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Ask the Author: David Bell

“I'll be answering questions all week as part of #MysteryWeek!” David Bell

Answered Questions (35)

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In your opinion, what is the best book that YOU have ever written?
David Bell Hmmmm....THE REQUEST!
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How can I get a signed book or bookplate?
David Bell See my website... davidbellnovels.com
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This isn't a question but a comment...David...you are seriously one of my favorite authors to read!! I work for a library in my village and we carry all of your books and I have read every one! I recommend all of yours to people looking for a good mystery! Keep them coming!! When is the next one coming out?
David Bell Thank you!! THE REQUEST just came out on June 30th. You can get one now. If you ever do a book club at the library, I can visit virtually. Thanks!
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Hi David, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give someone trying to write their first book? I'm writing a sci-fi book, and have great ideas, but the plot is so large, I feel I'm losing the characters in the story.
David Bell I think the characters drive the plot, so make sure the plot is growing organically out of the characters. Have you made an outline? Might that help keep things under control? Thanks!
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I love your books! Losing a lot of sleep because I can’t stop reading. Will any of your books be turned into a movie?
David Bell People are interested...but we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks!
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I'm a big fan of murder/mystery books, which of your books should I read first?
David Bell They all stand alone, so you can jump in anywhere. How about LAYOVER on July 2nd?
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I just finished reading the ARC of your book Layover and loved it!! I knew I was hooked as soon as I read the prologue. This is the first book I have read of yours and now plan to read more . My question is: are you considering a sequel to this book? I would love to see what could happen next in their messed up lives.
David Bell Thanks!! Well, you never know, do you??
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First of all I want to say that I love your book Somebody's Daughter. Secondly, I'm writing a character analysis about Michael in Somebody's Daughter. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on writing a character analysis?
David Bell Hi, Zoe,

Thanks for writing and for saying nice things about my book. I guess I'm not sure what a character analysis is. Is it a school assignment?
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Have you ever thought about writing another genre of book...say fantasy or sci-fi?
David Bell Hey, Beverley,

I read all kinds of genres and always think it would be a great idea to write in another one. But it's hard enough just keeping up with what I'm already doing. I guess you never know...Thanks for writing!
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I don't have a question, just wanted to let you know you have officially been added to my favorite authors list. I have also gotten my sister hooked on your books. Keep up the great work! ?
David Bell Thank you!! My new book will be out on July 10th
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I absolutely love your books and I often send them to my sister so she can enjoy them too. Just curious what you enjoy reading? What are some of your favorite books/ who are some of your favorite authors? :) Keep up the great work!!
David Bell Thanks, Alicia! Hmmm...so many great writers. Stephen King, Ed Gorman, Octavia Butler, Ursula LeGuin, Louis L'Amour. Too many good ones to mention them all.
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Hi David, are all your titles stand alones or are some of them a part of a series?
David Bell Hi, Whitney...they are all standalones for now. Thanks for stopping by!
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Oh my goodness!! David Bell liked my review! David - I love your books.....always looking for the next one....Started with Cemetery Girl, then had to have them all! Keep them coming! Next one?
David Bell Thanks, Donna! There will be a new one next summer called SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER. I'm excited about it! Cheers!
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. I just wanted to tell you I absolutely love your books! I've read one a day. I just can't put them down. Can't wait for more! Do you ever need ARC readers? I'd love to be one!
David Bell Thanks, Erin! Goodreads and my publicist give away ARCs so you never know. Thanks for reading the books!
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I will definitely be reading that! So happy that you've written so many that I won't run out! ?
David Bell Thanks, Cindy! I have a new one come out every year...
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How long does it typically take you to write a book from concept to draft? Where do your ideas come from when you are thinking of your next novel? tx
David Bell Hi, Pattyh! The whole process--idea, outline, writing, revisions, etc--takes about a year from start to finish. As far as where the ideas come from...lots of places. News stories, things I overhear, things that happen to family and friends, and things I just make up. It's a fun process to blend all of those things together into a story.
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Hello, when your writing and you have a draft ready have you ever gone over it? and then thought oh i should have put this instead of what you had put,and have you gone back and re-written it ,and do you get in-put into the front cover,thank you from Lisa x
David Bell Thanks, Lisa! Of course. I always go over and revise the book several times...and I always change things, especially the ending. As far as the covers...I do get to give suggestions, but I have no artistic ability so I trust the people who have those skills. I've loved all my covers and think they did an amazing job on BRING HER HOME.
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No question, but I would really like to tell you how much I love your books! I've read three so far and plan to read every one of them. Each book has been the kind that I can not put down. Never predictable and always so suspenseful. You are a wonderful writer! I can't send without a question mark!? :)
David Bell Thanks, Cindy!! That's really great to hear. Don't forget BRING HER HOME is coming on July 11th. Cheers!!
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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
David Bell Hmmmm...if I answered that then I'd be revealing all the family secrets...

This is a pretty universal wish, but I'd love to know what my parents were really like as kids, teenagers, young people. Maybe I need a time machine?

Thanks!
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David Bell, I have an opportunity to read Bring Her Home through NetGalley for my honest review. It sounds intriguing and I would like to read it. I am not squeamish but like a clean novel. I am not familiar with your writing. Would I feel comfortable with your book?
David Bell Hi, Sharon,

I would say the book is certainly PG-13, maybe even PG. There's some mild cursing, but the violence happens off the page and the reader only sees the aftermath. I think it's appropriate for a wide range of ages...teenagers on up. I hope this helps. Thanks!!
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