Plotting a Murder
Plotting all the Plots
Recently, I came across a call for a short story anthology focused on murder mysteries that took place in the workplace. However, the stipulation was that the death be dependent on that working situation. As a graphic designer, unless I accidentally stab my business partner to death with my college-era bone folder because she kerned too tightly, I don’t foresee a lot of work-related deaths in my future. So I had to look further afield, or at least into other fields of work, for my murderous plotting.
But having eyed my business partner for death once, I decided that she could be a useful resource – not as a dead body (she was relieved to hear this), but as a contact point for her brother, who works for a railroad. After all, with so much big machinery, a railroad seems a viable location for dangerous deaths. Now, who to kill and how?
As we took our lunch break on a nearby beach, we discussed the whys and wherefores of offing someone. I believe we frightened an older couple with a Yorkie. Saying, “yes, but who should we kill?” is probably not the conversation they were expecting to overhear. Once we had come up with a viable reason to kill someone, we needed a how.
Don’t Put Plotting on Your Brother’s Work Phone
But we also needed to figure out how to ask her brother, because as it turns out, his work provides his phone. Which means that, should there be a problem, his tech support can view his messages. Plotting a murder over text is probably not something he would appreciate having on record. So my business partner accepted the mission to discover how to kill someone at the railroad. She performed this clandestine operation with the simple application of… a phone call. Fortunately, her brother, once he understood the assignment, was more than happy to share a myriad of ways to off a co-worker. And whew! did he have some doozies!
So… How does it happen?
I can’t tell you that! However, I must admit that I had not even realized that death in this manner was a thing that could happen. I was expecting “run over by a train” not baked from… nope, nope, nope, not spilling the manner of death. I’ll keep it close to the vest until I’ve got a story to go with it.
But if you want something funny and dangerous to read sooner than that, you can check out…
Emergency Exit
Release Date: 9/22
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.
PRE ORDER: https://amzn.to/3XEL9id
LEARN MORE: bethanymaines.com/valkyrie-brothers
The Publishing Game
What 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).
- 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!
Between Floors
When 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
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.
Genre: Rom-Com Mystery
Release Date: e-book – 6/23/25, print edition – 6/16/25
Learn more: bethanymaines.com/valkyrie-brothers/
Does it Need a Trailer Hitch?
A Trailer & More
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.
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
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.
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!
Awards 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.
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!
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.
New Year, New Plan
New Year, New Plan
There’s a lot of “New year, new plan!” going around in January. And to be fair I’ve been working on the plan since last year, but this month it’s time to get some of the details worked out. I know a lot of writers like to wing their social media calendar and a few who like to plan to the last detail. I’m somewhere in the middle. Social media works best when it’s responsive and done live. However, my life works best when it’s scheduled and I don’t have to think about it. And marketing generally works best when it’s coordinated and scheduled in advance, so working out a calendar of what happens when becomes more crucial.
What is the New Plan?
Coming out in 2025 is the complete Valkyrie Brothers Trilogy. This Seattle rom-com mystery series specializes in happily ever afters, witty dialogue, and bad guys who get punched in the face. And also, somehow meeting your true love in an elevator. Elevator Ride—Book 1 of the Valkyrie Brothers Trilogy—is an age-gap romance with a sexy ex-Marine and a feisty paralegal who may have gotten herself chin deep in trouble. Between Floors—book 2–is an action-packed, grumpy-sunshine romance with a wealthy single dad who gets stuck in an elevator with the hippy nanny candidate he just rejected. And Emergency Exit—book 3—is a fake engagement romance with a savvy tech investor and a quirky emergency management specialist who has a very good reason to hate jumbotrons. Laugh along with the Valkyrie Brothers as they fend off the bad guys and find love.
And while the Valkyrie Brothers are making their debut, I’ll be working on more paranormal romances! Some of you who follow me on social media may have heard me mention this fabulous idea I had about a giant demon exploding through the floor of a charity gala. (Trust me, it’s going to be great!)
So, the plan is to market, advertise, and shove the Valkyrie Brothers at everyone, while I type my little fingers off on next years paranormal romances. I’m also excited to see the Stiletto Gang’s new feature “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Books” come to life as we take one day a month to feature a new book from one of our Gang members. And I’m hoping to be accepted into a few anthologies with some romance and crime short stories.
That Sounds Like A Lot.
It does, doesn’t it? But, I’m hoping that by scheduling in advance and scheduling some down time in advance as well, that it won’t be overwhelming. We’ll see what I say in June. Possibly by then I will be chucking everything out the window and heading for the beach. Wish me luck for this new year. I’m sure I can use it!
