When I start writing a book, I often have a specific scene in mind. For Between Floors, book 2 of the Valkyrie Brothers series, I didn’t. I knew generally what the plot was and who my characters were, but I didn’t have the scene that locked me into the story.
How to Get Unstuck?
Finding the scene to kick off story sometimes means becoming a detective in my work. I have to go back and start stacking up clues and facts about my characters and review what I know about them already so that I can determine what comes next. But as I pondered the riddle of where does the story start for Forest Valkyrie and Chloe Jordan I realized that I already knew the answer.
I remembered a moment in Elevator Ride (book 1) when Forest Valkyrie rushes in late to his brother Rowan’s office. Rowan has been babysitting Forest’s son Oliver and Forest is late to pick him up. Forest is stressed and has provided way more equipment than anyone could possibly need to babysit a three year old (something that amuses Rowan).
“That’s going to be Forest,” said Rowan without moving from the floor. He tossed the little boy up in the air again as the door burst open.
“I’m here. I’m here. Sorry, sorry.”
The man looked to be in his thirties and with dark, disheveled hair as if he’d run all the way up from the parking garage. Vivian recognized the piercing green-flecked eyes that Rowan shared with Oliver, but the slightly frantic edge was not something she associated with the Valkyrie aura.
“Daddy!” chirped the little boy.
“Breathe, Forest,” ordered Rowan, using what Vivian thought of as his commanding voice, and Forest automatically inhaled. “We’re fine,” said Rowan more softly.
“Sorry,” said Forest again. “I didn’t mean to be late.”
“Everything’s fine,” said Rowan. “Olly is training for the paratroopers, and I am getting my arm workout for the day.”
But as I went back to that scene looking for clues to Forest’s character I asked… why is he late? And that kicked off an exploration of what Forest had been doing. And that’s when I realized the answer: Forest was stuck in an elevator with the girl of his dreams… the girl he just rejected as a nanny candidate.
That Sounds Awkward
It was! For them. For me, it was hilarious. First and foremost I write to entertain myself and getting those two into and out of the elevator made me laugh. I hope that readers will as well. Check out Elevator Ride (now on sale for $.99!) to get caught up before launching into Between Floors.
One broken elevator. Two polar opposites. Sometimes love gets stuck between floors.
Free-spirited Chloe Jordan returned to Seattle to face her past, but when she gets stuck in an elevator with grumpy Forest Valkyrie—the terminally stressed single dad who just rejected her as a nanny candidate—Chloe discovers that it’s her future at stake.
I recently have had the opportunity to submit to a dark romance anthology. For those that don’t know dark romance could be defined as a subgenre of romance that explores the messy, complicated, and sometimes twisted side of love and relationships. Dark romance is not my usual genre. A lot of the “morally gray” heroes in the genre just sound abusive to me and I wouldn’t let my heroines date them. However, I did have an idea that was a great fit for the anthology. So, I’ve decided to dip my toe into the dark and spicy waters of dark romance, and that means… it’s time for a pen name.
Why?
Because when my regular readers pick up a book with my name on the cover, they expect a certain tone—witty banter, action-packed plots, and swoony but emotionally stable romantic leads. And let’s be honest, they probably expect fewer, uh, bedroom scenes. The story I’ve written for this anthology is not that. It’s darker, moodier, and yes, much steamier.
In other words, it’s not your grandma’s fantasy romance. Unless your grandma is extremely cool and into antiheroes with tortured pasts.
Won’t Readers Be Confused?
That’s where the pen name comes in. It’s not about shame or secrecy—far from it. In the modern publishing world, pen names are tools. They help readers know what kind of story they’re getting into. Think of it like walking into a bakery versus a steakhouse. You love both, but you don’t want to order a croissant and get a ribeye. Or vice versa. (Although now I’m imagining some kind of buttery, flaky steak pastry and… I digress.)
The reality is, many authors use pen names to differentiate genres. Nora Roberts writes futuristic crime as J.D. Robb. Leigh Bardugo has her dark academia under her real name but uses a different approach for middle grade. It’s not about misleading anyone—it’s about making the reader experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So when I say this new name is the “spicier alter ego of Bethany Maines,” I mean it. It’s the same voice, same storytelling love, but focused on a different emotional and sensual frequency.
