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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 9h

'Heartbeat' for 'pulse' since my one use of pulse isn't exactly PG. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Between her numbing butt and her shaking limbs and too many spent emotions, Viv must’ve misheard. In her drunken state, Caden’s words morphed into some sentiment she craved. Who didn’t want to be wanted by any man, but by this sexy as a stripper, sweet as taffy, soft as a Squishmallow man. Even with the spreading wetness on Caden’s sweater from her tears and the snow, even with the increasing cold and wind despite the storm slowing, Viv couldn’t be happier anywhere else than here, leaning her cheek against Caden’s freezing chest, listening to his fluctuating heartbeat, breathing in his cedary scent.

Except she wasn’t that drunk. Not really. The cold, the tears cleared the alcohol from her system better than ten cups of coffee. And this fantasyland had to end now that the snow tapered off. Caden offered another few days, offered to stay, in fact, until the wedding ended, but that was too big an ask. He helped longer than she imagined and for that he earned her eternal gratitude.

Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

I used 'cousin' 41 times, so I went with a snip that nicely sums up the external plot. For context, the snip takes place just after Viv has downed 2 whiskeys in quick succession. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“Not a wedding person?” Caden asked, trying for lightness while encouraging her to stay a few moments longer. For her mental stability, yes, but selfishness too. He liked the hint of attraction even if he ultimately screwed it up by comparing her to Celia.

“Not when it involves my cousin marrying my ex, no.”

Caden grimaced. And he thought his love life reeked. So much for lightening the mood. Glancing at the full table, he ruled out the possible suspects. Clearly not the man hovering at the edge of his seat, staring at the bar. What future groom acted like that? Assuming the ex was a man and not the woman in this scenario.

“And not when I have to confess I lied about having a plus one.”

Caden’s head snapped toward her voice, distracting him from his Where’s the Bride and Groom game. This poor woman. What had she done to piss off the relationship gods? What had he done? Oh, right. He obsessed over one woman whenever she deigned to drop him a few breadcrumbs. Like this rendezvous?

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Love 'fuzzy' but I only used it once in 'Snowed In'. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

After how many clicks and poses with Gracie alone, the photographer waved the others back into the picture. Centering Gracie halfway down the stairs, she fanned the other four into a vee behind and to the sides. She snapped a few shots, then had them move down a few stairs. And again. Until they reached the blessed bottom. Viv’s feet already hurt and they hadn’t even reached the main event. Damn this long dress that required spiked heels. When she got married, if more like, she’d ban heels in favor of clogs or fuzzy slippers.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Since I have two MCs/POVs, I've posted a snip from the first time Viv and Caden are introduced. #LitHodgePodge 7 #WritingCommunity

Vivian Landis hated weddings for the simple fact they turned rational, logical people into teary-eyed romantics who expected everyone around them to put their lives on hold and agree to anything and everything.

So, she could be forgiven for staring at the industrial clock over the swooshing doors and wishing it stopped or slowed or ticked backward. The end of this shift was the last thing she desired and yet the clock, for once in its too long existence, refused to slow down. Anytime she glanced at its off-white face with the overly large numbers, another hour had elapsed. Even the shockingly slow ER, thanks to the increasing snowfall, hadn’t slowed it one iota. The clock kept up its steady pace.

Shoot her now. A tranquilizer gun was fine. Then she’d wake up when the nightmare ended and no one could be mad at her. Well, not super mad. Not if someone else shot her anyway.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Oops. Missed a day. Here's my #LitHodgePodge 6 The 'villain' of my current romance WIP is a guy hellbent on exposing the fake relationship between my two MCs Viv and Caden out of jealousy and spite that Viv choose a stranger for a plus one over him. #WritingCommunity

Halfway to the door, Daniel’s voice faltered her steps, causing Caden’s hand to reach out and steady her. “Dude, what’s your deal?”

“I don’t trust him. Neither should you. Any of you. What do we know about him? Huh? Other than him owning some kind of snack company. Why hasn’t Viv mentioned him before now?”

“You know Viv. Super private bordering on the mysterious,” Gracie said in a mock mystical tone.

Viv could kiss her, even if protecting Viv wasn’t Gracie’s ultimate goal.
Glancing over, Viv caught Caden watching her. His concerned frown melted into a reassuring smile that warmed her better than a shower after sledding for hours.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

'Wall' from an early scene of my WIP 'Snowed In Wedding' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Caden again glanced at the assembled wedding party as the woman played with her glass as if debating whether to order a third. The table seemed oblivious to her arrival except one guy near the end. He looked directly at her as if he had x-ray vision and saw through the wall of liquor bottles in various fullness. A twinge of unease wormed its way up Caden’s arms, twitching them to reach out once more and block her from view. If this was Celia, what would he do?

