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/

Want to be an Advance Reader for Forged in Flame?

Fill out this form with your name and preferred email address and get an email with a download link in May.  Advance Readers get an early copy of the book and promise to leave a review on Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon by the first week of publication.  (You will get a reminder email with links.) Reviews may be as short as one sentence.