Mysteries, Sheep, and Stories of the Heart
Marlene M. Bell discusses her acclaimed Annalisse series, the influence of her sheep ranch on her writing, and her creative process across mystery novels and children’s books.
Marlene M. Bell is a literary force whose work spans across genres, captivating readers of all ages with her vivid storytelling and rich character development. Her Annalisse series has garnered significant acclaim, with Copper Waters standing out as a masterful exploration of family ties and betrayal set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand. Bell’s ability to weave intricate plots with relatable characters is a testament to her skill as a writer. Her talents are not confined to 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 this interview, we delve into the inspirations behind Marlene’s work, her creative process, and the wisdom she offers to aspiring writers. From her intriguing settings and complex characters to her seamless integration of personal experiences into her narratives, Marlene shares insights that reveal the depth of her passion for storytelling. Her journey from artist and photographer to award-winning author is a testament to her multifaceted creativity and relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us as we explore the mind of Marlene M. Bell, a true luminary in the world of literature.
Marlene M. Bell masterfully blends mystery and heart,
captivating readers with her vivid storytelling and unique pastoral charm.
Your Annalisse series has gained significant acclaim, particularly Copper Waters, which explores themes of family ties and betrayal. What inspired you to set this mystery in New Zealand, and how did the setting influence the development of the story?
Because of my sheep husbandry background, New Zealand was chosen for its beautiful scenic landscape and a place to showcase their sheep stations. Readers who might not know how other countries raise their sheep would find the information interesting and an excellent learning experience. This New Zealand getaway was necessary for my main characters to have time apart to work out their differences.
In A Hush at Midnight, the protagonist Laura Harris is a former celebrity chef entangled in a murder investigation. How do you go about creating such complex characters, and what role does the culinary world play in heightening the tension and intrigue in the story?
Another personal pastime of mine is cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients for the best dining experience. I thought it would be a challenge to create a character who loves to cook (bake) and bring another book out with an international flair due to Laura’s training in France at one of the best culinary schools in the world.
Sheep often make appearances in your books, including your children’s picture book Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! How does your life on a sheep ranch influence your writing, and what draws you to incorporate these animals into your stories?
My company, Ewephoric, was created in 1985 due to the lack of merchandise available depicting sheep in the retail world. I’m an artist and decided to bring out my own sheep-related products which led me to include other artisan’s sheep gifts in a printed catalog and online. My husband and I raise various sheep breeds and have for well over 40 years. Having sheep as part of our family has made it essential to create stories with sheep and lambs making cameo appearances in novels and children’s books. You could say, I write what I know! Mia and Nattie is based on raising a bottle lamb in our home and how she became important to our sheep operation.
Your work spans both adult mystery novels and children’s books. How do you approach the different challenges these genres present, and what do you enjoy most about writing for such diverse audiences?
Raising Natalie, our bottle lamb we called “Nattie,” taught me several life lessons. Mia and Nattie covers several of these lessons important for young people to learn as they mature and enter society. When Nattie passed on at the age of 13, it hit me harder than expected. I felt compelled to get her story out to children and their parents. Writing novels gave me the courage to jump out of my genre comfort zone and try something new to work through the grief.
As an accomplished artist and photographer, how does your visual creativity intersect with your writing process? Do you find that your artistic background influences how you describe settings or develop the visual elements of your stories?
Without question my ability to draw and paint what I see in nature has made me better at descriptions for my books. Through purchasing coffee table books and the visuals they provide, I can see the international locations for how they actually look, giving the reader an accurate view for their mind’s eye as they read my novels. I rarely use the internet for research and depend on people who have actually been to the locations I write about.
With multiple awards under your belt, what advice would you give to aspiring writers who are trying to find their voice and establish themselves in the competitive world of publishing?
I went the longer route and learned as I published each book. Ten long years for Stolen Obsession. The first book in the Annalisse series required a lot of research on how to write fiction and what readers expect in every genre. I did what Traditional Publishers do for their authors when offering them a publishing contract.
The best advice I can give new authors is to research the genre they plan to write and read, read, read the work of other authors both inside the genre and outside. Reading opens the flow of words and helps with writer’s block. When I’m blocked at the blank page, the best medicine is to pick up a book and find a cozy place to turn pages. Most importantly, be sure and publish the most professional product possible—which includes a battery of editors, cover designers, a great book formatter, and plenty of proofreaders.