What wouldn’t he do?

What hadn’t he done?

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Only one instance of 'contract' and I haven't decided if like it yet or not. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Viv guffawed through the rising dejection. No man had ever carried her inhaler apart from her dad, and he didn’t count. Most men heard asthma and shrugged it away as trivial.

“And doesn’t explain why he attacked Daniel and Kyle—”

“No.” Viv’s thigh muscles contracted, ready to push Viv from the chair and sprint…where wasn’t clear.

“Not physically. Though if Daniel hadn’t reached Kyle first…” Her mother smiled wickedly, putting the Queen of Hearts to shame. “Don’t doubt your beauty and attraction, Vivian. I haven’t seen three men argue over the mistreatment of a woman in real life. It was quite palpitating.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

No 'petal' today, but I have a few 'flowers' Viv being stood up as the maid of honor from new WIP "Snowed In Wedding" (working title) #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Looking over her shoulder and not seeing the smarmy prick’s face after he hounded her all weekend, the truthfulness of the rumors hit home. Kyle wasn’t coming. And now Viv had to walk the long stretch of temporary red carpet alone. The music started, the guests settled in their seats and turned toward the doors, and Viv’s lips mechanically widened as her fingers dug into the flower’s stems. Poor things. They didn’t ask for a loser, loner maid of honor. They were too beautiful for…

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

"Injury" from a new rough, rough (can't stress rough enough) WIP with fake dating and forced proximity. #WIPSnips #writingcommunity

“Yes, but you do get a lot of patients on any given day. She’s a wonder, isn’t she?” He asked the others, receiving varied responses from acknowledging smiles to withering eye rolls. Tough crowd. Caden faced Gracie once more, earning him another scoff from Viv’s side of the table. “See, I was in the ER for a sport’s injury when—”
“Pickleball elbow?” Kyle laughed at his own joke while holding his hand up for a round of high fives. The groomsman beside him gave him a halfhearted one out of pity.
“I do enjoy a good game of pickleball. My mom’s a huge fanatic. We play whenever I get the chance. But no, I…” What had Viv said? The first rule of lying—keep it near the truth. Caden rubbed his forehead, remembering… “Knocked my head into an opponent’s knee as I tackled him in a rugby tournament. I needed fifteen stitches. Viv did marvelous work. Can’t even see the scar.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hello, I'm Sara Contemporary romance writer originally from Michigan, unpublished...yet. Currently finishing a forced proximity, fake dating, snowed in at the worst wedding for FMC. Hard choices! I love tea at night and a misunderstood, sexy villain. #LitHodgepodge 1 #writingcommunity

Paperback over Hardcover
Standalone over series
Laughs over tears
Coffee over tea (though I love tea before bed)
Hero over villain (unless the villain is really hot)
Character driven over plot
Pen and paper over computer
Sweet over salty
Soundtrack over silence (unless I'm reading aloud)
Bookmark over dog-ear
Plotter over pantser
Minimalist over lush
Slow craft over vomit draft
Midnight over morning (though morning works too)

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Haven't participated in a bit but working on something new so why not start again. MC's Viv and Caden figuring out how to get out of a sticky situation. word ="call"ed #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“First, let’s take a deep breath.”

“I am calm,” she shouted before huffing through puffed cheeks and squaring her shoulders. “This is a stupid idea. You’ve no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into. That table is a wake of vultures ready to peck me, us apart.”

“A wake? Is that truly what vultures are called?”

“Seriously?”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Friends To Lovers x It Was You All Along When Matt rescues Nat at a party, the two form a deep friendship that threatens to turn romantic if only Nat wasn’t set on playing pro soccer in Chicago and Matt wasn’t set on practicing pediatrics in their Michigan hometown. #BluePit #Q #A #R

Stubborn Dreams and bottled love
EXCERPT:

The offer, now that was a larger, more menacing beast. Sweet, yes. Probably one of the sweetest things any man, any person had ever suggested. As ever, Matt amazed her with his kindness, his valiantness.

But that didn’t make his offer, or her acceptance, right. No matter how shiny, how tempting, how…breathtaking, accepting wouldn’t be fair. To her, yes, but mostly to him. It would only prolong the inevitable—one of them giving up their dream for the other. Nat by moving back to Lakeside Heights for his pediatrics practice or, more likely, Matt staying in Chicago, or wherever her soccer career curved, and practicing medicine away from the very people he sought to help.

