Bethany Maines's Blog, page 5
September 14, 2022
Research
Recently, I was working on a bit of research for a novel and was forced to reach up into my library of reference books… OK, let’s just pause and admit that’s how old I am. I have reference books. When I wrote my first novel, Bulletproof Mascara, my heroine was a linguist, a subject about which I knew very little, and one of my plot points actually hinged on her being familiar with a Latin phrase. So as I result I ended up purchasing a book on Latin and several on linguistics. But shortly after that book was published (all the way back 2011) the world changed.
Articles on linguistics and Latin are now readily available (and reliably accurate) online. Heck, everything is available online. And nothing has driven that point home more firmly than the book I’m currently working on—a paranormal romance with heavy Indiana Jones/The Mummy vibes. Once more I’m looking up Latin phrases and trying to remember everything I knew about about German menhir. It used to be that I’d be trotting over to my friends and family and asking to see their Germany photo albums. Now I just hit YouTube and there is Marburg Castle and I can see the color of the stone and check out the artwork without having to leave my computer.
There is nothing like actually visiting place to provide accurate detail, but it can’t be denied that life has gotten easier in the research department. Which is why I was amused at my own grumpiness at having to actually rise from my seat, walk all the way over to the bookcase and pull down the book on Latin. Oh, the horror! The absolute drain of life force from having to flip pages. How dare the internet fail me?!
Don’t be distressed. I have recovered. I managed to make up some absolute nonsense to counterbalance the actual facts I included regarding Egyptian canopic jars and German history and was thus soothed. But remind me not to write anything close to historical fiction. I would probably have a historically accurate fit of the vapors if I had to have an entire book full of research.
You can check out my paranormal romances from the same world here: bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/
Or my upcoming magic free Romantic Suspense here: bethanymaines.com/the-deveraux-legacy/
The Fallen Man – Book 4 of the Deveraux Legacy Series – releases October 18 – PREORDER: https://books2read.com/FallenMan
The Deveraux Family: wealthy, glamorous, powerful… and in a lot of trouble. Senator Eleanor Deveraux lost her children in a plane crash, but she has a second chance to get her family right with her four grandchildren – Evan, Jackson, Aiden and Dominique. But second chances are hard to seize when politics, mercenaries, and the dark legacy of the Deveraux family keep getting in the way.
The post Research first appeared on Bethany Maines.
August 10, 2022
Holiday Novella
A New Holiday NovellaOh my goodness! COVID down time actually came through for me this year and I have finished, yes that’s right actually finished, the holiday novella I’ve been planning on getting around to for last THREE years. Way back in 2017 I completed what I would consider a long short story called Oh Holy Night about a graphic designer and a bank robbery that goes badly. And then I followed that up with the award-winning Blue Christmas the following year. Blue was about a college student, an adorable French Bulldog and a whole lot of smuggled diamonds. As you can guess from the descriptions, these aren’t the traditional Hallmark Christmas stories. But they are romantic funny adventures about people who learn to love the Christmas season.
What Christmas Carol is Next?Winter Wonderland completes the trilogy with a story about Bah-Humbug photographer Marcus Winters and a set designer Larissa “I love Christmas” Frost who find themselves involved in a robbery gone wrong and must solve the mystery of “whodunnit” before Larissa ends up in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. The fun part about the novella is that it let’s me get back in the mystery writing zone. And jeez, now I remember why that was hard! The clues, the suspects, the timeline! Every time I write a mystery, I respect other mystery writer’s even more.
What is the question?Every book has a question in it that the protagonists are trying to answer. Whether that question is philosophical to themselves and their world or whether it’s something literal like “where’s the money” the question has to be answered in a satisfactory way order to deliver on the promise of the book. But with a mystery, not only are the protagonists trying to answer the question of “who committed the crime” the reader is too. And staying a step ahead of the reader and the characters in the story is hard work for a writer. Authors can fall back on several tricks to make the mystery work–choosing when to reveal information, letting information exist on the page without drawing attention to it, deliberately calling out false clues (red herrings!)–but in the end, a mystery only works if the crime is solvable and for that a writer cannot whimsically wave their hand at the end. An author has to know how, who, where, and why and then, if your me, also toss in a romance, some character development, and hopefully a decent turn of phrase.
It has been fun to venture into the mystery world once again and I’m more than pleased to complete the story that’s been on my to-do list for three years. I hope that readers will enjoy it too. Look for Winter Wonderland in November of 2022.
Want to know more about Winter Wonderland?Click Here: https://bethanymaines.com/romanticsuspense/
PreOrder Here: https://books2read.com/winter-wonderland/
The post Holiday Novella first appeared on Bethany Maines.July 13, 2022
Maverick Released!
