Author Interview: Bella Coleman

I just wrote my first book at age 44, but it was always in my heart. I even received a scholarship for journalism as a teenager. I had a dream deferred, but not denied. I hope that encourages others.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up in Milwaukee, WI. That's a city that makes you tough. That's where I learned many of the lessons that I shared in my book. "There is no testimony without the test."

What was your journey to getting published like?

Self-publishing was the only option that matched my timeline. It was messy, frustrating, and exhilarating all at once. But look at the finished book? Absolutely worth the fight.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?

That they enjoyed the analogies that I used in my book. That felt good to be understood.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I will give advice that I heard before and totally agree with. It is, just write the damn book! Write it and worry about cleaning it up later. That is so true, sometimes we can get stuck in perfection. Write, take a rest, and circle back.

What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?

A lot of people assume I moved to Texas for my fiance, but I actually have been here sixteen years – long before we met. I moved here all on my own. Independence has always been my default setting.

What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?

My guilty pleasure genres are thrillers and horror.

What’s your favorite quote about writing?

“A story should entertain the writer, too.” – Stephen King

I love this quote, because when I read my own book, I'm still entertained and stimulated by it. I still find myself arguing with my points and building on them. It reminded me that the story has to move the writer first.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?

I love to travel, even just short extended weekend trips. It's like pushing a quick reset button.

I'm an avid reader as well. You can catch me at the bookstore outside of hanging with friends/family.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

I don't recall the very first story I read as a kid, but as an adult, Cupcake Brown's A Piece of Cake changed my trajectory. It made me cry, yes, but more importantly, it made me think 'If she survived that, I can survive this'. That's the kind of impact I hope my own writing has on someone else.

What has inspired you and your writing style?

My life experience, lessons learned the hard way. My style is persuasive, logical, emotional, direct. This is what it is.

How do you deal with negative reviews?

I let a negative review stand. Not every book is for every reader, just like not everyone loves the same sport or movie genre. My focus is on reaching the readers who connect with the message.

How do you connect with your readers?

I connect by being direct. By sharing lived experience. By not sugarcoating. If someone finishes my book and thinks, "She said what I was afraid to say out loud." That's connection.

What’s next for you as a writer?

Right now, I'm focused on continuing to grow and market, Skip the Line, but I'm already thinking about what's next. I'm exploring whether my next project will stay in nonfiction or if I'll challenge myself with fiction.

Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?

Yes, definitely. The title itself, Skip the Line, means to learn from my mistakes rather than from your own. I'm saying come skip the line in life, rather than putting yourself on a longer detour.

This line skip is reflected in the cover art as well. My hand is opening a velvet rope for you to come in.

The snake on the back cover is made of that same velvet rope from the front cover. It's now on the ground, rather than attached holding you back.

How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?

Since I write nonfiction, I don't create fictional characters, but I do focus heavily on recreating authentic dialogue from my life. My goal is to make the conversation feel so real -raw and unfiltered – that the reader feels like they're sitting right there in the room with us, hearing the tension firsthand.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?

You are tougher than you think, and your timeline is yours alone. Trust both.