And Nat doubted she could make a relationship work while living in the same city any more than if they lived in separate cities regardless of their nearness. Somehow, she’d disappoint Matt as she had her dad, and he’d leave.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

They meet at a party when Matt saves Nat from being cornered by two idiots but Nat isn't too happy about Matt's interference. #CRPSirens #CampRevPit

“How dare you?” Nat poked his chest. The tip of her finger bent back from the solidness of his chest and the force of her indignation. Outrage better directed at the other two, but this gatecrasher was an easier target. “I had the situation under control.”

“I think we have different definitions of control.”

“Don’t be cute.”

“Can’t help it.”

The man’s seemingly casual shrug incensed Nat more. Her finger rose to poke him again, but he grabbed her hand with his soft one, holding a heartbeat too long. The touch, the connection was more intoxicating than the one beer and more welcome than she dared admit. Dangerous almost. She hadn’t time for any man, let alone one that gallantly rescued her. Which better explained this unreasonable disruption of her pulse.

“Women do not need rescuing.” Nat’s anger flatlined after that too brief connection. “It’s the 21st century, not the Middle Ages.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

I've been out of town since Friday but the prompts over the weekend looked so fun that I wanted to catch-up even though I'm nowhere close to a bingo. This snip is for the 'found family' square with a hint of 'slow burn'. #CRPSirens #CRPBeemine #CampRevPit

Bingo card with 'Slow Burn', 'Found Family', and 'Friends-to-Lovers' X-ed out to show tropes in my novel.

A few minutes passed before Matt rounded the corner and found Nat wrapped in a bear hug between Georgie and Chelsea. Arms trapped and chest squished, Nat’s eyes asked the obvious.

“Tiara,” he mouthed, as he mimed putting on a crown.

“You’ve just now found the tiara?” Nat asked once released. “It doesn’t give us much time if you don’t—”

“Shut your stupid mouth, Natalie Morris. I love it. And the note…the note…” Big sobs shook Chelesa’s body and Nat pulled her close for another deep embrace.

Feeling like a voyeur, Matt backed away and waited for the three to enter the main room. Chelsea and Nat with pink-rimmed, swollen eyes, arm-in-arm with Georgie, smiling goofily under brightened eyes and cheeks. As if in a weird dance, Matt stepped forward. Rather than collapse in his arms as usual, Nat stopped short and looked over his shoulder.

“Is it okay to hug you?”

“What…do you have to ask?”

Nat entered his outstretched arms and squeezed with a sigh as her head naturally settled against his chest.

“Welcome home, Roo,” Matt said against her snowflake damp hair that didn’t mask her usual summery scents.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Thought I had 'rampant' but no such luck so I found 'raging' instead. -'We'll Make It Last' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Nat watched Tess leave as she tried controlling her breathing, her raging emotions, too many to name, before returning to Matt and his…gulp…girlfriend.

“Hungry?” Nat tried for calmness, but her voice registered an octave too high.

“Starved,” Ashley said. Oblivious or too polite to notice the tension strumming between the other three.

“Maybe we should stop at our hotel first?” Leslie threw Matt a look that said they needed a good, long, private talk. AKA argument.

Apparently meeting Nat was as much a surprise for Leslie as meeting Leslie was for Nat. Fun. Fabulous. Fantastic.

Fuck.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Wildcard: How about another snip. One of my favorites where Nat and Matt just can't keep waiting for the other to give them a chance. #revpit #revpitwaiting

Stubborn dreams and bottled love
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, 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 that hope 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 Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

'Fool' -'We'll Make It Last' Matt getting the 3rd degree from his mom about inviting Nat to her annual Christmas party. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Since she learned of his invitation, his mom asked backhanded questions disguised as info gathering whenever they spoke. But the past eight hours took the cake. She hadn’t stopped talking about Phyllis or Nat since breakfast.

More fool her.

Matt knew her game all too well from past antics when Georgie brought home gal friends. Hence why he hadn’t brought anyone home before now.

Yeah, that was the reason. Not his nerdiness. Not his dedication to academics.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

My MCs meeting for breakfast on a first non-date. Who hasn't regretted their breakfast choice when they see what someone else ordered. #revpit #revpitwaiting

“Setting that aside for a minute, let’s discuss whether you consider us friends…in the making.”

Matt waited with his fork and knife hovering over his decadent breakfast, a sugar coma in the making right before his next class.

“Friends share.” Nat blurted.

A laugh burst from Matt’s chest as he took in Nat’s scrunched nose and eyes pointed downward like a raccoon at a closed dumpster.

