Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Artist Spotlight: Q & A with Bella Carter



This post is to introduce everyone to Bella Carter, who has a brand new release,
"Final Reunion" available on Amazon now!!
Follow the link to download. It is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited.








Bella Carter is the author of several titles, most recently, Final Reunion. When not diving into imaginary worlds, Bella enjoys spending time on Lake Michigan with her little dog and her husband.

At the keyboard, she hopes to draw the reader in and make them a part of the story, taking them to places they would not ordinarily go.


Okay, here we go, Bella Carter & ten questions!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve loved books and the idea of writing since I was a child. My favorite class in high school was Creative Writing and I believe the positive feedback I received is what really made me want to be a writer.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

My latest took me nearly a year. But I did not work on it only. I tend to hop around from project to project.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?


Lately it is spotty. Lots of distractions come with Summer time fun. When I do get settled in I usually write a few hours a day.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?


I’m not sure how interesting it is but I am addicted to post it notes. I have them everywhere! I can’t seem to function without them.

5. How do your books get published?


I independently publish all my books. I love having control over every aspect. This allows me the freedom to write and publish when I feel like it.

6. When did you write your first book?


I published my first book, Minnesota Winter, under another pen name, Lucy Burton in 2012

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Drink coffee and visit the lake. My husband and I recently moved close to Lake Michigan and we absolutely love it! My favorite thing in the world is to drink coffee and walk my little dog on the pier.

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have three titles under Bella and I think my favorite is the first, Loss of Innocence.

9. What do you think makes a good story?


A character you can connect with is what I feel makes a great story. Hopefully the author is able to pull in the reader in a way that makes them experience the same ups and downs as the characters.

10. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I was madly in love with Indiana Jones and wanted to be an archaeologist. But then I discovered writing and knew being a writer was what I was meant to do.


You can find more books by Bella on Amazon

Saturday, July 4, 2015

4th of July


I forced my eyes to go blurry as I stared out the window. It made the others seem like ethereal beings floating weightlessly on the front lawn. Their white gowns flowing in the slight breeze seemed to glitter in the sunlight splintering through the foliage of the giant oaks. The beings waved and danced for me. They could be angels. I wanted to believe in them.
Then they came back into focus. They were not angels; they were just crazies. Like me.
I blurred my vision again to try to make the bars appear thinner. I wished I could slip through them and fly away. I closed my eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened. If only I knew the magic words I'd long since forgotten. How long had I been here?
I stepped away from the window.
I surveyed my room for the hundredth time that day, and it was only ten o'clock. The journal on my bedside table mocked me. I had been instructed to write in it whenever I felt... sad. I smirked. I could've filled a thousand journals by now. They had given me crayons. I laughed at them, then I ate the entire box. 48 colors. Weren't they supposed to be non-toxic? Idiots give those things to kids.
On the upside, it had gotten me a short reprieve from these four walls. I'd been rushed to the infirmary in the middle of the night with horrid stomach cramps. It had been worth it.
The next day I'd asked for colored gel pens. Unsurprisingly they denied my request.
How was I supposed to write you a letter?
You never visited me; and you never called.
No one did. I'd been forgotten.
I would have been sad about that, but I had figured out a way to make all of you remember me.
You'd see me on the news next week and then you'd all be sorry. Then your recollection of me would return; how you'd had me locked away. Forgotten. Not even a fond memory.
A month ago I'd taken up smoking. You'd find that out too.
Jerry, one of the night orderlies had taken a liking to me.
He brought me chocolates and let me sneak out with him to smoke.
I wondered what he expected in return. Too bad I'd never find out.
In a few days, he would burn with the rest of us.
July was about to get hotter.
Four days til Independence Day. Exactly two years since they'd put me in this cage.
A part of me wished I could escape to see the fallout. But it was more poetic to go down in flames.
You will have to live the rest of your life knowing my death is your fault.
Maybe you'll miss me as much as I've missed you. Maybe you won't.

My dying wish is that all of you will suffer as much as I have.

 © Garden Summerland