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
Traveling the World with Books
Traveling to… Vegas Baby!
In a time where AI can make a lot of things appear to be real, I’ve come to value the real life photo that may or may not have the best lighting and might just have some goober tourist in the background. So recently, when a friend of mine traveled to Vegas and took my book with her, I was thrilled to get pics of my book traveling up and down the Vegas strip.
Traveling Homeward
Heart’s Curse (under my new paranormal romance pen name Sirena Corbeau) takes place in Vegas at the Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino. Newly acquired by the Montanari Corporation, and given to Lucas Kane to run, the Lucky Heart has one teeny, tiny, not that big of a deal problem… It’s cursed. Which means that this is a story about love, and romance, and also ghosts, blood pouring from the faucets, and—whoopsies—that darn curse that’s turning everyone into psychotic zombies which might not be that big of a problem if the hotel didn’t employ mobsters, vampires, and shifters. I thought it was the perfect vacation book and was happy to know she was taking it with her.
However, as I’m sure anyone who has tried to take attractive book pictures for Instagram has discovered, it’s not easy to get books to look exciting, not reflect anything weird in the cover, and also get an interesting background. My own efforts resulted in me discovering a newfound respect for product photographers. How is my shadow ALWAYS in the way? How is the book this shiny? Why does my hand look so weird!? So the fact that she took the time to not only take, but send me pics, absolutely made my day. The palm trees and blue, blue, blue Vegas sky make it absolute perfection. And also, can we take a moment to appreciate my friends perfectly contrasting nails? I love knowing that my book traveled to the land of it’s birth and hope to see many such snapshots in the future.
What about you? Would you take a picture of your beach read and send it to the author? (Or tag them on social media?)
Heart’s Curse
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has always been told she’s nothing special—just the magicless daughter of a powerful witch family. But when a disastrous spring break lands her in Las Vegas, she stumbles into the path of Lucas Kane, a dangerously magnetic casino boss with secrets of his own. Lucas is juggling mob ties, a cursed hotel, and powers he can never reveal. What he doesn’t need is a heartbroken college girl counting cards at his tables… or kissing him in front of her cheating ex. But when blood rains from the showers and guests descend into madness, Charlie proves she sees what no one else can—the curse that haunts the Lucky Heart’s Casino. To break it, she’ll have to embrace her hidden magic and trust Lucas with her heart. Because in Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/49fdeli
St. Patrick’s Day
Twelve years ago on St. Patrick’s Day, my daughter was born, cursing herself to a lifetime of green birthdays. As my family has a long-tradition of eating corned beef for the holiday (due to my mother being an excellent cook), we have generally rolled my daughter’s birthday into the holiday. However, for the first time this year she suggested that maybe everything didn’t have to be green. Cue horror for the rest of us who want our corned beef with the special sauce. All was saved when we negotiated a separate eating holiday, but that left me and the green dessert I had already picked out in limbo. However, just because my daughter doesn’t want green brownies doesn’t mean that I can’t make and enjoy them.
This year, I’m trying Matcha brownies from Spatula Desserts. And while I enjoyed the recipe, I have to admit the website is upholding the fine tradition of recipe sites and it’s nearly impossible to find just the recipe. So if you want the recipe but don’t want to the work of reading through the ads and life stories, don’t worry… I got you.
Every Little Thing
Quarter 1 had a lot of things…
And Thing 1 and Thing 2 were not blue-haired pranksters. The things were both writing. Last year, I blithely signed a contract with Varus Publishing to provide 4 books in 2026. I had exactly 1.5 books of those four written when I signed. Well, if you want to meet editorial and layout schedules, then you must turn in your manuscripts at a date that is not the last minute. Then I took on teaching a new writing workshop (which means developing the workshop), being the Treasurer for the Mystery Writers of America Northwest Chapter, volunteering my design skills to a worthy-cause website, supporting my brother’s new business, and oh, yeah, my daughter’s birthday is in a week. Keep reading for the news breakdown.
The Workshop Thing
The workshop “Murder Boards & Master Plans: Brainstorming Your Mystery” went from being hybrid to being all virtual due to the possibility of snow in the forecast. While a bit of a curveball, the workshop still went well as we discussed how to pick which information we need to start outlining (or if you’re a “pantser – how to just start writing) and then broke it down to have some fabulous shared moments and help each other move our stories forward. It was so fantastic to see attendees have a lightbulb or a breakthrough moment on their plot.
