Today I took a photo of the first spring daffodil to bloom in my garden. As I posted it to to Facebook, I started crying. Just over three years ago I moved into my home after a heartbreaking but necessary separation. I was sad, excited (weird, I know), confused, and frightened. I had no idea…
Theatre review: That Bloody Woman
That Bloody Womanby Luke Di Somma and Gregory CooperAuckland Music Theatre17th July 2021 You had me at Fuck Fuck Fuckity Fuck. That’s not strictly true: you had me from the moment the house lights went down, when the wickedly, gorgeously clad cast strode out and the men sat down, silent, as the women took the…
Stage vs Page: or Why Not Both?
I’ve been thinking about artistic expression and validation: how I embrace the former and seek the latter. I’m a writer, but I’m also a musical theatre performer. This comes as a surprise to many people. Writing is such a solitary, introspective art, they say. How do you marry that with the intensely public display that…
The Cover Story
Everything is a bit secret squirrel when you're preparing to have your novel published. The title. The story. The launch plans. How the author managed to write the bloody thing in the first place. (If someone can tell me the answer to that one I'd be much obliged.) One of the most exciting (and terrifying)…
Wordgasms: Show Up and They’ll Come
I've just had a wordgasm. TMI? Hear me out. I've just had the kind of half hour that writers across the world dream of: complete focus, ideas flowing, fingers tapping, two "punch the air" moments, one scream of excitement, a few tears, and 500 pretty good words on the page at the end of it.…
The Stories Within Us
My daughter turns 14 next week. As is always the case at this time of year, I'm reflecting on the difference she has made to my life, what joy she has brought, and what lessons she has taught me. And as I prepare for the publication of my first novel next year, my thoughts inevitably…
A Novel Contract
Yesterday I signed a publishing contract with New Zealand Publisher Cloud Ink Press. My debut novel will be launched in February 2022. A friend asked me how I felt (which I thought was rather lovely - most people offered their congratulations, which was fantastic and expected, but this friend, perhaps aware that signing a publishing…
I Have a New Name
Not me, personally. Just this site. Goodbye, thebellbirdblog. Welcome to Patricia Bell, Author. There was nothing wrong with the former...in fact, I loved it. But it's time to ensure my online presence (including my website address) is consistent across the board and more accurately reflects who I am and what I do. I'm not going…
Ten Years Today
Ten years ago today, at 12.51 pm, a massive earthquake struck the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It was centred only 6.7 kilometres from the centre of the city of Christchurch, which suffered severe damage. 185 people died. Countless more were left homeless, terrified, psychologically scarred. They were now the reluctant custodians of a ruined city.…
My Mother has Dementia
My mother was diagnosed with dementia almost two years ago. My father found her spooning marmalade into a wine glass. That, along with her slurred words, her frustrated struggle to form coherent sentences, and her propensity to sleep most of the day were early clues. After a puzzling few months during which none of us…
Patricia Bell, Author 