Life Seemed Good, But.... is a funny, down-to-earth anthology of more than ninety short stories of life in and around the big Mystee Forest. Among the stories: a porcupine who thinks he's a doctor, alien fleas, and a giant potato bent on world conquest. The French Revolution sets the stage for a tragic firefly love story. What would you do with three wishes from a little elephant fairy godmother? The author's first-person science projects typically involve lasers and kitchen magnets. In other stories, he meets Santa Claus to make demands. In another, he runs over a happy zombie. Can't forget his pet dinosaur. We meet seemingly normal characters who simply...aren't. At the end, wisdom from a turtle. Picture Aesop meets the Brothers Grimm in an alternate reality, with glimpses of the darker corners of human nature.
These tales form a world of surreal situations rich in obscure trivia, hidden meanings, and connections that reward attention. The humor may not be for everyone. Not all laugh at pseudo-microbiology, changes to the laws of nature, the depths of absurdity, or bad puns.
Bell began writing as therapy while caring for his wife during her treatment for leukemia. He was laid off from his job around the same time, and writing became a way to deal with stress. The book is dedicated to anyone who's supported someone through a serious illness, or simply navigated the ups and downs of life. May it give you laughter as medicine.
One reviewer called it "shockingly amazing."
Revised 2026.
Autorentext
I have been writing a column entitled 'Modern Fables' since 2008 for Wassup Local magazine in Lake County, IL. I am originally from Chicago, married, and residing in Wisconsin. While some kids had to be funny so other kids would like them, I had to be funny so my parents would like me. My life and experience are reflected in this book, which was written by several different people, all of them me, over the course of 13 years. I am donating a percentage from my sales to cancer research.