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Jessica Bell is an award-winning author/poet, writing/publishing coach, graphic designer, and singer-songwriter who was born in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to having published a memoir, four novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and ABC Radio National shows such as Writer's Digest, Publisher's Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and CEO of Independent Publishing Assistance.
Jessica Bell is a singer/songwriter, an award-winning author, and graphic designer. In addition to having published a memoir, four novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and ABC Radio National shows such as Writer's Digest , Publisher's Weekly , Mamam!a , Life Matters , and Poetica .
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press , CEO of Independent Publishing Assistance , and a voice-over actor.
In October 2016, she became the new lead singer of the well-known dream-pop group, Keep Shelly In Athens , and records and performs as a solo artist under the name BRUNO
Awards & Accreditations
Semi-finalist in The 2017 Kindle Book Awards for Dear Reflection.
Finalist in The 2015 Kindle Book Awards for White Lady. Semi-finalist in The 2013 Kindle Book Awards for The Book.
Semi-finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards 2012: Best Poetry for Fabric.
The Disguised Cicada's Click, was awarded 71st place in Rhyming Poem category of the 79th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition 2010
Published Articles & Other Writings
Writing, Editing, & Publishing Advice:
The Creative Penn Book Cover Design Fundamentals: Questions to Consider Before Hiring A Designer
Alliance of Independent Authors Book Marketing: How to Create an Author Brand – Case Study
The Artist Unleashed Top Ten Pet Peeves of A Literary Magazine Editor
Alliance of Independent Authors Online Etiquette for the Indie Author Community
Live, Write, Thrive The Only Self-Publishing Platforms You'll Ever Need
The Artist Unleashed How to Prepare Your Manuscript in Microsoft Word Before Typesetting
Alliance of Independent Authors Writing: Front and Back Matter For Your Self-Published Book
Anne R. Allen's Blog... with Ruth Harris How to Write Chapter Endings That Make Readers Turn the Page
Writer’s Digest Self-Editing Advice: How to Tackle Character Consistency
Alliance of Independent Authors Writing: How to Self-Edit Your Novel
Writers Helping Writers Five Writing Exercises to Keep You on Top of Your Game
Wow! Women on Writing Writing Exercises to Feed A Starving Muse
Live, Write, Thrive Advice I Wish I'd Been Given When I Started
Writer Unboxed How to Change Telling into Showing
Writer's Digest Why Literary Fiction Isn’t Boring
Writer's Digest How to Subvert Adverbs and Clichés
Writer's Digest Don’t Be Afraid of Indie Publishing
Alliance of Independent Authors How to Survive Writing in a Narrow Niche
Alliance of Independent Authors How to Gain Inspiration from Writers' Retreats
Alliance of Independent Authors How Indie Publishing Compares to the Indie Music Scene
Alliance of Independent Authors How & Why to Get Published in Literary Magazines
Alliance of Independent Authors How to Conduct a Facebook Author Interview
Memoir & Personal Essays:
Rachel Thompson: Author | Poet | Advocate But That’s Not “Real” Depression
Disorder Magazine Growing Up Rock ‘n’ Roll
MamaM!a Because of one day, 20 years ago, I have never considered sex to be something special.
Short stories:
The Monarch Review When She Flicks the Latch
Flash Fiction Magazine Sorry
Poetry:
Poetry Repairs City Suicide The Only One Left Standing Mama’s Confession
Red River Review Flamenco Fun
Eunoia Review Rag Doll What You Found
Short, Fast & Deadly Flesh
Apeiron Review City Suicide
Mirror Dance Once
Visceral Uterus Gothic Neanderthal Twisted Velvet Chains
The Stray Branch Frayed Black Hole Below the Rind
The Lascaux Review Secret Friends
Cordite Poetry Review Organ Charms
Ramshackle Review By Tongues
Singer/Songerwriter
n October of 2016, I joined the chill-wave group, Keep Shelly in Athens. Since then I've toured Europe with the band, and released one full-length album, an EP, and four singles. With lush melodic beats and dreamy vocals Keep Shelly's production is an accessible and lighthearted entry into the world of down-tempo electronica. As The Guardian says, we'll "make you happy to feel sad."
In 2017, after many years of composing and releasing music as a solo artist under my own name, I became sick of being Jessica Bell and created a crazier and ballsier alter-ego, BRUNO. I released a couple of electronic pop/rock singles, and a full-length album (I SAID NO) in 2017. I've now transitioned into a more grungier punk pop sound. And also a few indie folk ballads.
Graphic Designer I began my career as a graphic designer when I self-published my first book as an author, a poetry collection called Twisted Velvet Chains, back in 2011. Being the type of person that 100% believes in the phrase ‘if there is a will there is a way,’ I embarked on a self-taught design journey. 1) Because I was penniless, and 2) Because I’ve always loved a creative challenge.
Very soon after my design debut, I started designing book covers for author friends as favours. I didn’t charge back then, as it was just a fun way to make use of my creative energy. Until one of my friends told me I had talent, and that I should start a business. I took her advice, and since then I have designed hundreds of covers for indie, traditional, and hybrid authors, many of which have hit bestseller lists, and won awards. A few have even graced the shelves of WH Smiths at Heathrow airport.
Being an author myself, I fully understand the need to be able to incorporate your vision into your book cover. I allow you to do this while simultaneously hitting the right target audience, nailing a professional design, and adding a bit of extra artistic flair.
Social media links:
Website