Publishing is always a bit of a game, but sometimes I feel more like I’m racking up publishing “points.” This year, I’ve found myself with some unexpectedly free writing time. I wrapped up writing the series I was working on (the Valkyrie Brothers) and I didn’t have a next grand project to launch into. Which meant I found myself surfing around the author communities and checking out open submission calls. Short stories are always a unique challenge, but for some reason there have been some what I would call “long-short story” openings. Usually short stories are under 5,000 words, but these were running 8 or 9 thousand words and then there were some novella openings at 15,000 – 20,000 words. Which was when I decided to give myself carpal tunnel syndrome and to rack up as many publishing points as possible.
Short Stories
Short stories usually publish in magazines and anthologies and are often snapshots of a moment. Compressing an entire plot into a short story is almost impossible. Respect to the writer’s who can accomplish it, but my view of short stories are that they are their own format and have their own rhythm and conventions.
Mid-Length
But mid-length stories? Hmmm… This was a new challenge for me. At 8-9k words that seemed like enough room to get an entire plot in. So I went back to my plotting systems, worked on some outlines, and then did math. I know that doesn’t sound natural for a writer, but once I knew how many scenes/chapters I had, I could divide by the total allowed word count and figure out my allowed words per scene. And then I could see how badly I was blowing past that word count.
Novellas
I used the same formula for the 15-20k word novellas as I did for the mid-length stories and was happy with the increased word count. The finished products seemed a bit “naked” in that I felt like if I wanted them to be full length novels they should have more description. However, even with the length requirements and fast pacing I still felt like I had a complete story and I was happy with the results.
For this experiment the openings were in spicier romance novels, which is not my usual readership. Since I didn’t want to ambush any of my readers with extra spicy content, I decided to submit the stories with a pen name and I asked readers for help picking what to use. The results are now in and Vivienne Cross was the clear winner.
So What’s Next?
Here’s a quick run down of stories that are in the works (or have been published already).
Front Desk Staff – Short Story – This crime short found a home in Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers and will be out June 18 – BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/3FGfkzF
Carol of the Bells – Mid-Length – This Hallmark-style small town romance will be in the 12 Knights of Christmas anthology and will be out in October.
Love, Lefse, & Murder – Mid-Length – This Cozy Culinary Mystery is on submission and was sent off with a lingonberry jam recipe. Fingers crossed, but if it doesn’t go to the anthology I’ll still be sure to share the recipe with all of you!
Bound by Desire – Novella – This incubus romance is on submission to the publisher and I’m hopeful that this sex positive tale will find a home, but it will definitely be a Vivienne Cross story.
Forged in Flame – Novella – Also with a publisher, this dragon shifter romance has got all the tropes and takes place in Hawaii. It’s possible I just wanted to go to the beach when I wrote it, but it’s another Vivienne Cross novella.
Savage Hope – Novella – I was going to submit this story about a girl on the run from her necromancer stepdad, but I ended up loving it too much. So I’m keeping it and will be adding it to my Supernatural series. It’s got horror story vibes, motorcycles, and an army of undead roadkill. One of the most fun things I’ve written recently.
Deja Brew – Novella – A paranormal (but clean) romance, this one features a coffee shop owner who sees the future, but only a few minutes ahead. I’m still writing this one, and the girl just found out that the guy used to work for the corporate coffee chain that wants to buy out her store! Wish them (and me) luck.
And of course (and most important) … Emergency Exit – Novel –Release date: 9/22/25 – Book 3 of the Valkyrie Brothers series. Tech investor Asher Valkyrie hired Harper Smoak to be his fake girlfriend for stress-free social events, but the faux-relationship quickly sends real sparks flying. What began as a simple arrangement soon turns into a high-stakes game of love and survival when Ash’s lies begin to unravel. – PREORDER NOW: https://amzn.to/43ZKsT6
If all goes well, then between 2025 – 2026 then I should have 5-6 additional publishing credits beyond my usual novels. And yes, that seems like a lot to me too. But if I’m going to get all the publishing points and play the game, then I’m going to play to win. I’ll keep everyone posted on how things go!
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/VivienneCross.jpg10801080Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2025-07-09 06:30:502025-07-02 09:39:41The Publishing Game
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
The Publishing Game
/in General WritingWhat Are We Publishing?
Publishing is always a bit of a game, but sometimes I feel more like I’m racking up publishing “points.” This year, I’ve found myself with some unexpectedly free writing time. I wrapped up writing the series I was working on (the Valkyrie Brothers) and I didn’t have a next grand project to launch into. Which meant I found myself surfing around the author communities and checking out open submission calls. Short stories are always a unique challenge, but for some reason there have been some what I would call “long-short story” openings. Usually short stories are under 5,000 words, but these were running 8 or 9 thousand words and then there were some novella openings at 15,000 – 20,000 words. Which was when I decided to give myself carpal tunnel syndrome and to rack up as many publishing points as possible.
Short Stories
Short stories usually publish in magazines and anthologies and are often snapshots of a moment. Compressing an entire plot into a short story is almost impossible. Respect to the writer’s who can accomplish it, but my view of short stories are that they are their own format and have their own rhythm and conventions.
Mid-Length
But mid-length stories? Hmmm… This was a new challenge for me. At 8-9k words that seemed like enough room to get an entire plot in. So I went back to my plotting systems, worked on some outlines, and then did math. I know that doesn’t sound natural for a writer, but once I knew how many scenes/chapters I had, I could divide by the total allowed word count and figure out my allowed words per scene. And then I could see how badly I was blowing past that word count.
Novellas
I used the same formula for the 15-20k word novellas as I did for the mid-length stories and was happy with the increased word count. The finished products seemed a bit “naked” in that I felt like if I wanted them to be full length novels they should have more description. However, even with the length requirements and fast pacing I still felt like I had a complete story and I was happy with the results.
For this experiment the openings were in spicier romance novels, which is not my usual readership. Since I didn’t want to ambush any of my readers with extra spicy content, I decided to submit the stories with a pen name and I asked readers for help picking what to use. The results are now in and Vivienne Cross was the clear winner.
So What’s Next?
Here’s a quick run down of stories that are in the works (or have been published already).
If all goes well, then between 2025 – 2026 then I should have 5-6 additional publishing credits beyond my usual novels. And yes, that seems like a lot to me too. But if I’m going to get all the publishing points and play the game, then I’m going to play to win. I’ll keep everyone posted on how things go!
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