The Treasury Department
Being a Treasurer is not particularly difficult. What’s challenging is the bank who, despite non-profit boards routinely rotating all across the US, seem shocked that there is a new treasurer literally every time. But it’s not my first time being a treasurer so I just gathered up all my bits and went down to the bank and talked to real person until it was mostly straightened out. Sadly, I’ll be doing it again this week in order to set up online banking. It never seems to happen all in one visit. However, the rest of the job is going fine, and we’ve already started our programming for the year – Check out Mystery Manon as she discusses social media for mystery writers!
New Website Thing
As part of our MWA Chapter’s mission to support writing, this year we took on the support of Noir at the Bar Seattle. While a fixture on the Seattle literary scene since 2014, NATB has never had it’s own website. Until now. With some graphic design wizardry and a little tech know-how, I was able to put together a NATB website. It’s main goal is to share news of upcoming events, and keep track of past performers. You can also sign up for the mailing list and listen to recordings of previous readings. To learn more visit: https://www.noiratthebarseattle.com/
Birthday Wishes
My daughter’s birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day and as per usual, we have picked out and tested a green dessert. This year it’s… Greenies. Because they can’t be brownies if they’re green. If you’re interested in getting the recipe (and news about new books, giveaways, and author spotlights) then sign up for my once a month newsletter! Visit: https://bethanymaines.com/connect/
And now… The Book Thing!
Book 1 of the 2026 novels is now out in the wild and being read and reviewed by real human beings – ack! Look for Book 2 – Forged in Flame – June. This one is a perfectly delicious second chance romance with dragons because… of course there are dragons in Hawaii — it’s got a volcano.
Heart’s Curse
Writing under the pen name Sirena Corebeau for Varus Publishing, Heart’s Curse is about Lucas Kane, a hotel boss who’s on his way up the ladder and his first shot at the big time in Vegas is The Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino. There’s just one tiny problem… it’s cursed. Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has always been told she’s nothing special—just the magicless daughter of a powerful witch family. But when a disastrous spring break lands her in Las Vegas, she stumbles into the path of Lucas Kane, a dangerously magnetic casino boss with secrets of his own. Lucas is juggling mob ties, a cursed hotel, and powers he can never reveal. What he doesn’t need is a heartbroken college girl counting cards at his tables… or kissing him in front of her cheating ex. But when blood rains from the showers and guests descend into madness, Charlie proves she sees what no one else can—the curse that haunts the Lucky Heart’s Casino. To break it, she’ll have to embrace her hidden magic and trust Lucas with her heart. Because in Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
ORDER NOW: https://amzn.to/49fdeli
Brainstorming Your Murder
Brainstorming & the Creative Process
This week, I taught a workshop for the Pacific Northwest Writers Association called Brainstorming Your Murder. This was a new workshop for me, and as always, I was struck by a case of nerves because I hate the idea of under-delivering. The workshop evolved out of what I call my “Plotting Parties” – backyard get-togethers to co-write with author friends. But I soon saw that what started as spontaneous processing of our projects could be systematized to move a novel forward. And while for me, it seemed like a natural outgrowth of my process, after talking with several writers, I realized that the groupthink of auxiliary brains was not a natural part of their creative process. So I created a workshop to teach my system and then practice the skills we discussed.
Bravery in the Face of Strangers
Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to share an undeveloped story even to other writers, so I was also worried that the class attendees might not want to participate. Then there was the fear that people would be like “yawn, I already know this.” So while my attendees had to share their ideas, I had to make sure I was giving fresh new thoughts. It was a time for bravery all the way around!
Brainstorming Success?
For me, despite being moved to strictly virtual due to potential inclement weather, the evening was a wonderful success. Several authors walked away with solutions to their novel problems, gut-check reactions to their proposed formats, and some lightbulb ideas on how to shape their novels in progress. To see someone’s face light up with an “OH! THAT IS IT!” moment is gratifying. So thanks to the PNWA for hosting me and making those moments possible and I hope to be able to share this workshop with others in the future!
Blessing or a Curse?
I was elected…
To the Board of the Northwest Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America! As a cross-genre writer who bounces between mystery and romance, I’m subject to imposter syndrome in every genre I touch. Is this enough of a mystery? Is this romance-y enough? Someone give me a kiss-o-meter! So when a friend reached out and suggested I run for the Board I thought… eeee, I don’t know. What if someone finds out that all my mysteries have kissing in them? Then I realized that was probably the silliest thing I’d thought lately and I said we could maybe think about it.
