A southern belle writer. The beauty of her words is incredible. The wit in her storytelling is insatiable. Lucky for us, we were able to catch up with BSB and writer Mari Bell. Her clean and imaginative words birth stories that we just can’t seem to get enough of.
Your Name Mari K. Bell
Business Name Author of The Quarters
What You Provide
I am a writer. Â
Where are you based?
Duluth, Georgia (outside of Atlanta)
Why did you decide to start a business?
I started to write my novel after my mother shared some of her childhood stories from growing up in the south.  The stories were hilarious but also loaded with intrigue.  I took some of her facts and wove them into fiction.
What is your favorite client story? Â
I really don’t have a favorite client story.  However, I’ve really enjoyed being selected by a number of book clubs.  As a self-published writer, it’s really an honor that they are willing to read my work without the backing of large publishing houses.
What is your website?
Marikbell.com
Who are some of your business idols?
My granddaddy and daddy both owned shoe shinning and repair businesses dating back to the 1940’s.  It was named Scrutchins and Son.  I know my entrepreneurial spirit evolved from both of them.
Do you have any mentors?
Yes, absolutely. Â
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
It’s not just one.  I love our food, our language, our etiquette, and especially our humor. Â
What is your favorite southern dish?
Fried chicken
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?
Be creative.  I’ve had to.  There are more writers out there than one can imagine.  In order to gain visibility, it’s very important to carve your own space.  I’m very proud of my book trailers and the trailers we produced for a theatrical production of The Quarters.  We also did a photo shoot of the characters to help bring them to life.  It was a lot of fun, engaging, and successful.
What are your favorite southern brands?
Coca-Cola is one of my favorites.  A nice bit of trivia /history is that the original formula for Coke was created by a pharmacist from my hometown, Columbus, GA.  Moonpie, the pastry is another one.  I’m always fascinated with brands that have survived the test of time.   Â
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
A-line dresses and comfy shoes. Â
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
Congratulations Mari. I truly enjoyed reading The Quarters. I could identify with some of the characters as they reminded me of family, friends and people in my community. Continued success!
I’m intrigued by meeting you. It seems I can relate to you a lot. Some of my goals as are, writing about growing up, sharing the exciting life of being raised here in the South, sharing delicious recipes from Mom, GrandMa, Aunts, and GrandPa!
I look forward to meeting You one day soon.