Laurie Bell Weaves Magic and Mystery into Fantasy Stories That Empower and Inspire
Celebrating Strong Female Protagonists in Fantasy Fiction
Laurie Bell’s speculative fiction blends magic, mystery, and heart, featuring strong female protagonists who navigate adventure, friendship, and resilience. Her Stones of Power series and standalone novels inspire and empower young readers.
Laurie Bell has carved a name for herself in the world of speculative fiction, blending fantasy, science fiction, and heartfelt storytelling to create unforgettable characters and immersive worlds. Best known for her Stones of Power series, as well as her standalone novels White Fire and Blood Fever, Bell’s work captures the imagination of readers while weaving in themes of resilience, friendship, and empowerment.
Her beloved character, Tracey Masters, a Mage-kind teen detective introduced in The Butterfly Stone, showcases the strength of young female protagonists in a genre often dominated by traditional hero archetypes. Bell’s passion for storytelling goes beyond just entertainment—her books aim to uplift and inspire, especially for young women seeking representation in fantasy and adventure fiction.
Laurie Bell masterfully crafts fantasy worlds with unforgettable heroines, heartfelt friendships, and thrilling mysteries that captivate and uplift readers of all ages.
Crafting a New Kind of Heroine
Bell’s inspiration for Tracey Masters stemmed from a desire to create a teenage detective with magical abilities, reminiscent of the stories she loved in her youth. What started as a flash fiction prompt quickly expanded into a full-length novel and, ultimately, an entire series. Writing during a time when female superheroes were scarce in mainstream media, Bell wanted to give her nieces—and young readers everywhere—strong heroines who could save the world and navigate real-life challenges with courage and determination.
“I wanted my nieces to see teen girls with magic being heroes,” Bell explains. “To show female friendship, the dynamics of changing relationships, and that boys and girls can be great teammates.” Her books celebrate familial love, friendship, and personal growth, steering away from the overused trope of parental loss as a driving force for protagonists. Instead, Bell showcases supportive families and the strength found in community.
Balancing Fantasy and Reality
One of the biggest challenges Bell faces when crafting her stories is striking the right balance between fantasy elements and real-world relatability. From navigating modern technology like cell phones in mystery-driven plots to ensuring her characters remain grounded despite their supernatural abilities, she works to keep the narrative engaging while maintaining authenticity. “I like to think there’s a little bit of magic everywhere, and if you look for it, you might just find it,” she says.
Her writing process is deeply influenced by her love for coffee, chocolate, and morning creative bursts. Whether writing during her daily commute or drawing inspiration from music and nature, Bell embraces the creative process fully, even acknowledging the difficulties of overcoming distractions in today’s digital world.
What’s Next for Laurie Bell?
With Books Four and Five of the Stones of Power series now with her publisher, Wyvern’s Peak Publishing, Bell is excited for what lies ahead. As Tracey Masters’ journey nears its conclusion, fans can expect thrilling developments and a satisfying wrap-up to the beloved saga. And while Bell remains tight-lipped about future projects, she hints that there might be something new on the horizon for readers to look forward to.
For fans of gripping adventures, magic-infused mysteries, and empowering protagonists, Laurie Bell’s work continues to redefine fantasy fiction. Her stories remind readers that the magic within them has always been there—it just needs to be discovered.
“It’s not just about magic—it’s about courage, friendship, and finding your own strength.” – Laurie Bell
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