“Are you coveting my breakfast?”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

'Step' -'We'll Make It Last' Nat has just caused a scene, embarrassing Matt #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

He noticed a small sad smile before Nat glanced away. A few steps later, she asked, “If your sister pulled such a scene, what would you do?”

“Retaliate. But not right away.” Matt leaned in, inhaling her freshly mown grass and summer breeze scent as he added, “Fair warning.” He straightened before he did something he’d regret.

“Oh, I’m so scared.”

“You should be. My sister won’t even look at Lucky Charms after I switched the cereal pieces with cat food.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Substituted 'movie' for 'film' - 'We'll Make It Last' (formerly 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love') #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

And Phyllis should know. She had Nat at a young age with a man that couldn’t bother sticking around until Nat reached the double digits. She repeatedly assured Nat that she wouldn’t change a thing. Yes, the relationship ended with his desertion, but it gave her Nat. Her happy little accident. And for that, she’d make the mistake again and again if ever stuck in a Groundhog Day loop, a movie they watched every February 2nd even when apart.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

No 'royal' but I have 'queen' as Nat's roomies give her grief -'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“Only if you make enough for the class,” Charlotte said. “You cook the best meals. I feel like I’ve lost five pounds since classes started. I bet I could lose another ten if I followed your exercise regime.”

Priya snorted. Quickly apologizing for Charlotte’s hurt feelings. “None of us could keep up with the Ball Queen—”

“Eww. That brain of yours couldn’t do better.” Nat ignored Priya’s wink and focused on Charlotte. “And you don’t need to lose weight, Char. You’re beautiful, inside and out, and lovely and sweet.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

'Option' -'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' The all important favorite ice cream question on a first 'date'. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Confused about the connection, but intrigued all the same, Matt tilted his head and contemplated Nat’s eagerness.

“I guess it depends on the options. I like flavors with different textures, but sometimes—”

Before he could enjoy her brightening demeanor, a honeyed voice behind him cooed, “Is that…Nat?”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

'Offer' - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' Nat trying to get out of a sticky situation #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Nat wrapped her arms over her chest and stood tall in a show of defiance she couldn’t muster. Her five and half feet had nothing on their six feet. Twelve if she combined them. Stupid really, but she wasn’t thinking clearly as she analyzed the situation.
“That is such a kind offer,” Nat said with a surprisingly steady voice after a deep breath. “But I’d hate to impose. And my friends are waiting.”
“The same friends you were just looking for.”
Damn. They weren’t as stupid or inebriated as she hoped.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

I love lilies, but no 'lily' in my WIP so I went with 'flowers'. Nat convincing herself any type of relationship is a bad idea. - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Once safely inside the lobby, Nat watched him walk away with a final wave over his shoulder. Deeply regretting 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.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I was torn between two, but this one better shows the conflict between the characters and why a relationship can't work...yet. #revpit #revpitwaiting

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

'Dart'ed - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' The first real interaction between the love interests. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Once sure the two blockheads remained neutralized, as evidenced by raucous laughter and the pungent scent of something smoked, Nat pushed away from the wall and darted downstairs. The third man turned at the sound, wide eyes flashing and lips rising in recognition.

“How dare you?” Nat poked his chest before his lips 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.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

'Addition' - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' When you bring your new girlfriend to a family function and no one likes her. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“Isn’t that…sweet,” Leslie said as she read over Matt’s arm. The tone held a hint of bitterness only Matt, he hoped, noticed.

It hurt. He couldn’t lie. Nor easily forget it. He tried reasoning it away as discomfort from his family’s cool reception and their obvious warmth for Nat. Being the new addition was always hard, and it would only worsen as the night progressed. Maybe inviting her to the wedding and Christmas party wasn’t one of his smartest ideas.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Only one instance of 'marathon' when Nat is on a first date after Matt's betrayal. -'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

The waiter arrived with the dessert menus and Nat used it as cover to glance at the time. Over two hours had passed and yet she swore they had just arrived.

“Wacky idea,” Dwayne said as he lifted the menu from Nat’s hand. “You and me, my place, dessert and a mini marathon of favorite Gilmore
Girls episodes.”

“Done,” Nat said without thought.

