Bethany Maines drinks from an arsenic mug

New Year

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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. (You can check out some of our books on the Books Page now!) 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!

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Learn more about the Valkyrie Brothers

Elevator Ride, Valkyrie Brothers Book 1, a new release for March 2025ELEVATOR 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/

 

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Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of action-adventure and fantasy tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. She can usually be found chasing after her daughter, or glued to the computer working on her next novel (or screenplay). You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

 

New Year, New Reads: Setting Your 2025 Reading Goals

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January is a time of fresh starts, renewed motivation, and setting intentions for the year ahead. If you’re like me, reading is a core part of your life, and what better way to kick off 2025 than by setting some inspiring reading goals? Whether you’re a voracious reader or someone looking to rediscover the joy of books, here are some ideas for New Year reading resolutions to help you make 2025 your most bookish year yet!

 

1. Read Outside Your Comfort Zone
We all have our favorite genres (hello, cozy mysteries!), but sometimes it’s fun to branch out. Consider adding a thriller, a historical novel, or a non-fiction book to your reading list this year. You might discover a new favorite!

2. Set a Number Goal
Want to read more books this year? Setting a specific number can help you stay on track. Whether it’s 12 books (one per month) or 50 books, make it a goal that excites and motivates you. Don’t worry if life gets busy—any progress is a win!

3. Support Indie Authors and Bookstores
Independent authors and local bookstores need love, and supporting them can add meaningful books to your shelf. Make it a resolution to read at least a few books by indie authors or buy from your favorite neighborhood bookstore.

4. Create a Reading Ritual
Turn reading into a self-care practice by setting a regular time to read. Maybe it’s 20 minutes before bed, a Sunday morning with coffee, or during your lunch break. Consistent reading time helps you unwind and ensures you’re always making progress on your TBR pile.

5. Start a Reading Journal
Track your thoughts, favorite quotes, and reviews in a reading journal. Not only does this make reading more intentional, but it’s also a great way to reflect on everything you’ve enjoyed throughout the year.

6. Join (or Start) a Book Club
Reading can be even more enjoyable when you share it with others. Join an online or local book club to discover new books and engage in lively discussions. Can’t find one that matches your interests? Start your own!

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Read for Fun
Goals are great, but remember that reading should always be a joy, not a chore. Don’t feel pressured to hit a number or complete a list if it’s not serving you. If you’re loving a book, savor it. If you’re not, it’s okay to set it aside. The best resolution is to keep the joy of reading alive all year long.

What are your reading goals for 2025? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

Happy New Year, and happy reading!

 

Debra Sennefeder is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series. She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie. You can keep in touch with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.

Life’s Little Instructions

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As we complete another rotation around our sun, some of us like to make resolutions for things we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. There are lots of lists out there to guide us: new diets to try and exercise regimens to tackle. New books to read and buckets of travel options to consider. Or, perhaps we just want to work at developing a new and improved version of ourselves.

The list of 95-year-old William Snell that has been circulating across social media lately seems about right, although I wonder if he meant to number them in order of their importance. At times, his suggestions feel like sly digs at people who make such lists in the first place.

After all, while singing in the shower can truly be a mood enhancing exercise, should it really be first on the list—and followed closely by the caution to never turn down a homemade brownie?

I also ponder his #18 admonishment. Of course, at the Gang, we work to keep our stilettos (and our prose) well-polished. But maintaining shiny shoes in winter can be a challenge for those in northern climes. And in summertime, do we really need to shine our flip-flops?

Yet I heartily agree with #29. Dogs absolutely make make us better humans. And though I can’t remember the last time I waved at kids on a school bus (#33), I always wave at them when the zoo train comes around. Hopefully that counts.

I’m not exactly sure what Mr. Snell intended with #38. Life as an exclamation? Unfortunately, we can’t ask him about it. A Google search turned up no information beyond what’s on this weathered document, or exactly when the list was first written. But I hope he had a good life.

Still, if you’re looking for a few suggestions on how to live a pleasant life in 2025 and beyond, most of these tips might provide a good starting place. Especially #37.

Cheers!

Which “little instruction” would you take to heart for 2025?
Feel free to list your own tips in the Comments section below!
Gay Yellen is the author of the award-winning Samantha Newman Mysteries *
The Body Business***The Body Next Door***The Body in the News!***