Release DayThere comes a time in every author’s life when they just go mad and shout “EEET’S ALIVVVVVVVVVVE!” like a mad scientist. Usually that time is 12:01 am on the release day of their latest book.
Yesterday was that day for me. Maverick, the latest in my Paranormal Romance world of the Supernaturals launched itself out into the world. Each release day is a little different. Sometimes we do it up big and smash champagne across the bow and sometimes it’s more of a Bon Voyage as we wave from shore.
Maverick is more of wave from shore launch. The Three Colors Trilogy that set up the world were done in a “quick release” style with a book coming out every five weeks. And while that was fun, it was also tiring. Maverick is a stand-alone book in that same world, that for fans will answer some “but what happens next?” questions and for readers new to the world will be a fun introduction. And while I’ve scheduled a few things, I didn’t feel up to an entire launch sequence.
I enjoyed writing Maverick because although it is part of an existing world it isn’t part of a series. Series are great because the world of the books gets developed and fleshed out, but they do cause all kinds of chaos and headaches in the plotting. But with Maverick, I got all the fun of writing in a world where I knew all of the rules, but I didn’t have to worry about setting up the next book. And the romance ends with a happily ever after (of course) and we can safely the main characters to their happy ending with out any cliffhangers or worrying that it will all be upended next book.
So if you’re looking for a spicy dose of paranormal romance and adventure that won’t leave you hanging – check out Maverick. Or check out the Three Colors Trilogy for more shmexy shifters with their shirts off. bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/ I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I have!
MAVERICK: Maverick Lacasse—shifter wolf, bank robber, rebel—didn’t mean to take Deya Jasper with him on his way out of Littleton Texas, but fate had other plans. But as the two flee for California, vampires dog their every step, and both Deya and Maverick find themselves questioning if the unexpected bond they feel can withstand the dangers they face.
ADD MAVERICK ON GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60863243-maverick
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/36CMNti
LEARN MORE: https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/
The post Maverick Released! first appeared on Bethany Maines.June 8, 2022
Parts of a Book
The Magic PartsRecently, we’ve added Harry Potter to our daughter’s bedtime story reading. Once we’ve completed a book, we watch the movie version. But then, of course, she wanted a wand and an owl. There’s not much I can do about the owl, but a kindly auntie did provide a wand for Christmas and a potions “class” with dry ice and tea that turns blue. (Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea if you’re interested, but be forewarned, don’t google the Latin name if you’re at all prone to laughing at dirty jokes.) But now, she wants the fancy potions bottles. So after some quick youtubing around and going Dr. Frankenstein on a recycling bin test subject, I’m prepared to have an afternoon of magic potion bottle making.
That One PartNone of which has anything to do with writing, except that plotting out how to turn something random into magic is pretty a good definition of what it a writer does. There was even the “oh shit” part where I was pretty sure I screwed it up and it was going to be a disaster. I believe that every book I’ve ever written has featured that part.
The Other PartsIn fact, there are many parts to writing a book that don’t get discussed in English classes. For instance, the “Oh Shit” part is sometimes followed by the Drinking part. Which is often then followed by either the Dawn of Inspiration or the Damned Recycling Bin of I Hate You. And my next paranormal romance featured the three week long Hiatus of Indecision. My personal favorite part is the Shining Hope of a New Project. Sadly, it’s frequently followed by the Hopeless Disillusionment phase. But if you’re lucky you can make it through the Weary Slog to the End part and end up with a book full of characters that you love and a feeling of accomplishment that the story got told.
If you’re interested in seeing how the Hiatus of Indecision resulted in a story about vampires that don’t glitter and a shifter wolf who got a little more than he bargained for on his way to rob a bank, you can check it out below.
MAVERICK: Maverick Lacasse, shifter wolf, bank robber and rebel didn’t mean to take Deya Jasper with him on his way out of Littleton Texas, but fate had other plans. But as the two flee for California, vampires dog their every step, and both Deya and Maverick find themselves questioning if the unexpected bond they feel can withstand the dangers they face.
Maverick takes place in the Supernatural world of the 3 Colors Trilogy, but is a stand-alone novel.
The post Parts of a Book first appeared on Bethany Maines.May 11, 2022
Rejection
I was rejected. OK, maybe it was one of my manuscripts that faced rejection. But you can guess how I feel about that. Not good.
Not a direct quote.I think the harshest part was that the editor took the time to reject it personally. When you get a form letter, you can pretend that no one really read it and that your genius will go undiscovered another day. When they take the time to tell you why they hate your book-child and why it’s deformed and hideous then it feels a little personal. I admit that the individual may not have used those EXACT words. But that’s what it feels like.
But the problem with writing is that if you want to have your work read by other human beings then first it has to… be read by other human beings. And those jackasses keep having opinions! The nerve! The unmitigated gall!
