Side Track to Success
Countdown!
I’m on the countdown to book 2 – Forged in Flame – of my contracted 4 from Varus Publishing. And if that seems fast to you, well, I agree. But it is what I signed up for. But the publishing schedule for four books in one year does mean that while one is getting published, I’m working at least one book in advance. And that also means that my side projects have become sidetracked.
Main Track
I’m contracted with Varus Publishing for a four-book paranormal romance series – Heart’s Curse, Forged in Flame, Curse Locked, and Fated Fortune – under my pen name Sirena Corbeau. Each book is a stand-alone, binge-worthy romance, sparked by the meddling of Dante Montanari, a 400-year-old dragon shifter. So, I’ve been busily bringing characters together, setting a few things on fire, and putting a very neat happily ever after on each of my stories. Because if there isn’t a happily ever after, then what are we even here for? I’m now THISSSSSSS close to wrapping up book four which means I’ll get a little bit of a reprieve to work on a few of the side projects.
Side Track 1
My first side track was, is, and always will be, art. As a graphic designer, I have always done other art, but for the first time in over ten years, I recently submitted some paintings to an art show and got in! Yay! But uh… crap… that’s time and attention going down that track.
Like a lot of my bright ideas, I see an opportunity, throw something at it, and only later realize that if I get said opportunity, I will have to do the work. And then invariably my friends ask what I thought would happen, and I always say the same thing – I wasn’t supposed to actually get it!
However, if I have learned anything from life is that people who attempt something are the people who get things. In fact, attempting things is almost a “life hack.” Are you mostly qualified for a job you want? Put that resume in. Have you been practicing that one hobby for years? Submit to that contest. Turns out that sometimes you get the things you try for.
I’m looking forward to this summer when I’ll get a chance to do more painting and hopefully submit to a few more art shows.
Side Track 2
Mysteries! Yes, I know I always say there is mystery in every genre (and if there’s not, there should be), but I’m now at the point where I have ideas for an actual mystery novel, and at least one short story, and I would like to write them. But how can I kill people off if I’m too busy making love connections? And then there’s the fact, that I’m currently Treasurer of the Mystery Writer’s of America Northwest Chapter. Surely, I should be writing at least one mystery. That seems like practically part of the job description. So yes, I’m looking forward to taking a brief pause on the paranormal to create a some dead bodies, see my Noir at the Bar friends, and solve a few mysteries.
Your Side Track
What about you? What project is dangling tantalizingly out of reach for you? Can you move it to the main track? Or do you have to clear some road blocks to get to it?
Forged in Flame – Book 2 of the Montanari Universe
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That changes when Dante Montanari’s nephew, billionaire dragon Dalton Rosetti, arrives—and sparks ignite. Their one night of passion leaves Ava with a secret baby and a future she must face alone. But when deadly enemies close in, Ava and her child are thrust back into Dalton’s world. To survive, she must decide: can she trust a bond forged in flame?
Release Date: June 30
PREORDER FORGED IN FLAME – CLICK HERE
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Bethany Maines is an award-winning author of mysteries and romance. Bethany brings a fierce sense of adventure—and humor—to everything she does from world travel for the snacks to Cerberus cosplay and baking for the plot. When she’s not wrangling a daughter, a deadline, or a spreadsheet of character arcs, she’s usually found teaching karate or working on her next novel / screenplay. But whatever the problem she’s got a plot—and a spreadsheet—for it. A member of the Mystery Writers of America Northwest Chapter, a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and the co-runner of The Stiletto Gang blog, Bethany writes under the names Bethany Maines and Sirena Corbeau. You can find her at: bethanymaines.com or catch up with her on Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.
Love your books, Bethany. Question: Not that I don’t love the name Sirena Corbeau. But why use a pseudonym? I’m always sidetracked and fitness is now a major sidetrack. Now that I’ve lost 45 pounds without injections, I’m hooked. Writing was my single passion for many years and I paid the price. Now I’m working to find balance so I can do both. You are a multi-talented and prolific! Congrats on the four books and good luck with your artwork.
Way to go on the weight-loss! Feeling stronger really is kind of an addiction. Although, I must admit that I’m currently struggling with a desire to get back in bed rather than going for a jog. Can’t feeling fitter happen tomorrow?
And you must have missed the great pen name adventure of 2025.
Read up here: https://www.thestilettogang.com/2025/05/14/picking-a-pen-name/
Read what went wrong here: https://www.thestilettogang.com/2025/10/08/pen-names-projects/
Four books in a year? Forget side tracks, do you even have time to sleep? PS would love to see your art — next post, okay?
If you’re on instagram I post most of the artsy photos over there. But yes, I should put up a separate post on art. https://www.instagram.com/artist_bmaines
Your project list is daunting, Bethany, and your ability to get it all done is absolutely breathtaking!
Wow, Bethany! That’s a lot of tracks. 🙂 My Main Track right now is book 5 in the Sugar & Spice mysteries with side tracks of the new Sparkle Abbey series, rebranding of the Pampered Pets mysteries, and a middle grade that I put on hold to finish the other things. Main Track has to be first right now but hopefully the other tracks will get some traction once that’s turned in. And then there’s reading… Can’t wait to read your new book!
Ugh. Rebranding! There’s some of that I want to do, but I can’t work up the enthusiasm. Good luck!
Four books a year?! That’s some schedule. I admire you for doing this. I have several standalone novels waiting in the shadows, and three series I’m working on. I need time in between releases to work on promo.
I’m impressed with all you’re doing. The creative spirit is so strong within you!
4 books in a year is way crazy … or satisfying. I agree though that it barely left time for you to do other things. I’m impressed though as for the past year, I have found the distractions stronger than the urge to write… you’ve done a little of both.
Bethany, I grew tired listening to your to-do list! I bow to your juggling prowess!
Your books sound intriguing and your schedule both inspiring and daunting! I think it’s challenging enough to write ONE book in a year. The bar has been raised 😊