Author Casey Bell has been writing books since 2002 and published his first book in 2007. He is an eclectic writer, scribing, short stories, horror, children’s, memoirs, and word search books.
Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
My name is Casey Bell and I am an author of seven fictional books, 3 children’s books, 3 word search books, and 1 memoir. I have been writing since 2002 and I published my first book, “The Diary of Stephanie Dane” in 2007. I am also a playwright and have had one of my plays, “The Day the Rainbow Broke Up” produced recently in Maplewood, NJ by the Strollers Theater Company. Could you tell us a bit about your book and why it is a must-read?
”A Family of Strangers” is the first book I started writing in 2002, but the last to be published. From 2002-2016, I had the case of writers block and procrastination which stopped me from completing the book. I finally finished and published it in 2016. The book is about forgiveness and although I must say I exaggerated in this book, I truly believe in forgives at all times no matter what. This book is mainly about a boy named, Bobby, whom is in foster care and due to his unresponsiveness cannot seem to find parents to keep him. Due to guilt, William, his caseworker decides to adopt him. In the process of getting to know Bobby and creating a relationship, Bobby’s parents return to his life. The reader soon finds out why they abandoned him and may question whether Bobby should forgive his parents. There are more details, but I don’t want to ruin the plot. I believe it is a must-read, because some times things happen in our lives and we get arrogant and have that “unforgiveness” attitude, not realizing the important of forgiveness only makes situations better. The situation in this story is so far from forgivable that hopefully the reader can be encourage to forgive whomever they need to after reading this book.
What inspired you to write your book?
I was watching a movie on television and decided to write my version with some twists and turns (I like to surprise and shock people). Basically as you read this book you immediately think you know how this story will go and end, but soon you realize you have no clue. I simply wanted to write a book that seems impossible for the sake of entertainment, but know that it is possible for the sake of encouragement. (If that makes sense) What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
When I first started, I had the beginning and the end, but no middle. I wanted to make sure I didn’t take too long to get to the end or too short, which why it took me fourteen years to write because I kept getting writers block and when I thought of going back to writing I feared staring at the screen so I procrastinated. I prayed and I was told I had a few people to forgive myself. I took inventory and made the conscious decision to forgive them and move on and one I did the block was released. Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits?
When I am stuck writing sometimes I work backwards. I write the end of the book, play, or film, and work my way to the beginning.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I’d rather not say because it would be a spoiler. The most I can say is that the title describes the end of the book. (So does the cover) Is there a message you want your readers to take away from your book?
Yes. FORGIVENESS!!!! It is difficult, but its not about wanting an apology it is about realizing we are all the same. We all make mistakes and wrong/bad decisions. If you want people to forgive you for what you have done then you must forgive those for what they have done. Its not about blaming its about taking responsibility for the wrong (confessing), agreeing to not do it again (repenting), and then moving forward with a life learned lesson to share with others (without shame and guilt). Do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers reading this?
WRITING: Turn off social media, cell phones, TVs, club nights, whatever and write the book. You have the time you just need to prioritize your time. Go to bed early (7PM) and wake up early (3/4AM) and write until its time to get ready for work. It is difficult to start, but not impossible. Write the first thing that comes to your mind. You can edit it later.
EDITING: Get a professional to do it. Search online for freelancers. Some are expensive and others are inexpensive. Search book editors or ghostwriters.
PUBLISHING: Do your research. There are many more options today than ever before. Go to youtube and search for how to publish books. Watch all the videos you can and then do a search online and read all the articles you can then go to the library and read all the books you can. Take all the notes you can. Search for independent authors go to their website and ask questions and for feedback. Once you have enough information publish your book.
MARKETING: Either pay a company or do your research and do it yourself. Again, go to youtube, online, and library for information.
PATIENCE: Publishing a book takes time. Making money from that book takes even more time. This is the perfect way to strengthen your patience muscles. Do not expect over night success. It does not exist. What's next for you? What are you working on now?
I am temporarily taking a break from books and putting my time and money on performance writing (plays, film, and television). I have submitted my work and am looking into producing myself. What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, etc.) and link(s)?
For more information on my books you can visit my author’s website:
For all of my social media you can go to my main website:
Book Blurb:
Bobby Sampson is adopted and begins to live a life he loves. However, his parents return to his life. Does he forgive them? Does he give them another chance at parenthood? Why did they leave him? All of these questions and more are answered in A Family of Strangers, a book that redefines love and forgiveness.
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