Marlene M. Bell – From Artist to Award-Winning Author
Bell’s visual creativity enhances her descriptive writing, providing vivid imagery for readers.
Marlene M. Bell shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, and advice for aspiring writers, highlighting her multifaceted creativity and dedication to storytelling across genres.
Marlene M. Bell is a literary powerhouse whose work transcends genres, captivating readers with her vivid storytelling and rich character development. Her acclaimed Annalisse series, particularly the novel “Copper Waters,” is a masterful exploration of family ties and betrayal set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand. Bell’s ability to weave intricate plots with relatable characters showcases her exceptional skill as a writer. Her talents extend beyond adult fiction; her children’s picture book, “Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!,” is a heartwarming tale inspired by true events from her East Texas sheep ranch. This touching story of belonging and unconditional love between a little girl and her lamb has resonated with young readers and their families. Marlene’s dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages make her a standout figure in contemporary literature.
In a recent interview, Marlene M. Bell shared insights into the inspirations behind her work, her creative process, and the wisdom she offers to aspiring writers. Her journey from artist and photographer to award-winning author is a testament to her multifaceted creativity and relentless pursuit of excellence. Bell’s intriguing settings and complex characters often draw from her personal experiences, seamlessly integrating them into her narratives.
Marlene M. Bell’s exceptional storytelling and ability to connect with diverse audiences make her a stand
The choice of New Zealand as the setting for “Copper Waters” was influenced by Bell’s background in sheep husbandry. The country’s breathtaking landscapes and sheep stations provided the perfect backdrop for her story, offering readers a glimpse into the unique aspects of sheep farming in different parts of the world. This setting also allowed her main characters the necessary space to work through their differences, adding depth to the narrative.
In “A Hush at Midnight,” Bell introduces readers to Laura Harris, a former celebrity chef entangled in a murder investigation. Bell’s personal passion for cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients inspired the creation of this complex character. Laura’s culinary expertise, honed in France, adds an international flair to the story, heightening the tension and intrigue.
Sheep frequently appear in Bell’s books, reflecting her life on a sheep ranch. Her company, Ewephoric, was born out of a desire to fill the gap in sheep-related merchandise. This personal connection to sheep has made it essential for Bell to incorporate these animals into her stories, both in novels and children’s books. “Mia and Nattie” is based on the true story of raising a bottle lamb, Nattie, who became an integral part of their sheep operation.
Bell’s work spans both adult mystery novels and children’s books, each presenting unique challenges. Writing “Mia and Nattie” allowed her to process the grief of losing Nattie and share valuable life lessons with young readers. Her experience in writing novels gave her the courage to step out of her genre comfort zone and explore new storytelling avenues.
As an accomplished artist and photographer, Bell’s visual creativity significantly influences her writing process. Her ability to draw and paint what she sees in nature enhances her descriptive abilities, providing readers with vivid imagery. She relies on coffee table books and firsthand accounts to accurately depict international locations, ensuring readers can visualize the settings in her novels.
With multiple awards to her name, Marlene M. Bell offers valuable advice to aspiring writers. She emphasizes the importance of researching one’s chosen genre and reading extensively, both within and outside the genre. Reading helps overcome writer’s block and opens the flow of words. Bell also stresses the importance of publishing a professional product, which includes working with editors, cover designers, book formatters, and proofreaders.
Marlene M. Bell’s journey from artist to acclaimed author is a testament to her dedication and passion for storytelling. Her ability to connect with readers across genres and age groups makes her a true luminary in the world of literature.
