DOUGLAS BELL
Author / Publisher / Content Creator
ringing a “bell” on untold stories
Threads of Purpose
You hate your job—but chose it for the prestige, money, and approval of those proud of you. What did you do when you were miserable—tell the truth or keep performing?
In Threads of Purpose, literary fiction, Asher Tidwell’s life collapses after an arrest, forcing him to confront identity, truth, and purpose as a result of the criminal justice system.
A romance novel for book lovers interested in how meditation is used to confront life’s biggest questions around regret and taboo love of being with an older woman.
Get your signed copy today.
Suspenseful. Transformative. Spiritual
Cake Walk - 1st Book - For the Love of Cake Duology
You did everything right—built a life of success, control, and belonging. But something still feels off.
When you felt this way… what did you do? Did you push it down, ignore it, or keep performing?
In Cake Walk (2nd Edition), literary fiction, when Bryan falls for Nadia, a transgender woman who lives openly, he must face the truth he’s avoided—his identity, masculinity, and desire—and decide whether to keep hiding… or finally live his truth.
An adult LGBT fiction story for book lovers interested in how meditation is used to break free of the ego which is keeping you from your truth.
Buy your signed copy today.
"Nuances of the human experience."
Amazon Reviewer
Love Cake - 2nd Book - For the Love of Cake Duology
“I loved Nadia for her "I don't take crap" mindset and for sticking up for herself. I endeavour to be as strong and brave within my life journey. A great story about choices, and the harsh reality of hiding who you are, and the repercussions of these choices. I thoroughly enjoyed this.” – Goodreads Reviewer
You finally found them—the person, the life that feels like yours. You finally found happiness. You found your community. Then everything shifts. What would you risk to keep it?
In Love Cake (2nd Edition), the sequel to Cake Walk, a queer bakery becomes a sanctuary—and a test. When love, family, and truth collide, Bryan must choose: his daughter… or his wife.
If you had to choose… what did you choose?
A literary fiction story for book lovers wanting to see adult LGBT fiction that leverages meditation and Buddhism wisdom to show cisgender and transgender communities living in loving relationships openly and without shame.
Purchase your signed copy today.
🔔 Welcome to “Ringing the Bell” Youtube Channel
A YouTube channel by author and storyteller Douglas Bell, where fiction, spirituality, justice, and creativity converge to explore what it means to live with purpose.
Here, you'll find four signature playlists—each inspired by the themes woven throughout Douglas’s novels: Cakewalk, Love Cake, Threads of Purpose, and the stories still to come.
I love stories filled with unexpected twists, action, desire, good sex, and characters who refuse to behave the way readers expect. Fiction gives me the freedom to have fun while telling bold stories about people you may not know exist—and who may be afraid to let you know they exist.
My characters often hide in plain sight because being fully seen can cost them careers, families, relationships, and belonging. Sometimes hiding feels like survival.
But I want readers to walk away with more than a page-turner. That is why my characters eventually find meditation. Through stillness, they begin questioning the stories they have inherited about masculinity, identity, sexuality, culture, and belonging.
My stories are about removing those illusions and discovering who we can become when we stop hiding and begin living honestly.
Come for the twists, action, and desire. Stay for the transformation.
Thank you for joining me as I ring the bell on stories too often left untold.
Douglas Bell is a Black fiction author, former magician, and LGBTQ+ ally based in Houston. His stories center Black male voices to explore how everyone can be healed through spiritual disciplines, Buddhist wisdom, and fictional characters grounded in truth. Douglas Bell is also the owner of Bumbershoot Press which produces the fictional work of Douglas Bell.
Monthly spiritual quote
“Be Patient with Yourself”
Ringing the Bell — Monthly Newsletter
Discover the inner journey behind the stories.
I created Ringing the Bell to share the spiritual and creative practices that shape my novels—especially how meditation and Buddhist philosophy helped me recognize the deeper truths of my life, release worry, and live with more authenticity and ease.
Each month, you’ll receive:
Reflections on meditation and Buddhist wisdom
Insights into my writing process and upcoming projects
Conversations with authors, artists, and change-makers
Explorations of the cultural and spiritual themes woven into my books
Free eBook for New Subscribers
As a thank-you for joining the community, you’ll receive a FREE eBook when you use the DISCOUNT code for Cake Walk or Threads of Purpose for subscribing.
Your email address is safe with me. It will never be sold or used for any purpose outside this newsletter.
