Julia Bell

Biography

I've been writing since a child, but it's only these last twenty-five years that I've ventured into writing novels and publishing them on Amazon. I live in West Yorkshire, England and have two children and five grandchildren. My various jobs have included working as a qualified nurse, training at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and also Darlington Memorial Hospital in Durham. I've also worked as a civil servant in the Prison Service. When my children were young I successfully completed an Open University B.A. degree studying psychology and sociology. I've been a member of Goodreads for quite a number of years and I'm now a member of Promoting Yorkshire Authors where I can enjoy the company of other authors and readers at our regular meetings. I love hearing what folk have to say about all books they have read.

Fun Facts

Hobbies

As well as writing I love country walks and travelling abroad (I adore bus stations, railway stations, airports and ferry ports – any place where people are on the move).

Most Exotic Place Visited

I loved Dubai and the cruise I took along the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Magical!

What Shampoo Do You Use?

Head and Shoulders - my hairdresser says it keeps my hair soft and manageable.

Your Dream Car

A Rolls-Royce driven by a handsome male chauffeur in a smart uniform.

Favorite Sport

I'm not a sporty person really, although I find figure ice skating very elegant and beautiful.

Mountains or Beach? Why?

I love both. Fantastic to stand on the beach and let the waves swish over my feet and I am in awe of the beauty of mountains as they kiss the sky.

Pet Peeve

I feel rather cross when owners don't pick up their doggy poo. I've seen them hiding it in the snow and under leaves. Yuk!

Number of Published Books

Ten and counting.

Book that Changed Your Life

Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally (called Schindler's List in Spielberg's film). I was affected by this novel and planned to visit Krakow and the ghetto one day. In 2017, my daughter and I went on a special trip and visited the places in the book, including Schindler's factory. We did not visit the Plaszow Concentration Camp and instead took a trip to Auschwitz (both camps). I cried.

Favorite Place to Write

I like to sit at my desk and it must be placed near a window where I can look out on trees. I love trees.

Do You Listen to Music While Writing? What Kind?

Usually I tune in to Radio 2 on the BBC. The music suits me and the banter of the D.J's is amusing.

Favorite Character You Created

I've hundreds of favourite characters, but my most favourite must be Isabelle in Songbird. It's the first story I wrote in the first person and felt her happiness, ambition, despair and anxieties acutely.