From Hook To Book

May
10
Shortlisted 2023 Dorothy Hewett Award for Unpublished Novel

Shortlisted 2023 Dorothy Hewett Award for Unpublished Novel

I am thrilled to share that my historical novel, The Bone Singer, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. Congratulations to my fellow shortlistees and special thanks to judges Tony Hughes-d’Aeth, Astrid Edwards, Thuy On and Kate Pickard. Also thanks to University Western Australia … Read More

Jun
17
Writing Residencies: Timing, Planning & Stars Aligning

Writing Residencies: Timing, Planning & Stars Aligning

Well, it’s a long time since I’ve blogged. I haven’t had much to say! I’ve been locked down, head down, or writing down the bones of my manuscript as Natalie Goldberg would say in her excellent writing book of the same name. For the past week and a half, I’ve … Read More

Feb
28
The Year That Wasn’t …

The Year That Wasn’t …

2020 was the year that wasn’t at all what it was supposed to be for many of us. So many plans were cancelled or delayed, or never saw daylight due to lockdowns. But, alongside some major disappointments, the year also brought many positives for me. This post, being February, is … Read More

Oct
07
Releasing a book in Lockdown!

Releasing a book in Lockdown!

Releasing a book during a pandemic lockdown, what can I say? Probably quite a lot, but I’ll try to keep it nice! Honestly, if anyone had told me that this would be the way of the world when my debut novel came out, I’d’ve probably thrown my hands in the … Read More

May
27
No Small Shame: The Launch (a slight change of plan!)

No Small Shame: The Launch (a slight change of plan!)

The book launch is a rite of passage for a debut novelist. I was that excited about mine for No Small Shame, I booked the launch at Readings Hawthorn way back in December. Back then I had no idea what was coming! Early March I sent out the invitations believing … Read More

Apr
14
No Small Shame: A Real Book!

No Small Shame: A Real Book!

Three days after I arrived at my writing residency on Norfolk Island a very special delivery arrived – all the way back at home! In Melbourne! A whole nine days and 2336 kilometres away! (Yes, I even Googled the distance.) This was a delivery I’d been waiting for, for a … Read More

Apr
12
HNSA Colleen McCullough Writing Residency

HNSA Colleen McCullough Writing Residency

  Winning a writing residency is a huge honour; the value of time to fully immerse in one’s work-in-progress immeasurable. Winning the inaugural HNSA Colleen McCullough Residency for an Established Author gifted me the most fabulous, productive, idyllic week on Norfolk Island. Can it only be just weeks ago when … Read More

Praise for No Small Shame

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

- Better Reading

Bell’s evocation of setting is an outstanding feature of the novel. Her social and physical landscapes of the years 1909 to 1919 are vivid with sensory and historical colour. Full Review.

- Westerly Magazine

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

- Kate Mildenhall, Author (The Mother Fault, Skylarking)

This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

- Robyn Cadwallader, Author (The Anchoress, The Book of Colours)

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full review.

- Karen Brooks - Author (The Chocolate Maker's Daughter, The Darkest Shore ...)

An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage. I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears.

- Jane Sullivan, Literary Critic and Author (Storytime, Little People)

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

- Lauren Chater, Author (The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress)

Mary’s compelling journey and her indomitable spirit are heartbreaking, moving and inspirational. This novel is a well-researched examination of the roles and rights of women at that time, the struggles and discrimination they faced, the hardships they were expected to endure and the small victories they celebrated, often silently.  Full review.

- Cass Moriaty, Author (The Promise Seed, Parting Words)

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full review.

- Courtney Dyer, TheBookSlut.com

Compelling and addictive. … a rich and absorbing experience. Full Review.

- Angela Wauchop: Backstory History Journal

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

- Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Book Editor

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

- Christine Balint, Author (Salt Letters, Ophelia's Fan)

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full review.

- BJs Reviews

No Small Shame is an important reminder of how far we have come in Australia … and how much we need to protect. It is a story crafted with great empathy – and immense believability. Full Review.

- Dr Wendy Dunn, author/poet (Dear Heart, How Like You This? Falling Pomegranate Seeds: The Duty of Daughters)

No Small Shame is an exquisitely written, absorbing and intelligent story of love, betrayal and the painful journey to self-awareness.

- Alison Goodman, author (Eon/Eona, Lady Helen and the Dark Days series, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies)

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