Now, picking a pen name is surprisingly difficult. Do I want something evocative and moody? Something a little edgy? Or maybe something just plain fun? I’ve already ruled out “Anastasia Ravenblood” (a little too much), but “Eva Steele”? Maybe. The options are endless—and honestly, a little overwhelming.
So here’s where you come in.
Help Me Choose!
I’d love your input! I’ve created a short (really short—like, blink and it’s over) Google Form where you can help me pick the perfect pen name. No personal data collected, no sales pitches, just your honest opinion and a chance to weigh in on this next creative adventure.
And don’t worry—I’m not abandoning my usual stories. I’m just branching out. Think of this as Bethany Maines… after dark.
Thanks for coming along for the ride, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my mysterious, smoldering, slightly unhinged pen name persona.
Recently, I’ve been working on some marketing items including a book trailer for Elevator Ride from my Valkyrie Brothers series. Creating a book trailer is a challenge! It’s like condensing the soul of an entire book into just a minute or less of video magic. The first hurdle? Finding the perfect way to visually represent the story, oh, and also do it in a way that I can either afford or can do myself.
We Have the Technology
Then there’s the creative juggling act. Music, voiceovers, text, and pacing all need to work together harmoniously. Too dramatic? It feels cheesy. Too subtle? It risks being forgettable. Finding that balance is like trying to walk a tightrope in gale-force winds. And don’t forget the tech side! Editing software, sourcing content, and tweaking everything to perfection can be daunting. And while I have picked up some skills editing videos, they aren’t necessarily skills I wanted to have! But I do like having the ability to put some basic things together.
What’s New
This time I worked with a new voice over talent who was looking to see if voice over was really something she could or wanted to do. It was fun to work with someone new and help them explore their talents. I liked what we accomplished and I hope she ends up pursuing vocal work. Here is the result of our collaboration.
Are Trailers Worth It?
In our social media driven world, having video as part of the marketing package is increasingly important. People and search engines react positively to video. It can’t be the only thing in the marketing arsenal but it does mean that more marketing avenues are open to me. So while it might be hard work, it does have a positive impact.
And here’s the silver lining: when it all comes together, there’s a magical sense of accomplishment. A great book trailer isn’t just an advertisement; it’s an invitation to readers to dive into a world they didn’t know they needed.
The Valkyrie Brothers trilogy is a laugh-packed series of connected romantic mysteries starring the Valkyrie Brothers–Rowan, Forest, and Ash–as they struggle to find love AND stay alive in Seattle. LEARN MORE: https://amzn.to/3XEL9id
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Valkyrie-Brothers-Logo-01.jpg649649Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2025-04-09 04:56:592025-04-01 13:55:03Does it Need a Trailer Hitch?
Well, as a recipient of the occasional free book, I will confirm that yes, I think it’s great when authors giveaway books. However, many authors feel extremely leery of giving away free books. There have been many instances of winners selling books or copying content, so that fear is not unfounded.
Philosophy
However, my philosophy is that while I can’t control the actions of others, I can be a generous person. In other words, haters gonna hate and book pirates are going to book pirate, but I can still put out the kind of energy that I would like to see in the world. Besides, if the four dollars you get from selling an advance print copy of my book is what helps you make it through the day, then take the four bucks. Piracy of ebooks bugs me far more and is an extensive topic that I won’t get into, but in general once I hand you a print copy, you are free to read it, sell it, or pop it in a little free library. Just don’t tell me about it. Unless you loved it. Then absolutely tell me all about it. I want to hear every word.
Do you want free books?
Then sign up for Goodreads, Booksweeps, or LibraryThing. Goodreads is now owned by Amazon, so if you’re trying to boycott or you hate them for their myriad of union busting, author scamming ways (completely understandable), then try Booksweeps or LibraryThing. All three platforms consistently gives away free books in all genres and the odds are far better than the lottery. Booksweeps works directly with authors and is a great place to find your next indie read (they’re my favorite). Library Thing is a bit clunky, but still fun and Goodreads is also strangely clunky, but somehow has all the snarky vibes of high school and a NYT review.
