Tag Archive for: 3 colors trilogy

Author Goals

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 by Bethany Maines

Each writer has their own reason for putting cursor to word doc, but in general it’s because we have a story to tell. And as we develop the story, writers have to live outside the moment and wrap their heads around the entire plot. This goes double when it comes to writing a series.  An author has to keep all the little threads in mind as they write through the books. I’ve developed spreadsheets to track my characters and keep chapter by chapter synopsis’ of each book for easy reference.  All of this means that when it comes to our books and characters we’re like the annoying friend who binged a TV series while the reader is watching one episode a week.  

THE PROBLEM

But this style of writing also means that sometimes characters the author knows are going to be awesome later aren’t so beloved in the initial books.  Which is why when I set out to write book 2 of the 3 Colors Trilogy – A Deeper Blue – I crossed my fingers.  Azure Lucas says some fairly harsh things to her younger sister Scarlet, in book 1 – A Little Red – and I knew that readers that loved Scarlet wouldn’t be thrilled with Azure going into book 2.  Which is necessary for book one, but my challenge is then… Can I make my readers love her in book 2?

So when I send out my book to Advance Readers, I nervously chew my nails and wait for the reviews to come back.  And then, earlier this week, I got this…

AUTHOR GOAL?

Whew! Wiping the sweat off my brow.  My reviewer complete took the journey with Scarlet and Azure.  If I can make my readers love them both then I have met my challenge as a writer. Author goal… achieved! Now I just need to see if they stick around for book 3 – A Brighter Yellow.  Author worries are never completely gone. 

A Deeper Blue releases March 18 and I can’t wait for more readers to fall in love with Azure too.

LEARN MORE

PreOrder – https://amzn.to/3DZQHbf

Goodreads Giveaway – https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/342167

Learn more about the series – https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/

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Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, San Juan Islands Mysteries, Shark Santoyo Crime Series, and numerous
short stories. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some
serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing her
daughter or glued to the computer working on her next novel. You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

A Little Red

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 by Bethany Maines

Tomorrow is release day for A Little Red, book 1 of my newest series – The 3 Colors Trilogy.  I’m trying several new things with this series. While I’ve written fantasy before, I’ve never tried my hand at paranormal romance.  I’m also using a quick release strategy and putting out the entire trilogy within 3 months so that everyone can binge on the completed series like Netflix.  And I’m using a low release week price (¢.99!!). With the new genre and the non-traditional sales strategies I have to admit that I’m nervous for tomorrow.

Those nerves have been a bit mitigated by the early reviews.  Whether or not the series is a sales success remains to be seen, but at least the Advance Readers are thoroughly enjoying the story. 

“This fantastic page-turner is a paranormal romance that sizzled, and it excited and riveted me. The beautiful plot, unique storyline, stylish writing, and careful development of the story and characters locked me in for the entire ride.”
– Readers’ Favorite 

The series is a fun, angsty romance trilogy with a trio of siblings as they meet and fall in love with shifter wolves. There are bad guy warlocks, good girl witches, and a few more magical beings roaming around because if I’m going paranormal I’m not stopping with wolves. The fun part about writing this series was trying to establish how each creature and species would interact with our modern world. Of course it also meant debating the proper system of capitalization of supernatural creatures and whether or not wolves liked blueberries.  Although, on the blueberries, I’m completely backed up by science – they do. A Little Red is, of course,  inspired by Little Red Riding Hood and even includes a grandma (don’t worry, she lives).  Bringing Little Red and her wolf together was enormously fun, and I’m happy to report that this fairy tale comes complete with a Happily Ever After.  I really enjoyed writing these tales of love, magic, and good vs. evil and I hope readers will enjoy taking the journey with me.  Here’s a quick little blurb, to find out more, try the links below.

A Little Red: Scarlet Lucas went out on Halloween dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, but she never expected her boss, the mysterious and ferociously attractive Liam Grayson to turn out to be the Wolf. But when Liam is the victim of a vicious attack that leaves him trapped in wolf form, Scarlet must face down not only warlocks, but Liam’s own pack in order to save him.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERIES:  https://amzn.to/3DZQHbf

BUY A LITTLE RED:  https://amzn.to/3BFrh0t

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER: https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals-chapter-1/

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Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, San Juan Islands Mysteries, Shark Santoyo Crime Series, and numerous
short stories. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some
serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing her
daughter or glued to the computer working on her next novel. You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

3 Colors Cover Reveal

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 by Bethany Maines

3 Colors Trilogy Launches!

For a little over a year, I’ve been feverishly working on the series of books that would become the 3 Colors Trilogy.  These action-packed paranormal romances feature a trio of siblings Azure, Ochre, and Scarlet as they find love and face danger from evil warlocks. While not traditional mysteries in the sense that no one is trying to solve a murder – each book finds the romantic leads trying to puzzle out out who is targeting them and why.  These quick steamy reads are the most fun I’ve had writing in a long time. The couples are swoon-worthy, funny, and who doesn’t love werewolves?

How to Write the Heming…Way

One part of writing this series that has been interesting has been working with a beta reading service. Because this isn’t my usual genre, I used a service to supply beta readers I didn’t know to read the initial completed manuscript. The readers then answered a short survey of questions that I provided.  It was amazingly insightful, but also nerve wracking! Handing over a partially edited book to a stranger for feedback… whew! The first time, my nerves were tested and I may have had to Hemingway (aka drink!) my way through the first reading of their responses. But the were all quite kind to me and provided many useful data points.

Coming Soon!

The series is now complete and I’ll be utilizing a quick release strategy for the trilogy—releasing them one month a part in February, March and April of 2022. Fans won’t have to wait for the next installment. Want to learn more about my Supernatural world?  Check out the links below!

Learn More: https://bethanymaines.com/supernaturals/

Pre-Order: SERIES PAGE

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Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, San Juan Islands Mysteries, Shark Santoyo Crime Series, and numerous short stories. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing her daughter or glued to the computer working on her next novel. You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.