They reached his place much like they reached the restaurant—Nat clambering into the SUV clumsily and exiting much more demurely with Dwayne’s help before he led her inside with a massive hand on her lower back.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

People We Meet on Vacation x Every Summer After Nat is one semester from going pro, Matt is one year from med school when he rescues her at a party. Despite their reluctance to form new attachments, a deep bond forms that threatens to derail them from their lifelong dreams. #revpit #revpitwaiting

Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love
Details:

Tropes:
-Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers
-Sworn Off Love
-Found Family
-Slow Burn

Comps:
People We Meet on Vacation-Emily Henry
When Harry Met Sally
Slow Dance-Rainbow Rowell
Every Summer After-Carley Fortune

Details:
-Cont. Romance
-86,200 words
-Dual POV

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Nat suffering an ankle injury her final year of college soccer before entering the draft. 'Fight' - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“Yeah, Nat,” Bianca added, now at Nat’s other side. “Live to fight another day. There aren’t any scouts, and this isn’t a super important game. We’ll need you in perfect health if we want to make it past the Sweet Sixteen this year.”

Dammit.

Nat’s head fell back as she realized Bianca had a point. Better to make a good impression during the national tournament than make her injury worse against a non-ranked, non-conference team.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

One 'pursue' and its a spoiler so substituted 'follow'ed. A lighter snip than my last continuing Nat and Matt's first unofficial meeting. -'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

When Nat refused his offer, she figured that was the end of their brief interaction. But when he followed, albeit fifty paces behind, she had to smile and give him props for perseverance.

That didn’t mean she’d go easy on him. She took it upon herself to have a little fun by seeing how far he’d walk before giving up. Unworried about another objectionable situation since his vibe communicated overprotective big brother rather than predator. Unlike the two Idiots.

Or so she guessed as an only child.

But now she was tired.

Nat glanced at the Union, wishing the Dairy Store inside was open. She’d enter and see if he followed, then judge his ice cream selection.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Nat trying to deflect her roommates from their interrogation about her mystery man. 'Counter' - 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

“Were you in Caleb’s room?”

The heightened color of Priya’s cheeks was all the answer Nat needed.

“Objection!” Lucy hit the island counter with her palm. “No changing the subject, Natalie.”

“Seriously,” Charlotte added around a bite of frosted donut. “We aren’t surprised by Priya and Caleb, and neither should you be. They’ve only circled around it for the past year. Tell us more about your rescuer.”

Nat shrugged with upturned palms. “I’ve got nothing else. Tall, not dark, but handsome. He smelled nice. Stubborn as an ass.”

“Hmm, who does that remind us of?” Charlotte tapped her pink frosting coated lips.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

'Most' from the prologue of 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Outside the large room with the equally large sign announcing the Wilson-Schafer engagement, Nat stopped. Peeking around the opened door, she recognized a few faces, but not most. All had similarly open smiles and bright, inviting eyes, renewing Nat’s belief that she should leave lest her presence kill the mood.

No. She came here to see and be seen by one person and one person only. Even if only for a simple hello. Even if for a final goodbye.

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Nat receiving her usual text from Matt before her first pro soccer game. 'Highlight'-'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love' #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

Luckily, Jordan recognized a fish floundering on sand. She and Tess took Nat under their fins and helped her focus, helped highlight her positive additions to the team while correcting her negatives, helped, in truth, secure her spot on the final roster. Even helped her find a nice apartment near hers in a good nice, hip neighborhood.
Now she glanced over Nat’s shoulder at the phone still in Nat’s hand.
“Boyfriend?” Tess asked from the other side.
“Best friend from college. Sends a text before every game since we met.”

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

People We Meet on Vacation x When Harry Met Sally 👭Two reluctant friends 😶‍🌫️Two lifelong dreams 🛣️Two separate paths 🍾One tradition holding them together regardless of distance 💖Can Nat and Matt sacrifice their dreams for the love and completion that only the other can provide? #WSPit #Q #A #NA #R

Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love
Details:

Tropes:
Strangers-friends-lovers
Sworn off love
Found family
Slow burn

Inspired by:
"Kids in Love"- Pink feat. First Aid Kit

Details:
Contemporary Romance
86,500 words
Dual POV

Comps:
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
When Harry Met Sally
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

People We Meet on Vacation x When Harry Met Sally Matt's rescue of Nat leads to a near decade long friendship that survives distance through a signal and tradition and might lead to love if they sacrifice their lifelong dreams. ✨Strangers-friends-lovers ✨Slow Burn ✨Found Family #WSPit #Q #A #NA #R

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Sara Wilkinson @swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

When Matt rescues Nat from being trapped at a frat party, they reluctantly form a near decade long friendship that threatens to turn romantic if Nat wasn’t determined to play pro soccer in Chicago and Matt wasn’t determined to practice pediatrics in their Michigan hometown. #cupit #A #NA #CR #FBW

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