And now I’m Treasurer.
Where’s that facepalm emoji when I need it? Although, to be honest, this is also how I ended up as the Treasurer of my local business district a few years ago. And that turned out fine. (We held a wine walk and a farmer’s market!) So I suppose we shall see if I can figure out how to make the MWA hold a wine walk. What’s the author equivalent of a wine walk? Now I need the heavy thinking emoji.
Crime’s of the Heart
But as I ponder if I’m mystery enough for the mystery crowd, or romance enough for the romance crew, I realize that I couldn’t have written my most recent book without my mystery and crime fiction background. The idea was simple enough—I hate The Shining. (Confession: I’ve never read the book.) The movie bugs me. It’s stylish, terrifying, and (for me) the characters behave in completely unbelievable ways. Every time I’ve seen it, I think… why would the caretaker leave? Why would she not leave her husband prior to going to a snowed-in hotel? Why has no one ever noticed the creepy ass shit before this? What kind of hotel owner would let a hotel be empty for six months of the year? And then I had the action movie thought, that this could be solved a lot of ways that weren’t… any of this. It’s like how most action movies could really be avoided if someone just shot the bad guy the moment he started pontificating. Which led me to think that this kind of nonsense wouldn’t fly in Vegas. Cursed hotel? Oh, hell no. The mob is not standing for that—they would be getting in a priest the first time some evil twin ghosts interfered with a slot machine. Crime families cannot be having blood dripping from the walls. That would cut down on the profits. And then I said, “Ooooooh. I might need to do something with that.” And since I’m an adult and I can give in to all of my intrusive thoughts if I want… I did just that.
Heart’s Curse
Writing under the pen name Sirena Corebeau for Varus Publishing, Heart’s Curse is about Lucas Kane, a hotel boss who’s on his way up the ladder and his first shot at the big time in Vegas is The Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino. There’s just one tiny problem… it’s cursed. Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has always been told she’s nothing special—just the magicless daughter of a powerful witch family. But when a disastrous spring break lands her in Las Vegas, she stumbles into the path of Lucas Kane, a dangerously magnetic casino boss with secrets of his own. Lucas is juggling mob ties, a cursed hotel, and powers he can never reveal. What he doesn’t need is a heartbroken college girl counting cards at his tables… or kissing him in front of her cheating ex. But when blood rains from the showers and guests descend into madness, Charlie proves she sees what no one else can—the curse that haunts the Lucky Heart’s Casino. To break it, she’ll have to embrace her hidden magic and trust Lucas with her heart. Because in Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
ORDER NOW: https://amzn.to/49fdeli
LEARN MORE: Sirena Corbeau
Heart’s Curse releases March 3, 2026! Whether or not my reign of terror at the MWA treasury position goes as well as the romance for Lucas and Charlie remains to be seen.
Derringer Danger
I’m Being Judged… by the Derringer Awards
Every year, the Short Mystery Fiction Society holds the Derringer Awards. Judged by volunteers from the society’s membership, these competitive awards recognize short mystery stories published that year. The judging process and program management are a lot of work and I’m always impressed at the volunteers who bring the awards program to life.
Derringer Categories
- Best Flash Story (Up to 1,000 words)
- Best Short Story (1,001 to 4,000 words)
- Best Long Story (4,001 to 8,000 words)
- Best Novelette (8,001 to 20,000 words)
Derringer Judging
Each category requires three primary and one alternate SMFS members to whittle their assigned category down to five finalists. Each judge is provided with a criteria sheet and a batch of short stories, and then the scores are totaled by the Derringer coordinator. And having judged before, I know that the quality of the stories is fantastic and that anyone who submits is up against some top-notch writers. I loved getting to read such a wide spread of stories with different mystery sub-genres and sensibilities. Believe me, getting down to top five is hard!
Stiletto Gang Stories
As a member of both the SMFS and the blog group The Stiletto Gang, I’m always excited to see which of my friends have also submitted for an award. This year, three of us at the Stiletto Gang have taken the plunge. With the array of submissions below, I’m hoping that at least one of the Stiletto Gang can take home a Derringer Award medal.
donalee Moulton
donalee has three stories in consideration. With a 2024 finalist spot, donalee is shooting for a repeat with one of her three stories. “Bon Ami” from the Signed, Sealed…Deceased Cozy Mystery Anthology. “Maladaptives Anonymous” from the Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers Anthology. And “Zebra Finch” from The Most Dangerous Games.
