Back in June, I wrote about how I hoped I’d get some summer activities in despite having over committed myself to a number of projects. My summer list was long and included finishing the manuscripts for the four books I’m releasing with Varus Publishing this year.  So how’s that working out for me?

Summer Writing!

Writing continues! I always have a variety of projects going on, but with a full batch of books to complete this summer, I have not been able to complete many “side quest” writing projects, with the exception of one cozy bookshop mystery! I submitted it to an anthology and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it gets accepted, but I won’t find out until at least September.

For my slate of 2026 novels with Varus Publishing, progress is on-going. Heart’s Curse is getting an audio edition (woohoo!) which will hopefully be released in late August.  Forged in Flame is out now and took a trip to the land of its birth – Hawaii! Book 3 – Curse Locked is currently with the editor and I have wrapped up the manuscript for Book 4 – Fated Fortune.  I was going to turn that one in early, but last week I had a sudden realization while brushing my teeth about a specific scene and now I need to go back and do a little editing. However, I’m also reviving a novella that didn’t have a home and expanding it to go into the Montanari Universe Series. Wish me luck as I’ll be approaching Varus to see if they want a book 5 (or more)!

However, once I finish the novella expansion, I’ll be focusing on my next mystery novel. This one is centered around a whiskey bar and I’ve been enjoying all of my whiskey research. Sadly, I don’t have the budget to enjoy all the research I’d like to do. Because, believe me, not only would I be buying expensive bottles, I’d be flying to Ireland for a totally legitimate, not-at-all-a-vacation, whiskey based research project. But I’ve got the location and an excellent cast of characters. Now I just need to figure out which one of them “done it.”  Oh, and, of course, write the dang thing.

Art Projects?

Well, if you count painting the house as an artistic endeavor, then… sure? Otherwise, it’s been slow going in the art department. This is partially due to the fact that we also adopted a puppy.  Stormageddon, destroyer of all (mostly shoes), AKA Stormy, has officially been welcomed into our house as of August.  This charming trouble maker loves the sprinkler, chewing… anything, and barking at dogs on the TV.  We’re still working on the potty training situation, but she’s very bright and I’m sure will figure it out in the next week or two. I’m  referring to her as “my writing partner” which has been enjoyably confusing for my more human-centered friends.  You can catch pics and videos of her on my instagram: www.instagram.com/authorbethanymaines/

I also took on another side-project that I’ll be writing about in September’s blog. It’s currently top secret, but I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone who loves reading.

What about you?

Have you gotten to all the summer projects you that for sure that you’d have time for?

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