Today’s Giveaway
Today I’m sharing my giveaway of the print copies of my forthcoming novel Elevator Ride. This one available through Goodreads. The giveaway runs through 3/16. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Vivian Kaye has been tasked with serving a cease-and-desist letter to Rowan Valkyrie—the most hated tenant in Seattle’s Hoskins building—but when she ambushes the seasoned security professional in the elevator, she ignites a powder keg of tempers and attraction. PREORDER NOW
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GoodreadsGiveaway-03.jpg10811081Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2025-03-12 05:00:502025-03-06 11:59:28What to Giveaway
No, it’s not time for the Oscar’s or anything normal people care about. I’m talking about the extremely niche category of mystery short story awards. The Short Fiction Mystery Society, a volunteer-lead group of short fiction writers annually hosts the Derringer Awards. Any member is welcome to submit a short story that has been published in the previous year in four categories. The stories are judged by volunteers from the society membership and ranked on a standardized score card.
The Rage Cage
While novels are my primary format for writing, periodically I do try to stretch my skills and do some short story writing. The format is different and it makes it much easier to try out some different genres. This year I only submitted one of my short stories – The Rage Cage. It’s a brisk little story about re-evaluating life, questioning self-narratives, Chuck Norris, and of course… revenge. It’s also about the manager of a Rage Cage, a business that allows you to suit up and go smash whatever you want. Mostly it was a chance to try out the Rural Noir genre and write a story about telling yourself the right kind of personal narrative. The year that I helped judge I was impressed by both the quality and the variety of stories and I know that the story I submitted is up against some tough competition. However, judging for the Derringer’s runs from February through March, so I know I’ve got until April to find out if my story picks up a nod.
Anthology Awards
However, in a break from previous tradition, this year the SFMS is trying a new award for anthologies and Larceny & Last Chances, the anthology containing The Rage Cage has been listed as a finalist. With 56 anthologies nominated, getting to the finalist stage is pretty impressive, and I’m extremely happy for all of the authors and our editor, Judy Penz Sheluk. Final awards for the anthologies will also be in announced in April, so send some thoughts and prayers our way. In the meantime, if you’re interested in checking out some award-worthy short stories check out Larceny & Last Chances!
Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, chance.
Between Floors
/in General Writing, Romance, The Stiletto GangWhen You Get Stuck Between Floors
When I start writing a book, I often have a specific scene in mind. For Between Floors, book 2 of the Valkyrie Brothers series, I didn’t. I knew generally what the plot was and who my characters were, but I didn’t have the scene that locked me into the story.
How to Get Unstuck?
Finding the scene to kick off story sometimes means becoming a detective in my work. I have to go back and start stacking up clues and facts about my characters and review what I know about them already so that I can determine what comes next. But as I pondered the riddle of where does the story start for Forest Valkyrie and Chloe Jordan I realized that I already knew the answer.
I remembered a moment in Elevator Ride (book 1) when Forest Valkyrie rushes in late to his brother Rowan’s office. Rowan has been babysitting Forest’s son Oliver and Forest is late to pick him up. Forest is stressed and has provided way more equipment than anyone could possibly need to babysit a three year old (something that amuses Rowan).
“That’s going to be Forest,” said Rowan without moving from the floor. He tossed the little boy up in the air again as the door burst open.
“I’m here. I’m here. Sorry, sorry.”
The man looked to be in his thirties and with dark, disheveled hair as if he’d run all the way up from the parking garage. Vivian recognized the piercing green-flecked eyes that Rowan shared with Oliver, but the slightly frantic edge was not something she associated with the Valkyrie aura.
“Daddy!” chirped the little boy.
“Breathe, Forest,” ordered Rowan, using what Vivian thought of as his commanding voice, and Forest automatically inhaled. “We’re fine,” said Rowan more softly.
“Sorry,” said Forest again. “I didn’t mean to be late.”
“Everything’s fine,” said Rowan. “Olly is training for the paratroopers, and I am getting my arm workout for the day.”
But as I went back to that scene looking for clues to Forest’s character I asked… why is he late? And that kicked off an exploration of what Forest had been doing. And that’s when I realized the answer: Forest was stuck in an elevator with the girl of his dreams… the girl he just rejected as a nanny candidate.
That Sounds Awkward
It was! For them. For me, it was hilarious. First and foremost I write to entertain myself and getting those two into and out of the elevator made me laugh. I hope that readers will as well. Check out Elevator Ride (now on sale for $.99!) to get caught up before launching into Between Floors.
Buy Now: https://amzn.to/3XEL9id
One broken elevator. Two polar opposites. Sometimes love gets stuck between floors.
Free-spirited Chloe Jordan returned to Seattle to face her past, but when she gets stuck in an elevator with grumpy Forest Valkyrie—the terminally stressed single dad who just rejected her as a nanny candidate—Chloe discovers that it’s her future at stake.
