms. The roar of the crowd pulsed around them as they geared up for the final game of the Stanley Cup. Yes, she threw an octopus on the ice. At her dad’s urging. At his wide, gaped tooth smile egging her on before beaming proudly once the deed was done. God, she missed him. Especially around this time of year. The start of the Red Wings hockey season, yes, though she hadn’t been much of a fan since his passing. Not that she’d ever stop being a fan. It was in her blood. And her dad would return from the grave and haunt her steps if she ever, ever contemplated wearing another team’s colors. Even touched another team’s jersey unless to jinx it somehow.
January 12, 2026 at 4:14 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Bluster'y from my WIP 'Love on the Vine'
Becca awakes after finding her mom's diary as she tries to determine why her father abandoned her after her mom's death.
#SundaySnips #WritingCommunity
It took her a moment to remember she slept on her couch rather than in her father’s guest room or Molly’s condo. How she curled atop the faded yellow cushions after slipping into the cold, blustery night in her slippers for her mom’s diary. A diary that raised more questions than answered without offering as much comfort as she hoped. Becca groaned as she rubbed her tired, crusted eyes. Had she cried in her sleep? Given the stuffed nose and scratchy throat, all signs pointed to yes. Maybe Molly had a point. That damn woman had a knack for nailing aces along the line.
January 11, 2026 at 5:16 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Climb' from 'Love on the Vine'
Ian is torn between doing what his manager wants to save his career and following his heart.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
But again, he hated Michel’s mean side. Besides, he hadn’t a clue as to the woman’s identity and whether she felt the same flash. Even if she did, was that the best move for his career? Ian teetered on a precipice, it seemed. One false move and he’d tumble back down the gorge he recently climbed out of with Michel’s help and years of hard work. Coffee with Sabrina, however calculating, was the safer step. “I’ll invite her to coffee if, and only if, we meet naturally and have a connection. I’m not cold calling someone I’ve met twice, at best.” “Fair enough.” Ian all but heard the wheels of Michel’s mind shifting into gear. Plotting and scheming some random, casual way for Ian and Sabrina to meet. Michel was nothing if not resourceful. Devious even.
January 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Fifth' from 'Love on the Vine'
Continuing yesterday's snip: Becca discovering a trove of pics and letters in her estranged father's study
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“I’ve seen this picture before.” Sammy held up a photo of Becca with pigtails and braces visible through her parted lips. Fifth grade. Maybe sixth. “I think I even asked mom about it, but she hadn’t answered.” Becca resisted the urge to snatch the photo back and hide it away so no one, Ian if she were honest, would ever see it again. Instead, she picked up another, earlier photo. The same handwriting graced the back. Her uncle’s hand, not her aunt’s. Odd. She assumed her father hadn’t wanted a connection, so why had Uncle Phil sent these photos? And why Uncle Phil rather than Aunt Gail, sister to Becca’s mom? Did this explain her aunt’s coldness? Doubtful. The pictures were dated well before Aunt Gail’s hugs and kisses and warmth turned into begrudging interest and tolerance and coldness.
January 10, 2026 at 4:22 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Lots of choices for 'table' in 'Love on the Vine'.
Becca braving her late estranged father's study.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Cookie and mug in hand, Becca moved to the doorway of her father’s study. She rarely entered this room despite its cozy fireplace surrounded by cushy, wing-back chairs and shelves filled with all manner of books behind the large, dark wood desk. This room was the epitome of her father. Every corner, every surface filled in some missing piece as to his personality. From the hint of his cologne to the forgotten sweater hanging over a chair arm to the half-finished book on the small coffee table. After a deep breath, Becca entered the stuffy room. She settled in the chair with the sweater, closed her eyes, and imagined her father sitting in the same spot. What did he think about while sitting here? The winery, Sammy, her mom… Her. Becca’s eyes snapped open. This game was too real, and the stakes too high. If he had thought of her, the simmering regret would boil over. If he hadn’t, the hurt would refreeze her thawing heart.
January 9, 2026 at 10:21 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Surprised myself by having 'canvas' in 'Love on the Vine'. Becca is finally mending fences with the aunt who raised her after nearly a decade.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Becca breathed out a heavy breath. She was merely stalling. The drive insufficiently prepared her for this conversation, if one happened. Becca hadn’t called ahead and didn’t know if her aunt was home or if she’d turn Becca away. Only one way to find out. Grabbing the canvas tote, Becca marched up the pathway with her head held high. A self-assured front despite her squirming stomach and unsteady heartbeat. Any amassed confidence dwindled when the front door flew open. “Becca? What—” “Hello, Aunt Gail. I came…” Words escaped her. Becca’s legs shook the longer they held the frozen silence, too scared to advance yet too stubborn to retreat. Her aunt, bless her, recovered first.
January 8, 2026 at 4:45 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Lock'ed times two from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“What if we’re celebrating?” Nat stood straight and locked eyes with Matt, who huffed and reached into his back pocket for a folded sheet of paper. She took the letter but continued to stare him down for any hint of what he gave her, failing miserably. Unlike her, the man had a brilliant poker face. At first, she hadn’t a clue what she read. The words jumbled into a black and white Rorschach test. “You got in,” Nat whispered when the gist finally, finally penetrated her thickness. “You got IN!” Nat bounced around the room screaming before pouncing on Matt and sending them both flying onto her bed. Narrowly avoiding smacking the wall with their heads. “You’ve been accepted. To U of M. That’s…” Nat grabbed his face and kissed him square on the lips. She pulled away just as quickly when zapped by the current flowing between them. Their eyes locked before his slid to her lips. As much as Nat desired the same, something about the letter penetrated her sex addled thoughts.
January 7, 2026 at 3:52 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Low' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
She ignored the low hanging fruit and addressed the real issue. “If they don’t want you, it’s their loss. Seriously, Matt,” Nat said over his groan. “You’ve done everything right and couldn’t be more perfect. If they can’t appreciate that, then they don’t deserve you. Another school will see your greatness and pounce. It’s only a matter of when, not if.” “Can I have that in writing?” “I’ll make you a t-shirt.” “Not for me. For you.” Nat choked on her coffee. Laughing, Matt wiped her mouth with one of the napkins she brought with the pastries.
January 6, 2026 at 3:56 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Benefit' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“Is that Dwayne Jones? You got some s’plaining to do.” Chelsea poked Nat in the ribs as Nat handed the phone back to Lisa. “Just friends.” “With benefits? Please tell me all the juicy details. I’m a woman on the eve of marriage.” “No,” Georgie yelled from the bathroom doorway. “Lisa’s too innocent. And I’ll never be able to watch him play ever again.” “I’m not innocent. I’ve had sex, Georgie.” “With whom? I’ll kill them.”
January 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Thread' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
But Leslie insisted on calling him Matthew. It was kind of nice. Formal. Adult. Unlike when Nat said it in anger or jest. If pressed, he knew which he preferred. No matter what he tried, Nat wouldn’t quit insinuating herself into this conversation, into his being. She wove her thread too deep in his seams and held him together as much as his siblings and family and a pair of sharp enough scissors didn’t exist to completely cut her out. But if he wanted any hope of finding someone to make a life with, have kids with, he needed to loosen her hold. Working so closely with kids, Matt realized just how much he wanted a family of his own. Such a dream grew larger in the window as he neared his ultimate objective.
December 28, 2025 at 4:26 PM