A Conversation with James Scott Bell

To my fiction writing friends, you know the trepidation … the drops of perspiration that form on your forehead … when it comes to beginning a new novel. It’s only the rush of dopamine experienced after typing “The End” that makes the process worth all the panic and self-doubt.

One of my first go-to resources when it’s time to build the structure of a new novel (yes, I’m an outliner, not pantser) is James Scott Bell’s book, Write Your Novel from the Middle (Compendium Press, 2014).

When I came across an interview between Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and Mr. Bell, I knew others would benefit from their exchange.

Here’s the blog link. Other Umstattd podcasts at Christian Publishing Show.

Happy writing!

One of my first go-to resources when it's time to build the structure of a new novel is James Scott Bell's book, Write Your Novel from the Middle.
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Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled.

Years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

The Ladies��� latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

 

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Published on November 04, 2025 03:00
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