TV vs. BooksThe other problem with this particular work is that I’ve also written it to be a script. I believe the idea is imminently wonderful and would be a great TV show. However, TV and Publishing have two wildly different esthetics. The notes I’ve received on the script were that it should be funnier. The book notes said there was too much banter. Or in other words… too funny.
Here’s the idea.Vampire Heist (based on A Bite of Paris): When the vampire Nicholas de Cervon discovers that his former home is now a museum he reunites the old horde to pull off the heist of his after-life and get revenge on the Igor who betrayed him.
I don’t know what to tell you. I like banter. Will I be taking another editorial pass at it to see if I can make my characters express the dreaded ennui and tragedy that makes up the drudgery of life (places hand dramatically on brow)… yes, I probably will. Will I add a pratfall to the script… maybe.
#screenpitMeanwhile, today is #screenpit over on Twitter. If you like my vampire idea and agree that it should be a TV show, head on over and give me a retweet today. https://twitter.com/BethanyMaines
April 18, 2022
Who Wants a Free Book!?
Whew! I can’t believe we’re half-way through April already! Where did the last three months go?
How did I get here?As I’ve blogged about previously, I decided to do an experiment in book launching for my most recent series by putting out all three books of the 3 Colors Trilogy in quick succession. February saw the release of A Little Red. With March came A Deeper Blue and in just a few short days, on April 27, I’ll complete the trilogy with A Brighter Yellow.
Reader’s ChoiceFrom a reader perspective, I think this release strategy has been successful. Readers are happy not to have to wait for their next hit of romance and adventure. From my perspective… yeesh. I’m tired. This has been a hamster wheel of marketing. I’m not complaining. I’ve enjoyed the lovely reviews and excitement from readers, but I think if I do this again, I’ll probably put them at least a full 2 months a part. I sincerely underestimated how much work it would be to keep the motor of marketing turning.
What’s next? And what’s this about a free book?However, the I’m not quite done yet. As I mentioned the final book in the trilogy won’t be out until April 27, but before then, there is a special set of free days for A Little Red, allowing people to scoop up book 1 for FREE and get caught up before the release of book 3. So if you’re interested in snagging a free book just click the link below.
>>>>GET YOUR FREE COPY OF A LITTLE RED<<<<
The post Who Wants a Free Book!? first appeared on Bethany Maines.A fast-paced and spicy romance with lovable characters and an engaging story too, A Little Red is a fantastic initial installment in what promises to be a thrilling Trilogy.
— A Little Red Review, ManyBooks.net
April 1, 2022
It’s a Mystery.
As with many people COVID changed my priorities. Most people of course were referring to their families and jobs, but I have to admit that I’m referring to my book series. I had two core series The Deveraux Legacy and The San Juans Mysteries and I love the characters in each series. They’ve been good friends for a long time. And both series have a mystery (or multiple mysteries) at their core.
The Deveraux Legacy – Mystery? Mostly Yes. Ok, somewhat.The Deveraux Legacy is a romantic suspense series about a family trying to unravel their dysfunctional history while protecting themselves from a greedy narcissistic Big Pharma executive. Four cousins Dominique, Aiden, Evan, and Jackson are struggling to understand their past and find romance and there’s a good dose of nekkid time sprinkled among the adventures.
San Juan Mysteries – OK, yes, these are totally mysteries.And the San Juans Mysteries take place in the San Juan Islands of Washington state where ex-actress Tish Yearly solves mysteries with her ex-CIA agent grandfather Tobias Yearly. Tish has a steady fella by the name of Emmett Nash and while they may get up to some steamy nonsense it’s all behind closed doors because, gosh darn it, we’ve got a mystery solve here.
What happened?I had no plans to do anything other than finish the fourth Deveraux book – The Fallen Man (coming October 2022!) and finally, give Tish and her boyfriend a bit of closure on her old acting life with book 4 of the San Juans. And then… came the 3 Colors Trilogy and the pandemic. And suddenly I took an abrupt left turn into paranormal romance. Which believe me has been fun and not entirely free of mystery, but certainly no one would classify them as a “Who Dun It.” But as the pandemic is winding down, I’ve come back to some familiar territory as I try to finish out the Christmas mystery novella I started pre-pandemic – Winter Wonderland. But wooeee! What a shock to the system!
A mystery needs clues!What? Clues? What is this nonsense. Can’t I have my characters just kiss and declare “The End”? No? Sheesh. You want to know who stole the diamond too? Will the demands never cease? OK, I admit, that I would also like to know that. So… you’re saying I should get back to work? Hm. OK, I can take a hint. Back to typing I go. Wish me luck as I try to remember how to write a mystery!
The post It’s a Mystery. first appeared on Bethany Maines.March 18, 2022
Happy Release Day to ME!
