I’m so thrilled to see book one of the Montanari Universe – Heart’s Curse – finally in the hands of readers. This is my first foray into using a pen name and I’m excited to see if Sirena Corbeau with her horror-tinged take on paranormal romance can connect with readers.
The Montanari Universe
Each book in this series is connected through the character of Dante Montanari—a wealthy CEO and dragon-shifter whose actions impact everyone around him. And while some of his decisions are benign, others have unintended consequences, and yet still others can spell for trouble. You can expect 3 more books in this universe in 2026 – Forged in Flame, Curselocked, and Swamp of Shadows. This fun, steamy series will serve up the Hawaii based dragon-shifter (+baby!) romance in June—perfect for summer beach reading. Learn more:Sirena Corbeau
Heart’s Curse
In Heart’s Curse, Lucas Kane has worked for Dante Montanari ever since the day he tried to pick the dragons pocket. But with the acquisition of the Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino, this one time street kid is now poised to be the head of the Montanari Corporation’s Vegas division. There’s just one teeny tiny little problem… It’s cursed. Fortunately for Lucas, there just happens to be a gorgeous witch checked in on the third floor. Too bad for him Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has no magic. But as the curse sends guests running and blood pouring from the faucets, Charlie may be the only one who can save them. In Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
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!
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Maines_Brainstorming-Workshop-InstaGraphic.jpg10801080Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-02-20 14:58:492026-02-20 15:07:42Brainstorming Your Murder
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.
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.
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HeartsCurse_DarkWitch5-1-scaled.png25602560Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-02-11 05:00:152026-01-06 10:33:37Blessing or a Curse?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Christmas-Carols-LogoSquare.jpg22502250Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2025-12-10 05:00:012025-12-09 14:28:21Christmas the Movie Way
Heart’s Curse Release Day
/in Paranormal Romance, Romance, Sirena CorbeauI’m so thrilled to see book one of the Montanari Universe – Heart’s Curse – finally in the hands of readers. This is my first foray into using a pen name and I’m excited to see if Sirena Corbeau with her horror-tinged take on paranormal romance can connect with readers.
The Montanari Universe
Each book in this series is connected through the character of Dante Montanari—a wealthy CEO and dragon-shifter whose actions impact everyone around him. And while some of his decisions are benign, others have unintended consequences, and yet still others can spell for trouble. You can expect 3 more books in this universe in 2026 – Forged in Flame, Curselocked, and Swamp of Shadows. This fun, steamy series will serve up the Hawaii based dragon-shifter (+baby!) romance in June—perfect for summer beach reading. Learn more: Sirena Corbeau
Heart’s Curse
In Heart’s Curse, Lucas Kane has worked for Dante Montanari ever since the day he tried to pick the dragons pocket. But with the acquisition of the Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino, this one time street kid is now poised to be the head of the Montanari Corporation’s Vegas division. There’s just one teeny tiny little problem… It’s cursed. Fortunately for Lucas, there just happens to be a gorgeous witch checked in on the third floor. Too bad for him Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has no magic. But as the curse sends guests running and blood pouring from the faucets, Charlie may be the only one who can save them. In Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/49fdeli
Thanks so much to all my readers for their support!
Brainstorming Your Murder
/in General Writing, Life, Marketing, mysteryThis 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?
/in General WritingI 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.
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
/in General WritingEvery 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
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 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!
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?
Christmas the Movie Way
/in General WritingChristmas 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
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