Bookpleasures.com is delighted to host James D. Bell, the accomplished author behind BeeBop: The Honeybee Wannabee Hero.

Widely recognized for his acclaimed and bestselling work, Vampire Defense, James brings much experience to the literary world.

 His distinguished career as a retired County, Circuit, and Chancery Judge in Mississippi, marked by numerous accolades, includes the remarkable achievement of being the youngest trial judge in state history. James’s novels are infused with authenticity, drawing inspiration from his involvement in some of the state’s most significant legal cases.

 Beyond his legal prowess, James’s diverse background, as the son of an American Indian mother and a prominent local businessman, adds a unique dimension to the tapestry of his storytelling.

His narratives are not only shaped by his professional experiences but also by his rich heritage. Devoted to his wife, Joanne, and residing near Crystal Springs, Mississippi, James leads a vibrant personal life that complements his impressive literary accomplishments.

With four children completing his cherished family, James D. Bell’s interview promises to provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of this multifaceted author.

Norm: Good day, James, and thanks for participating in our interview.

What inspired you to transition from writing legal thrillers to children’s literature with BeeBop: The Honeybee Wannabee Hero? How did it differ from your usual writing of legal thrillers?

James:  Thank you, Norm, I am honored to be with you.  My inspiration starts with my wife.  I mention a topic I would like to write about, and if it inspires her, she sets goals for me. 

She’s a gentile but persistent task master.  Several years ago, we were doing a book signing at a small, independent bookstore. 

The owner said she needed more children’s books.  I started thinking about the stories I used to tell my kids.  They expected a different story every night.  

My children were always characters in the stories, accomplishing great deeds with bravery, wit and humility.

Norm: The opening prologue of BeeBop recounts the tragic demise of an entire bee colony. What motivated you to start the story on such an emotional note?

James:  Being adopted and the drive to be accepted and prove your worth versus bullying and rejection are some of the competing themes in BeeBop. 

An entire hive was wiped out, save one little bee just hatching.  A committee of concerned bees discuss what to do about him and decide to submit the question to the Queen and let her decide.

Norm: How did you develop the title of your book, BeeBop: The Honeybee Wannabee Hero?

James:  BeeBop was one of the nicknames for my daughter.  Here, the bee is male, but usually, the BeeBop in my stories was female. 

Since the story involves bees, BeeBop was an easy title selection.

Norm: How did your background as a County, Circuit, and Chancery Judge influence the themes of resilience, honesty, integrity, and forgiveness in BeeBop’s character and the overall narrative?

James:  Every day I hear stories of injustice done to others and tragedies that would not have occurred, if all of us made a practice of dealing with one another with honesty, integrity, and forgiveness. 

As for resilience and determination, these traits are necessary to accomplish any worthy goal.  These are virtues I want the young reader to experience and aspire to as they read the story.

Norm: Can you share a specific moment or scene in the book that was particularly challenging or rewarding for you to write and why?

James:  Buzz asking for and receiving forgiveness is one of my favorite scenes.   I also loved BeeBop choosing to put the welfare of his adopted hive above his own welfare.

Norm: BeeBop’s journey involves facing prejudice, a monstrous bully bee, and doubt from his hive mates. Was there a personal experience or real-life inspiration that influenced these challenges in the story?

James:  As children, all of us experienced bullying when were in school.  Most bullies grow out of it, but a few continue into adulthood.  BeeBop shows us how we might deal with being bullied and shows us how wrong a bully can be about his victim.

Norm: The character of BeeBop is described as having a lovable yet slightly awkward demeanor. How did you approach creating a character that children could relate to on a personal level?

James:  It helps remembering what it was like to be a kid.  There are so many awkward moments when meeting new friends, or being too shy to meet new friends. 

When we are being taught new skills, a few catch on quickly.  That makes the rest of us feel less worthy.  We think everyone notices our mistakes. 

We don’t realize everyone else is too busy trying to deal with their own mistakes to spend much time pointing out ours.

Norm: BeeBop addresses the pressing issue of bullying. Why did you tackle this theme, and what message do you hope young readers will take away from it?

James:  Bullying is a real, everyday experience for children.  It makes us feel unaccepted, afraid, angry, and unworthy.  We experience injustice. 

I want this story to resonate with both the victim and the bully.  I hope the reader who has been a victim of bullying will see in BeeBop that perseverance can overcome anything, including bullying. 

I hope a reader who has been a bully can see his own actions as unjust and unworthy, and that the victim of his bullying could instead be his best friend.    

Norm: The narrative of BeeBop involves an adventurous mission to snag precious nectar. Did you draw inspiration from any real-life adventures or experiences crafting this part of the story?

James:  Actually, I interviewed BettyBee and BeeBop.  I just retold the story using their words.   

Norm: The book concludes with a Parent and Teacher’s Guide, providing insights into the significance of bees and incorporating fun facts.

How do you see this guide enhancing the educational and enjoyable aspects of the book for readers?

James:  This was my wife’s idea.  She wanted a story that both inspires and educates.  We think BeeBop does both.  It provides young readers with real facts to go along with an inspirational story. 

BeeBop encourages the reader to dream great dreams and do great deeds.

Norm: Where can our readers learn more about you and BeeBop: The Honeybee Wannabee Hero?

James:  BeeBop is available on Amazon.  Any day now there will be a website, which I believe will be BeeBoptheHoneyBeeWannabee.com, with more information. 

In the meantime, you can check out the websites of my other books, Maximilianstreasure.com or vampiredefense.com.

Norm: As we conclude this interview, your legal career and experiences in Mississippi are highlighted as sources of inspiration for your novels.

How did your personal background, being the son of an American Indian mother and a prominent local businessman, contribute to the tapestry of storytelling in BeeBop?

James:  Mississippi, in some ways among the poorest of states, is rich in cultural inspiration.  Everyone has a story to tell and a song to sing and the food is both a story and a song. 

The next great American novel walks through my office door every day.  I just can’t write the stories fast enough.  Story telling incorporating animals and nature was a gift from my mother’s side of the family. 

My father stressed keeping promises and completing tasks.   He would be pleased that I have finished a few stories but would expect me to write many more.

Norm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your endeavors

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