We’re looking forward to introducing you to M.J. Bell. Check out our conversation below.
Hi M.J., thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
It is a very special moment for me when one of my fans/readers come up and tell me how much they have enjoyed my books. The joy on their faces and the excitement in their voice melts my heart every single time. I don’t necessarily believe I deserve it, but I have spent every day of the last fifteen years pounding out stories and agonizing over every word. It feels really good to know that the time I’ve spent is appreciated, and it’s because of those moments I keep writing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an award-winning author with six published books, and a seventh one in progress. My first book, which was traditionally published, won the Gold Mom’s Choice Award in fantasy. Since that time, I have switched to Indie publishing, which is how I’ve published my last five books.
I write what I love to read–YA Fantasy and SciFi. I get a sense of freedom when I create new worlds and creatures. It’s as much of an adventure for me to write as it is for the reader to read, because my characters always seem to come to life and write their own stories!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My high school English teacher, Mr. Ferguson. I was a terrible student and couldn’t have cared less about high school. My grades reflected that unfortunate attitude, and to avoid failing English, I took an extra credit assignment to write a short, alternative ending to the book, Silas Marner. To my surprise and horror, Mr. Ferguson not only praised it but read it out loud to the entire class. Though I was thoroughly embarrassed, a seed was planted within me, and decades later, it finally bloomed into my first book.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh my gosh, YES! Let me tell you, Imposter Syndrome is a very real thing. Even after winning the Mom’s Choice Award, I was positive my books were no good and no one would ever want to read them. It hit me the hardest writing the final book of my fantasy trilogy. I kept thinking, “Who am I kidding? I can’t do this.” Luckily, I think my muse stepped in, because a fan contacted me at just the right time to tell me how much she loved the story and how much it meant to her. That got me through so I could finish the trilogy, and I’m so glad it did. Today it’s still one of my best sellers.
I still have doubts all the time, though, and some days are rougher than others. But I’ve come to realize that it’s all part of the creative process, and I’m not alone in that.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The publishing industry has gone through major changes over the last decade, and a lot of old timers are having a hard time accepting it. It used to be that a handful of large, corporate publishing houses dictated what was getting published and directed what people could read. There was a small amount of self-publishing going on then, but those books were not readily available to the general public. Then Amazon came along and the publishing world was turned upside down.
Today, even though there are twice as many Indie-published books as traditional, the industry still tries to convince new writers that traditional publishing is the only legit way to go. That is so not true. And having published both traditional and Indie, I can attest to that! I’m proud to be an Indie author, and now that I have had a taste of it, I will never go back.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I only wish I had realized that earlier in life! I never dreamed I would become an author, let alone an award-winning one. I just wanted to write one book to bring a little joy and magic into kids’ lives in an effort to develop the kind of love of reading that I had. But finishing that first book awoke something within me, and the joy and accomplishment I felt could only be compared to giving birth to my first child. Now, I’m like an addict. I literally can’t stop writing. I am lucky that I did finally find my true calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mj-bell.com
- Instagram: mjbellauthor
- Facebook: mjbellauthor
