![\"Author](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/511047691_1036071501930131_8051900751767240842_n-1200x900.jpg\")
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Author Nathan Bell enjoys sharing his work directly with readers \u2013 and in August he\u2019s hosting a mystery pop-up in Wollongong. Photo: Nathan Bell.<\/p>\n
Characters in Nathan Bell\u2019s novels commune with the spirit world and have supernatural powers \u2013 or do they?<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old author has published two novels and four short stories.<\/p>\n
Key to his work is the main character\u2019s ambiguous relationships with reality.<\/p>\n
Nathan, who was born in Wollongong but lives in Newcastle, was inspired by his own challenges navigating life with schizophrenia.<\/p>\n
The mental health disorder can severely distort sufferers\u2019 sense of reality through hallucinations and delusions that feel deeply real.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was medicated and well for many years, but relapsed when I was about 28,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a couple of stays in the psych ward. It\u2019s a terrible place to be and I spent most of my time in the art room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I had supernatural powers and could communicate with spiritual beings, so characters in my novels can \u2013 I like to use magical thinking to tell an interesting story.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Nathan\u2019s second stay in hospital he was connected with Rely Ability, an organisation that pairs NDIS participants with creative industry mentors.<\/p>\n
In his early 20s Nathan attempted to write a couple of books, but didn\u2019t have the skills he needed to see them through.<\/p>\n
With the support of his mentor, Nathan\u2019s writing took off.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo write a real book you need skills, how to structure a novel, complete a summary, develop characters,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mentor was an English teacher for most of his life, and with his support over two years I was able to write my first novel.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was thanks to that support and the added focus and maturity I had in my 30s that enabled me to complete my first novel.\u201d<\/p>\n
That novel, Kings of the New Age, blends sci-fi and fantasy in a post-apocalyptic Australian setting.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to believe, but open, friendly Nathan said he really battled with the vulnerability he felt when he released his first book.<\/p>\n
In the long run, he said, it\u2019s been a profoundly healing experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very insecure about how Kings of the New Age would be received in the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI set up on Beaumont Street selling my books, and in the past four years I\u2019ve sold about 2000 copies.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback and I\u2019ve become confident there is an audience for my writing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my legacy. If I do nothing else in my life I\u2019ve written some awesome stories that are thought-provoking and express my philosophies.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of those philosophies is a firm conviction that the arts are a powerful tool for mental health.<\/p>\n
Nathan said the purpose and meaning he had found through his writing and visual art kept him focussed.<\/p>\n
It also helped him work through his relationship to the beliefs that came with his psychotic episodes, and he is a firm believer it can help others.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou reflect and meditate on things you had thought, and that way your thoughts are able to evolve and grow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would encourage anyone to be scientific in your analysis of your experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo resolve your problems you should seek to find yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nathan is bringing his signature pop-up book stall to Wollongong in late August.<\/p>\n
To find it you\u2019ll need to keep your eyes peeled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll find a nice spot in the sun near some cafes and shops, set up my briefcase and start selling,\u201d Nathan said.<\/p>\n