We're launching the Book Tour for STOLEN OBSESSION by MARLENE M. BELL!

Author Interview

Q: What is your motivation behind writing STOLEN OBSESSION?

A: Sometimes stories ramble around in my head and Stolen Obsession’s character, Annalisse needed to be let loose into one of these. A world of murder, art theft and historical curses. The original story and characters changed more times than I can count, but on a debut novel that road is to be expected. Especially when the book took eight years to complete! Annalisse began as a snarky, young magazine editor in the first draft until she morphed into a stronger, more likeable woman with the goal of running her aunt’s farm. There, I was able to put my personal love of animals into the writing with a more sincere result for Annalisse as a credible character.

Q: What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

A: There are many morals in this book. Here are the top three: First, you are stronger than you think you are. Shown by Annalisse’s trials with personal loss and helping those around her. Secondly, keep those around you close to your heart because you never know when they can be taken away. Annalisse experiences a great deal of personal loss. Third, judge people not by what others say about them, but by how they truly are. Give people a chance to redeem any negative qualities that come from hearsay. Annalisse learns this with Alec Zavos, her love interest in Stolen Obsession. The tabloids paint him with a broad womanizer brush, and Annalisse takes her time deciding for herself who Alec is and if he can be trusted.

Q: Do you have a favorite scene that you can share with us?

A: The most challenging and memorable scene for me is the Zavos yacht on the Aegean Sea. I won’t spoil it for the readers with details here, but writing a group of marauding men taking over a sea vessel with all of the favored characters on board, was tough. Action/fight scenes are the most difficult scenes for me to write. Things happen so quickly that the characters don’t have a lot of time to contemplate. Thoughts come rapid fire, as does the action. The chapter on the Gen Amore is the turning point in the novel. Bring Kleenex!

Q: If you could sum the book up in one sentence, what would you say?

A: Join Annalisse and Alec as they journey exotic lands in search of his mother—caught inside the Curse of the Mushasha.

Q: Share something about you that is unique - maybe about how/where you write... or favorite snack foods?

A: I actually don’t get the dreaded writer’s block. If I find that the words won’t flow well from the keyboard, I take to the outdoors. I have the fortunate advantage to run a sheep operation in addition to my writing. The young lambs make great stress relievers and help with the writing process. Sitting down with these gentle creatures, stroking their fleece and talking to them, believe it or not, unties my words. After a few minutes among the lambs, I get myself back in front of the computer and begin again. Works for me!