Judy Penz Sheluk
Judy submitted “A Foolproof Plan” from the Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers Anthology. This fantastic mystery/crime anthology features 22 tales of mystery and suspense. Last year, the previous anthology, Larceny & Last Chances picked up a Finalist spot in the Derringer’s Anthology category, so we’re all hopeful for a repeat with Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers!
Bethany Maines
In 2025, I wrote two mystery stories that qualify to be submitted for the Derringers – “Front Desk Staff” (published in Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers) and “Love, Lefse, & Murder” (published in Cooking Up Death). “Front Desk Staff” went into the highly competitive Short Story Category and “Love, Lefse, & Murder,” which clocked in at 9k words, will be in the Best Novelette category.
Winner announcements happen in March and and I wish all of the Stiletto Gang members luck as our precious stories make their way across the judges desks!
Buy Now
Want to check out these award-worthy stories?
- Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers
- Signed, Sealed…Deceased
- The Most Dangerous Games
- Cooking Up Death
Christmas the Movie Way
Christmas Strikes Back
A few years ago, I became interested in scriptwriting. Like many people, I assumed that after a lifetime of watching movies that writing them couldn’t be that hard. I’ll pause here for your laughter to die down. Specifically, I was interested in Christmas movies and why they sucked. Which is unfair, one person’s terminally bland Christmas movie is another person’s soothing blankie that keeps the holiday season from emerging from under the bed and devouring them whole. I didn’t want gritty reality Christmas, but I did want something more. And since that didn’t exist, I set out to write it myself.
Cookies for Christmas
On the whole, I enjoy Christmas movies, but the problems arise from the Hallmark rules that keep Hallmark movies on brand — no cancer or dying, celebrate small towns, low stakes, etc. I get why those movies exist. Viewers want a sugar cookie movie, not a complicated dessert. But I didn’t understand why we couldn’t have Christmas stories with a little more… ass kicking. You see, I also love action movies — they are an excellent chocolate chip cookie of a movie. (Which is why I also stand firm in my belief that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, but that’s a topic for another blog.) So over the last several years, I’ve explored how to make the perfect Christmas cookie. They have all the sugar, fluff, and icing, but sometimes you need a few chocolate chunks and nuts. And I’ve accumulated three novellas worth of Christmas desserts.
Christmas Traditions
The challenge to writing a Christmas crime story was in finding the right mix of romance, holiday tropes, and humor to make people feel both awwww Christmas and Yippe-kai-yay MFers! This required research and I dutifully watched, Die Hard, It’s a Wonderful Life, Lethal Weapon, and White Christmas as well as many others. And OK, I also took a few classes on writing Hallmark and Christmas movies. But popcorn and couch time is way more fun than studying and learning from experts. So if you’re looking for a Christmas story that feels a little more hefty, but still hits that sugar craving, check out The Christmas Carols.
The Christmas Carols
Blue Christmas: Buy Now • GET IT FOR FREE
Blue Jones just stole Jake Garner’s dog. And his heart. But technically the French Bulldog, Jacques, belongs to Jake’s ex-girlfriend. And soon Jake is being pressured to return the dog and Blue is being targeted by mysterious attackers. Can Jake find Blue and Jacques before her stalkers do? For Blue, Christmas has never been quite so dangerous. For Jake, Christmas has never been quite so Blue.
Oh Holy Night: Buy Now
Graphic designer Violet Harper is usually found at her local Starbucks. Handsome Roman Knox is usually carrying a gun. But tonight they’re both in a bank and there’s a body on the floor. It’s a mess, a robbery and almost the worst day ever, but maybe a Christmas miracle can get them out of the bank and into love.
Winter Wonderland: Buy Now
When Marcus Winters, a photographer with a bah humbug take on the holidays, meets Larissa Frost, a set designer who loves all things Christmas, sparks are destined to fly. But when a famous diamond goes missing from the shoot they’re working on Larissa finds that Marcus may be the only one who can keep her from being framed for a crime she didn’t commit.
Or get all three Christmas Carols in hardback: https://amzn.to/3Uj9PLh
Like your chocolate chips, but not at Christmas?
Try out the 12 Knights of Christmas anthology from Buttonhall Publishing featuring 12 delightful tales of Christmas, including my story “Carol of the Bells.” These stories are all romantic and certified sugar sweetness. (Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and as an audiobook.) BUY NOW: https://books2read.com/12Knights