Marlene M. Bell Shares Her Journey from Art to International Thrillers
PHOTO: Marlene M. Bell, award-winning author and artist, explores the connection between adventure, antiquities, and storytelling on her Texas farm.
Award-Winning Author Blends Mystery, History, And Romance
Marlene M. Bell, an award-winning author and artist, discusses her creative journey, blending art, antiquities, mystery, and romance in her internationally celebrated “Annalisse” series and her standalone mystery, A Hush at Midnight.
Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning author and artist whose storytelling reflects her passion for adventure, antiquities, and romance. Living on her farm in Texas, she crafts internationally celebrated thrillers, including the popular “Annalisse” series and standalone mysteries like A Hush at Midnight. Bell’s journey from writing articles on sheep husbandry to creating gripping novels filled with danger, love, and suspense is as remarkable as her books.
The “Annalisse” series has earned widespread acclaim for its compelling narratives that transport readers to far-off lands. Known for her meticulous research, Bell seamlessly incorporates her love for antiquities and art into her stories, giving them a unique and immersive quality. The honor-winning author has captivated readers globally with richly textured tales that marry history, romance, and intrigue with sharp detail. From exploring ancient wonders in Turkey and Greece to portraying the serene beauty of East Texas, Bell’s storytelling is inspired by her personal passions and creative ventures.
Marlene M. Bell is a captivating storyteller who brings historical intrigue, thrilling suspense, and emotional dynamics to vividly painted worlds.
Bell credits an “accident” for steering her toward fiction writing. Previously focused on creative outlets like photography, painting, and her love for sheep husbandry, she found herself drawn to the challenge of blending historical adventures with fictionalized storytelling. Combining her diverse interests, she successfully created the high-stakes world of the “Annalisse” series, which is fueled by her love of travel and the opportunity to bring the thrill of exploration to readers. “I fell into writing fiction by accident, but my love of a challenge pushed me toward weaving adventure into stories,” she explains.
The author’s attention to detail stems from her deep appreciation for antiquities and antiques. Whether through her collection of antique furniture and rare books or her vivid on-location and virtual research, Bell immerses herself in the settings that bring her work to life. While creating Stolen Obsession, the first book of the “Annalisse” series, Bell explored the captivating landscapes of Turkey and Greece. “I uncovered stunning scenery I hadn’t expected to find near the Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Castle),” she shares. Her research brought the historical wonders of these regions into sharp focus, transporting readers to enchanting locales like the Aegean Sea and Crete, with some additional drama, mystery, and excitement courtesy of her storytelling.
Romantic tension also plays a significant role in Bell’s works, particularly in the “Annalisse” series, where the relationship between protagonists Annalisse Drury and Alec Zavos evolves amid a backdrop of adventure and danger. Bell explains that blending romance with suspense requires a balance of planning and organic development. “Both mapped and organic narratives go into final manuscript drafts,” she says, though she prefers letting dialog and character actions flow naturally. This balance allows for moments of reprieve in the midst of high-stakes suspense, giving readers a well-rounded emotional experience.
Bell’s artistry extends beyond writing—her talents as a photographer and painter often inspire the vivid visuals in her storytelling. In fact, one of her photographs became the centerpiece for the cover of A Hush at Midnight, a standalone Southern culinary cosy mystery. Featuring a striking sunset she photographed on her ranch, the book’s cover design captures the essence of East Texas’ natural beauty. “Having a book cover inspired by one of my photographs was a bucket list item for me,” she says.
Branching out from her fast-paced thrillers with A Hush at Midnight posed its own set of challenges. Pivoting to the restrained style of cosy mysteries required Bell to tone down the vivid details and high-action sequences her “Annalisse” readers had come to expect. Yet delving into this more subdued genre gave her newfound appreciation for the artistry of writing mysteries that intrigue without the graphic elements of crime thrillers.
Looking to the future, Bell is working on a domestic suspense thriller set in a wintry, rural environment, which she hopes to release in the spring of 2026. The exploration of mythologies and historical periods continues to fuel her imagination as she considers writing a time-travel novel set in the 17th century. Though previous attempts to merge fantasy with her novels were edited out to maintain narrative focus, Bell remains intrigued by the idea of crossing eras and settings in future works.
When asked for advice on merging romance, history, and suspense into genre-bending tales, Bell emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. “Mixing genres and doing it well comes with years of experience,” she notes. Aspiring authors must immerse themselves in their craft by reading widely and studying fiction writing techniques. “Most of all, authors are best served by writing to readers’ expectations, and not their own,” she advises.
Marlene M. Bell’s commitment to her craft, paired with her passion for storytelling, antiquities, and the creative arts, ensures that her stories continue to resonate with readers seeking compelling tales of adventure, suspense, and romance.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