***
Learn more about the Valkyrie Brothers
ELEVATOR RIDE
Twenty-six floors. Two professionals. Sometimes love only needs one Elevator Ride…
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.
Pre-Order on Amazon: CLICK HERE
Read more: bethanymaines.com/valkyrie-brothers/
2025 is Coming!
2025 is coming for me!
And I am not ready. I’m not ready for Christmas, I barely made it through Thanksgiving and New Year’s is barreling down on me like a freight train. In 2025, I’m trying something new as an author—a release schedule that doesn’t sync up with my work conference season, and a “long” quick release schedule. In romance publishing it’s not uncommon to see authors releasing books in a series mere weeks or a month apart. But I tried that in 2022 and I think I’m still recovering.
In 2025 I’m planning on releasing a complete trilogy, but I plan on doing them three months apart — March, June, and September. This will off-set them from peak seasons at work and also give me a little breathing space, while hopefully keeping readers engaged. But that means that I’m setting up a lot of marketing now in 2024. And if I’m putting my time toward one thing then I’m taking time from somewhere else.
So what should you be doing – if not preparing for 2025?
Christmas shopping! I don’t even have proper list or a spreadsheet! I’m just randomly buying crap and hoping that I’m getting closer to wrapping.
Upon reviewing those last few sentences, I have come to the conclusion that I might be a giant nerd. Does anyone else have a shopping spreadsheet? Just me? OK, well, if you do… nerds unite! You are my people.
But I haven’t even put up a tree. The stockings are up, so we’re not totally without Christmas, but still… The days are ticking by too fast! Although, I can’t tell for sure if that’s true since we didn’t get an advent calendar either. How can I really tell how close we are to Christmas without small amounts of chocolate being continually fed to me?
Meanwhile, I feel like I’m ADHD as I try to wrap up all my writing goals for the end of the year. There’s all the marketing I need to do, a contest I want to submit to that means I have some pages that need polishing, a novel that needs polishing and a paranormal romance that is begging to be written. And every time I work on one I feel guilty that I’m not working on the others.
How am I supposed to get enough family time, let alone Christmas cookies, into my December with that many projects? If you’ve got time saving tips or great gift ideas–I’m all ears.
But what I hear you saying is that there is a new series coming?
Yes. There is! The Valkyrie Brother’s Trilogy! Half rom-com, half mystery and all fun. The series features three brothers navigating reuniting their family, fighting off bad guys, and coincidentally meeting their true loves in elevators all across town. Book 1 – Elevator Ride – will be released in March of 2025 and is currently available for pre-order. If you want to learn more, it was recently featured over at Dru’s Book Musing Blog! And while you’re over there check out Dru’s fabulous reviews and other content.
Learn more about Elevator Ride: https://drusbookmusing.com/cover-reveal-elevator-ride/
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3AnaMLQ
Sasqwatch!
The Sasqwatch Film Festival
Last year, I connected with a Canadian film director who was looking for a fast, funny, crime-centered short script. Of which I had… zero. But what I did have was a stack of short stories. So I transferred one of my short stories to script format. He loved it, optioned it (that’s put it on hold in movie terms) and then produced it. It was a fantastic collaborative process and I loved seeing what he did with the script. Once the short film was complete, it was submitted to a variety of film festivals (including Sasqwatch Film Festival). Unfortunately, I wasn’t near to any of the festivals that accepted the film. And I wanted to see MY movie on the big screen.
But finally…
Then it got accepted into the Sasqwatch Film Festival in Vancouver BC. Which is well within driving distance for me in Washington State. So we farmed out the kiddo to my brother and invaded Canada! And then, after four hours sitting down in the car, we sat down in a darkened theater and watched Suzy Makes Cupcakes and a slate of other shorts.
So, it’s about cupcakes?
No. It’s about crime. And cupcakes. But mostly it’s about a woman who got married young to an abusive jerkwad who works for a crime syndicate. Suzy wants out of the life and away from her husband, but how to do that? Well… you come up with a plan, you make some cupcakes and then you see where the day takes you. But you do it all in twelve minutes or less because this is a short film after all. The short story version of the story made it’s debut at Noir at the Bar in Seattle and you can hear me read it in the recording from KUOW.
Was Sasqwatch everything you hoped?
Yes, actually it was. While it was a bit weird to hear people saying words that I made up, it was so fantastic to see it on the big screen. The director Jayson Theirren also flew into town and we got to meet in person for the first time. Afterwards, we all got drinks and talked movies, movies, movies. Then my partner and I went out for dinner, ate too much, and had a lovely evening out in Vancouver sans child. So basically, it was all that I hoped for and more.