Genre: Rom-Com Mystery
Release Date: e-book – 6/23/25, print edition – 6/16/25
Learn more: bethanymaines.com/valkyrie-brothers/
Pick a Pen Name?
/in The Stiletto Gang, RomanceWhat’s in a Pen Name?
I recently have had the opportunity to submit to a dark romance anthology. For those that don’t know dark romance could be defined as a subgenre of romance that explores the messy, complicated, and sometimes twisted side of love and relationships. Dark romance is not my usual genre. A lot of the “morally gray” heroes in the genre just sound abusive to me and I wouldn’t let my heroines date them. However, I did have an idea that was a great fit for the anthology. So, I’ve decided to dip my toe into the dark and spicy waters of dark romance, and that means… it’s time for a pen name.
Why?
Because when my regular readers pick up a book with my name on the cover, they expect a certain tone—witty banter, action-packed plots, and swoony but emotionally stable romantic leads. And let’s be honest, they probably expect fewer, uh, bedroom scenes. The story I’ve written for this anthology is not that. It’s darker, moodier, and yes, much steamier.
In other words, it’s not your grandma’s fantasy romance. Unless your grandma is extremely cool and into antiheroes with tortured pasts.
Won’t Readers Be Confused?
That’s where the pen name comes in. It’s not about shame or secrecy—far from it. In the modern publishing world, pen names are tools. They help readers know what kind of story they’re getting into. Think of it like walking into a bakery versus a steakhouse. You love both, but you don’t want to order a croissant and get a ribeye. Or vice versa. (Although now I’m imagining some kind of buttery, flaky steak pastry and… I digress.)
The reality is, many authors use pen names to differentiate genres. Nora Roberts writes futuristic crime as J.D. Robb. Leigh Bardugo has her dark academia under her real name but uses a different approach for middle grade. It’s not about misleading anyone—it’s about making the reader experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So when I say this new name is the “spicier alter ego of Bethany Maines,” I mean it. It’s the same voice, same storytelling love, but focused on a different emotional and sensual frequency.
Now, picking a pen name is surprisingly difficult. Do I want something evocative and moody? Something a little edgy? Or maybe something just plain fun? I’ve already ruled out “Anastasia Ravenblood” (a little too much), but “Eva Steele”? Maybe. The options are endless—and honestly, a little overwhelming.
So here’s where you come in.
Help Me Choose!
I’d love your input! I’ve created a short (really short—like, blink and it’s over) Google Form where you can help me pick the perfect pen name. No personal data collected, no sales pitches, just your honest opinion and a chance to weigh in on this next creative adventure.
And don’t worry—I’m not abandoning my usual stories. I’m just branching out. Think of this as Bethany Maines… after dark.
Thanks for coming along for the ride, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my mysterious, smoldering, slightly unhinged pen name persona.
Want to learn more about my other romance stories? Check out the romance section: ROMANCE
Does it Need a Trailer Hitch?
/in General Writing, Life, Marketing, The Stiletto GangRecently, I’ve been working on some marketing items including a book trailer for Elevator Ride from my Valkyrie Brothers series. Creating a book trailer is a challenge! It’s like condensing the soul of an entire book into just a minute or less of video magic. The first hurdle? Finding the perfect way to visually represent the story, oh, and also do it in a way that I can either afford or can do myself.
We Have the Technology
Then there’s the creative juggling act. Music, voiceovers, text, and pacing all need to work together harmoniously. Too dramatic? It feels cheesy. Too subtle? It risks being forgettable. Finding that balance is like trying to walk a tightrope in gale-force winds. And don’t forget the tech side! Editing software, sourcing content, and tweaking everything to perfection can be daunting. And while I have picked up some skills editing videos, they aren’t necessarily skills I wanted to have! But I do like having the ability to put some basic things together.
What’s New
This time I worked with a new voice over talent who was looking to see if voice over was really something she could or wanted to do. It was fun to work with someone new and help them explore their talents. I liked what we accomplished and I hope she ends up pursuing vocal work. Here is the result of our collaboration.
Are Trailers Worth It?
In our social media driven world, having video as part of the marketing package is increasingly important. People and search engines react positively to video. It can’t be the only thing in the marketing arsenal but it does mean that more marketing avenues are open to me. So while it might be hard work, it does have a positive impact.
