Meet the author
Bella Colby
Bella Colby is the pen name of a UK author who has spent a lifetime observing people, pocketing their peculiarities, and giving the more troublesome souls a charmingly magical demise in her cozy mysteries.
The Wedding Witch series grew straight out of her years as a wedding registrar — a job that taught her that behind every perfectly choreographed ceremony lurks enough human drama to power an entire trilogy. Add a reluctant witch, a sarcastic wolf familiar, and a seaside town where the locals know far too much, and the stories practically conjured themselves.
The Witchy at Fifty series was born from Bella’s own spellbook of contradictions. She’s a writer who insists she’s perpetually eighteen, even if the mirror disagrees. That’s exactly why she wanted a heroine who embraces midlife magic instead of being relegated to the background. Josie Appleton stepped forward fully formed: chaotic, warm‑hearted, and gloriously unprepared for the magical inheritance heading her way.
Before writing became her full‑time enchantment, Bella worked as a musician, librarian, school science technician, pre‑school music teacher, checkout operator and wedding registrar — occasionally all at once, like a one‑woman band with a filing system. She also holds a BSc in Psychology, which turns out to be extremely handy when plotting fictional murders and diagnosing suspicious behaviour in small‑town suspects.
She lives in the wild, wet Welsh borderlands, where the twilight hours — that sliver of time when the world forgets whether it’s day or night — offer daily inspiration for magic, mystery, and the occasional body.
The pen name Bella Colby was inspired by her fox‑red Labrador, Bella, who has served as writing companion, plot consultant, and the undisputed face of the brand from the very beginning. Bella’s own version of events (which contains significantly more snacks) can be found below.
Hi! I'm Bella
Woof!
I’m Bella, a fox-red labrador who loves to sniff out mysteries and chew on bones. I’m also the inspiration behind the pen name of my people, who write the Witchy at Fifty and the Wedding Witch Cozy Mystery series. I like to think of myself as a 'writing assistance dog.'
My people are awesome. They take me for long walks every day, where we explore new places and meet new friends. They also give me lots of treats and belly rubs, which I appreciate very much.
But what I love most about my people is that they share my passion for stories. They love happy endings, have a snarky sense of humour, and like to plot murders while we’re out walking. Sometimes they even let me help them with their research by letting me sniff around crime scenes or visit haunted houses.
They also have a secret: they are witches! Well, not really. But they do write about witches who solve mysteries and use magic in their weddings. They say it’s fun and creative, and I think it’s very cool that they can make up stories about things that don’t exist in real life.
You can see some photos of us together on this page. Aren’t we cute?
I hope you enjoy reading the fun, paranormal cozies as much as I enjoy helping my people write them. And remember: if you ever need a loyal friend or a furry detective, just give me a call. I’ll be there in a flash.
Bella Colby, The Dog Behind The Pen xxx
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