Summer Has Arrived!
Back in June, I wrote about how I hoped I’d get some summer activities in despite having over committed myself to a number of projects including publishing four books with Varus Publishing this year. So how’s that working out for me?
Summer Writing!
Writing continues! I always have a variety of projects going on, but with a full batch of books to complete this summer, I have not been able to complete many “side quest” writing projects, with the exception of one cozy bookshop mystery! I submitted it to an anthology and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it gets accepted, but I won’t find out until at least September.
For my slate of 2026 novels with Varus Publishing, progress is on-going. Heart’s Curse is getting an audio edition (woohoo!) which will hopefully be released in late August. Forged in Flame is out now and took a trip to the land of its birth – Hawaii! Book 3 – Curse Locked is currently with the editor and I have wrapped up the manuscript for Book 4 – Fated Fortune. I was going to turn that one in early, but last week I had a sudden realization while brushing my teeth about a specific scene and now I need to go back and do a little editing. However, I’m also reviving a novella that didn’t have a home and expanding it to go into the Montanari Universe Series. Wish me luck as I’ll be approaching Varus to see if they want a book 5 (or more)!
However, once I finish the novella expansion, I’ll be focusing on my next mystery novel. This one is centered around a whiskey bar and I’ve been enjoying all of my whiskey research. Sadly, I don’t have the budget to enjoy all the research I’d like to do. Because, believe me, not only would I be buying expensive bottles, I’d be flying to Ireland for a totally legitimate, not-at-all-a-vacation, whiskey based research project. But I’ve got the location and an excellent cast of characters. Now I just need to figure out which one of them “done it.” Oh, and, of course, write the dang thing.
Art Projects?
Well, if you count painting the house as an artistic endeavor, then… sure? Otherwise, it’s been slow going in the art department. This is partially due to the fact that we also adopted a puppy. Stormageddon, destroyer of all (mostly shoes), AKA Stormy, has officially been welcomed into our house as of August. This charming trouble maker loves the sprinkler, chewing… anything, and barking at dogs on the TV. We’re still working on the potty training situation, but she’s very bright and I’m sure will figure it out in the next week or two. I’m referring to her as “my writing partner” which has been enjoyably confusing for my more human-centered friends. You can catch pics and videos of her on my instagram: www.instagram.com/authorbethanymaines/
I also took on another side-project that I’ll be writing about in September’s blog. It’s currently top secret, but I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone who loves reading.
What about you?
Have you gotten to all the summer projects you that for sure that you’d have time for?
Heart’s Curse
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray was always told she had no magic and nothing to offer. But Lucas Kane, a ruthless casino boss with a dangerous secret, sees something more. When a curse drives his newest Vegas property into bloody chaos, Lucas realizes Charlie may be the only one who can stop the madness. What happens in Vegas might just break the curse—and his heart.
Forged in Flame
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Curse Locked
Cursed by a stalker’s spell, Rose Ashfield can’t let anyone close without unleashing deadly shadows. But when wolf shifter Jace Kormos is sent to capture her and the mystical jade key she’s stolen, desire ignites into something neither can deny. To break the curse, they’ll have to risk their lives—and their hearts—in a battle against darkness, magic, and fate itself.
Bethany Maines is an award-winning author, graphic designer, and sixth-degree black belt, who 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. Bethany is the Mystery Writers of America Northwest Chapter Treasurer, the co-runner of The Stiletto Gang blog, new host of The OtherWorlds podcast, and writes under the names Bethany Maines and Sirena Corbeau. Learn more at: bethanymaines.com
I admire your summertime energy, Bethany. I tend to wilt in summer weather, and this has been a hot, hot, hot one. Wishing you best of luck on all your projects!
I don’t know how you do it all. I’m bogged down with one project that seems to be going on forever (which may mean winter before it is ready for daylight).
don’t have time for extra projects I’m a caregiver for both parents
That is a full time job! I wish you luck and hope you’re able to take a little bit of time for yourself every once in a while.
I admire your ability to juggle multiple writing projects, Bethany. I’m a one book at a time writer. When I was designing full time, I often had multiple projects going on at once, and my brain often rebelled. The worst was when I was designing a line of counted cross stitch at the same time I was designing a line of needlepoint. You’d think they’d be similar, but the charting is quite different. In counted cross stitch the stitch symbols go within the box of the grid. In needlepoint, they go at the cross sections. Switching my brain back and forth between the two drove me crazy!
Kudos to you on your ambitious writing accomplishments and those to come! Our new rescue sheepdog, Cassie, shares one of Stormy’s habits. When she sees dogs on TV, she leaps off the couch, runs to the TV, jumps to make eye contact, and barks incessantly. It was funny at first. Otherwise, Cassie is settling in and fitting into our family perfectly. Wishing the best for Stormy.
Bitter Apple — dogs hate it and if you spritz it on something, they won’t chew it. Theoretically. Get at any pet store.
And summer or no summer, I think writers, write!
Ooh! Pro tip! Thanks!
My list is still fairly long and feels overwhelming at times. Pacing is something I’m working on. I think you should go to Ireland and do the whiskey research. You only live once.