And here’s the silver lining: when it all comes together, there’s a magical sense of accomplishment. A great book trailer isn’t just an advertisement; it’s an invitation to readers to dive into a world they didn’t know they needed.
Want to see some of my other book trailers? Check out my book trailer page: bethanymaines.com/book-trailers/
About the Valkyrie Brothers Series
The Valkyrie Brothers trilogy is a laugh-packed series of connected romantic mysteries starring the Valkyrie Brothers–Rowan, Forest, and Ash–as they struggle to find love AND stay alive in Seattle. LEARN MORE: https://amzn.to/3XEL9id
What to Giveaway
/in Craft, Free Book, General Writing, Romance, The Stiletto GangWell, as a recipient of the occasional free book, I will confirm that yes, I think it’s great when authors giveaway books. However, many authors feel extremely leery of giving away free books. There have been many instances of winners selling books or copying content, so that fear is not unfounded.
However, my philosophy is that while I can’t control the actions of others, I can be a generous person. In other words, haters gonna hate and book pirates are going to book pirate, but I can still put out the kind of energy that I would like to see in the world. Besides, if the four dollars you get from selling an advance print copy of my book is what helps you make it through the day, then take the four bucks. Piracy of ebooks bugs me far more and is an extensive topic that I won’t get into, but in general once I hand you a print copy, you are free to read it, sell it, or pop it in a little free library. Just don’t tell me about it. Unless you loved it. Then absolutely tell me all about it. I want to hear every word.
Do you want free books?
Then sign up for Goodreads, Booksweeps, or LibraryThing. Goodreads is now owned by Amazon, so if you’re trying to boycott or you hate them for their myriad of union busting, author scamming ways (completely understandable), then try Booksweeps or LibraryThing. All three platforms consistently gives away free books in all genres and the odds are far better than the lottery. Booksweeps works directly with authors and is a great place to find your next indie read (they’re my favorite). Library Thing is a bit clunky, but still fun and Goodreads is also strangely clunky, but somehow has all the snarky vibes of high school and a NYT review.
Today I’m sharing my giveaway of the print copies of my forthcoming novel Elevator Ride. This one available through Goodreads. The giveaway runs through 3/16. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Enter the giveaway!
ENTER HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/406074-elevator-ride
About the book:
Vivian Kaye has been tasked with serving a cease-and-desist letter to Rowan Valkyrie—the most hated tenant in Seattle’s Hoskins building—but when she ambushes the seasoned security professional in the elevator, she ignites a powder keg of tempers and attraction. PREORDER NOW
Awards!
/in The Stiletto Gang, Anthology, General Writing, mystery, Rejects PackAwards Season is Here!
No, it’s not time for the Oscar’s or anything normal people care about. I’m talking about the extremely niche category of mystery short story awards. The Short Fiction Mystery Society, a volunteer-lead group of short fiction writers annually hosts the Derringer Awards. Any member is welcome to submit a short story that has been published in the previous year in four categories. The stories are judged by volunteers from the society membership and ranked on a standardized score card.
While novels are my primary format for writing, periodically I do try to stretch my skills and do some short story writing. The format is different and it makes it much easier to try out some different genres. This year I only submitted one of my short stories – The Rage Cage. It’s a brisk little story about re-evaluating life, questioning self-narratives, Chuck Norris, and of course… revenge. It’s also about the manager of a Rage Cage, a business that allows you to suit up and go smash whatever you want. Mostly it was a chance to try out the Rural Noir genre and write a story about telling yourself the right kind of personal narrative. The year that I helped judge I was impressed by both the quality and the variety of stories and I know that the story I submitted is up against some tough competition. However, judging for the Derringer’s runs from February through March, so I know I’ve got until April to find out if my story picks up a nod.
Anthology Awards
However, in a break from previous tradition, this year the SFMS is trying a new award for anthologies and Larceny & Last Chances, the anthology containing The Rage Cage has been listed as a finalist. With 56 anthologies nominated, getting to the finalist stage is pretty impressive, and I’m extremely happy for all of the authors and our editor, Judy Penz Sheluk. Final awards for the anthologies will also be in announced in April, so send some thoughts and prayers our way. In the meantime, if you’re interested in checking out some award-worthy short stories check out Larceny & Last Chances!
Larceny & Last Chances: https://amzn.to/3xUNg7Z
Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, chance.