Welcome to Spring
Spring . . . ing into Overcommitment
As I note in this month’s newsletter, I may have overcommitted myself a tiny bit this month. Between work, writerly events, taxes, my child’s spring break, work events, and writing itself, I find that I have had to put aside several axillary goals. In fact, I’m reminded of a quote I saw once from Nora Roberts who said something to the effect that some of the balls you are juggling are glass and some are plastic — the trick is to only drop the plastic ones.
Glass doesn’t Spring
The items that I can’t drop are the items with deadlines. Forged in Flame, book 2 of the Montanari Universe series, is out in June. So all the editing associated is at the top of the list. I’m excited for this book as it expands the universe and introduces new characters. Each book is a stand-alone, meaning that you do NOT have to read the first one, but the stories are linked through the character of Dante Montanari. But that means I have to figure out his character without the benefit of having an entire book of him to explore what’s going on with him. There has been lots of ruminating and for the last two weeks, a lot of furiously fast editing, to get everything buttoned down before Forged in Flame goes up for pre-order.
I also can’t drop my mom duties, so those items are at the top of the list. And work has some deadlines that also can’t be moved. So it looks like some late nights for me to make sure that everything gets done.
So which Spring goal is plastic?
My long-term goal of becoming a better watercolorist is definitely something that I can drop for April. On one hand it is a goal that I feel like I have put off for over a decade because of motherhood and focusing on writing, so it feels sad to set aside yet again. But on the other hand, I have made several efforts this last few years and I know I can come back and pursue it more fully this summer when I will be working a little less to be with my kiddo for “Art Fridays.” (She also loves to paint and craft.) When I come back, I’ve got several new paintings planned, including this one of the Vashon Island lighthouse.
Also, on the list of things I will drop like a hot potato are other people’s problems. Do you want me to get you files because you’re going on vacation and you would like them so everything’s tidy for when you get back? Gosh… that just sounds like a you problem. Your vacation is not my emergency.
But as I juggle my way toward May, I know that someday there will be a summer. And hopefully it will be a lot less busy. Now if I could just remember to say no to a few things…
***
Forged in Flame – Releasing June 4
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That all 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?
Learn More: https://bethanymaines.com/catalog/sirena-corbeau/
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Philosophy
Today’s Giveaway
Wahoo! My little Christmas romantic-comedy Blue Christmas is still making waves – It has officially been named a Finalist at the 
I don’t think my preference for the old and familiar is particularly unusual. I think most of us are little grumpy about being forced into new things. We’re uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. On the other hand, studies seem to indicate that actively being in a place of uncertainty and learning keeps Alzheimer’s at bay. Being used to a little discomfort makes us appreciate what we have and have grace for those who also in discomfort. And I think that if a few more people were used to being told no and being a little more uncomfortable then they wouldn’t lose their cool and have public temper-tantrums in the middle of Target (why is it always Target?). Perhaps we need new things periodically just to remind us that sometimes we don’t always get to keep our favorite mug. And sometimes we need a new mug to tell us that everything will be OK. As long as it looks vintage.
The Cinderella Secret is coming 10.19.20 and there are gifts, prizes, and sneak peeks for you to delve into! The Cinderella Secret is a romantic thriller that continues the Deveraux family saga, this time with Aiden Deveraux, the handsome lawyer going up against Ella Zhao who blames the Deveraux family for her father’s death. With family secrets and thrills at every turn, The Cinderella Secret delivers a one-two punch of passion and action that will keep readers turning the pages.
I will be part of a new series from my publishing company called Galactic Dreams featuring stories that are part science-fiction, part fairy tale, part romance and all adventure. Galactic Dreams Volume 1 will feature 3 novellas of fairy tales “reimagined for a new age—the future,” including Soldier, Princess, Rebel Spy (Mulan) from Karen Harris Tully, Aurora One (Sleeping Beauty) from the Stiletto Gang’s own J.M. Phillippe and When Stars Take Flight (Thumbelina) by me. Pre-orders will be available next week, but if you want a chance two win 2 of the three stories for free, check out the rafflecopter below!
Book 2 of the Shark Santoyo Crime Series returns to the suburban underworld of teenage drug dealers and gang enforcer Shark Santoyo as he tries to figure out what to do with a bowling alley and an ATF Agent who is out to get him.
The sequel to An Unseen Current will finally be available in June. This quirky cozy mystery series features 87 year-old, ex-CIA agent Tobias Yearly and his granddaughter Tish bickering, tackling home improvement projects, and solving mysteries in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. In Against the Undertow, handsome Sheriff’s Deputy Emmett Nash, was just accused of murdering his ex-wife’s boyfriend, and Tish and Tobias must face down hippies, cops, and psychotic event planners to solve the mystery and save their friend.