It’s Alive!!It’s release day for A Deeper Blue! It’s is now live and ready to be bought by ACTUAL READERS! Ahhhhhhhh!!! Don’t mind me while I have a happy dance slash melt into a puddle.
Release Day – Again?This trilogy was so much fun to write that I wanted to get it out to readers in a very short timespan. I remember waiting ages and ages for series to release a book and I hated it. I wanted to give readers all the fun of reading practically all at once. And when I set the release dates at five weeks a part I foolishly thought that my future self could totally handle that. But now that it’s actually here I have to say: whew! Sustained marketing for three months straight is hard work. But at least now I’m on the last lap with one more book to go – A Brighter Yellow (out April 27th)!
Early ReviewsThe Advance Reader reviews have been incredibly positive and I’m giddy over how many people took the trip from hating Azure in Book 1 to loving her in Book 2. It’s been so gratifying to have people fall in love with my characters the same way I did. It’s also been nice to hear how many people came to the series as fresh readers. To have a second book stand up as a stand-alone novel means that I’ve done my job as a writer.
Want to know More?Well, then go check it out! You can read now on Kindle Unlimited or buy for ¢.99 until 3/25/22.
Learn More: https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/
Buy Now: https://amzn.to/3J1RESO
The post Happy Release Day to ME! first appeared on Bethany Maines.March 9, 2022
Author Goal
Each writer has their own reason or author goal for putting cursor to word doc, but in general it’s because we have a story to tell. And as we develop the story, writers have to live outside the moment and wrap their heads around the entire plot. This goes double when it comes to writing a series. An author has to keep all the little threads in mind as they write through the books. I’ve developed spreadsheets to track my characters and keep chapter by chapter synopsis’ of each book for easy reference. All of this means that when it comes to our books and characters we’re like the annoying friend who binged a TV series while the reader is watching one episode a week.
THE PROBLEMBut this style of writing also means that sometimes characters the author knows are going to be awesome later aren’t so beloved in the initial books. Which is why when I set out to write book 2 of the 3 Colors Trilogy – A Deeper Blue – I crossed my fingers. Azure Lucas says some fairly harsh things to her younger sister Scarlet, in book 1 – A Little Red – and I knew that readers that loved Scarlet wouldn’t be thrilled with Azure going into book 2. Which is necessary for book one, but my challenge is then… Can I make my readers love her in book 2?
So when I send out my book to Advance Readers, I nervously chew my nails and wait for the reviews to come back. And then, earlier this week, I got this…
AUTHOR GOAL?Whew! Wiping the sweat off my brow. My reviewer complete took the journey with Scarlet and Azure. If I can make my readers love them both then I have met my challenge as a writer. Author goal… achieved! Now I just need to see if they stick around for book 3 – A Brighter Yellow. Author worries are never completely gone.
A Deeper Blue releases March 18 and I can’t wait for more readers to fall in love with Azure too.
LEARN MOREPreOrder – https://amzn.to/3DZQHbf
Goodreads Giveaway – https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/342167
Learn more about the series – https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/
The post Author Goal first appeared on Bethany Maines.March 4, 2022
Finding Your Joy
There is a tik-toker who ends each of his reels with “Find Your Joy.” And I’ve been giving that some thought. There have been plenty of books written on “practicing gratitude” and other ways to bring positive thinking into your life. But I like the idea that joy exists out there and I have to find it. Like geo-caching for joy. And I also like the idea that your daily joy doesn’t have to be a big thing—just something that makes you go “ha!” and smile.
Today’s Joy MomentToday’s joy is brought to you by Sian Ceinwen, who writes extremely smutty books. I haven’t read her books, so how do I know that they are jam packed full of smut? Well, because the math has been done. Sian put together SmutByVolume.com to help readers answer that eternal question – how steamy is this book? Because one person’s “so steamy” is another’s yawn-fest and finding that perfect balance is hard. Smut By Volume inputs how many chapters contain sexual activities beyond kissing that are described on the page (no “fade to black” or implied action) and calculates them against the total chapter number. I actually think that this is a great solution to the “how steamy is it?” question. Empirical data can’t answer whether or not it’s “good” smut or writing, but at the very least it gives a reader a good idea what they’re walking into.
I also have to admit that the SBV rating just makes me giggle like a middle-schooler who just heard the word “penis.” Number one I’m impressed by some of these numbers. Literally, how do you get any plot in between the sex? But also, I like statistics and having a little SBV graphic makes me happy. I think my goal will be to achieve a 25% SBV rating. I congratulate Sian on her new website and hope that it continues to grow.
So how smutty are my books?Short answer – just the right amount (for me)! Even shorter answer? About 20% smut by volume. Want to learn more about my smutty books? Head over to the Supernaturals page.
