
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Sep 5, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Whitney April Bell Unveils Makeda: The Soul of Sheba: A Novella in Verse A High Fantasy Myth Retelling Blending Ancient Lore and Enchanted Quests
Author to Discuss Novellas Rhythmic Verse and Film Potential on The Chris Voss Show Podcast Thursday, September 11, 4pm EST.
Lawyer and storyteller Whitney April Bell announces the release of her latest work, Makeda: The Soul of Sheba: A Novella in Verse, a 17,600-word adult fantasy myth retelling that weaves ancient Ethiopian and biblical legends with high fantasy elements like phoenix flights, talking animals, and a jinn-script amulet. With rights to her original 2023 picture book version now fully reverted, Bell owns exclusive rights to the entire project.
In this rhythmic tale, a young queen rises from doubt and betrayal to unlock her inner asé (life force) through palace intrigue, enchanted quests, and a fateful alliance with King Solomon. Drawing comparisons to the historical depth and verse of Hamilton and the animated mythic epic of The Prince of Egypt, the novella invites readers into a world of magic, destiny, and cross-cultural bonds.
Im thrilled to share this expanded story that transforms ancient legends into a high fantasy adventure, said Bell. From jinn whispers to phoenix flames, its about embracing ones power amid betrayal and quests. With full rights ownership, Im pursuing a publishing deal and animated film adaptation to inspire generations.
Bell, a graduate of Wayne State University Law School and the University of Maastricht (where she taught Dutch Criminal Law in Dutch), has a passion for astrology and weaving timeless myths into captivating narratives. Her 2023 picture book, Makeda: The Soul of Sheba (1,100 words), explored similar mythic themes.
Tune in to The Chris Voss Show podcast on September 11, 2025, at 4pm EST, where Bell will discuss her inspirations, the novellas unique verse format, and its potential for an animated film. Listeners can expect insights into blending lore with fantasy and tips for aspiring storytellers.
For more, visit whitneyaprilbell.com or follow @WhitneyAprilBell on X, Instagram, and Facebook for verse snippets and updates.
About Whitney April Bell
Whitney April Bell is a lawyer, educator, and author blending ancient legends with high fantasy. Based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, she owns exclusive rights to her works and seeks partnerships for publishing and film adaptations. Contact: [email protected]. Media kit available.



Source :Sheba Soul Stories
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3 day's ago
Acclaimed horror novelist and U.S. Army veteran Vanessa M. Chattman returns with a chilling new supernatural tale that promises to haunt readers long after the final page. Her latest novel, BENEATH THE OAK, delivers a gripping blend of psychological terror, hidden family secrets, and ghostly suspensecementing Vanessa M. Chattmans reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern horror.
Set in the quiet isolation of rural America, BENEATH THE OAK follows Alyssa Ward, a grieving woman forced to confront the shadows of her past when she returns to her childhood home after her mothers sudden death. What she expects to be a simple homecoming becomes a descent into a generational nightmare. The massive oak tree looming behind the houseonce a symbol of comfortnow pulses with an eerie, oppressive presence. At night, whispers seep from its roots, and ghostly silhouettes gather beneath its branches, watching, waiting.
As Alyssa sorts through her mothers belongings, she discovers a series of journals revealing a dark family curse tied to the ancient tree. For generations, the Ward family has been tormented by a spirit bound to the oakone that selects a single family member to keep beneath its roots. When Alyssa begins experiencing visions of a young girl calling her name, begging for release, she realizes the curse is awakening once more.
The deeper Alyssa digs into her familys past, the more the veil between the living and the dead unravels. The spirit beneath the oak soon reveals its true identitysomeone Alyssa once knew, someone she unknowingly abandoned. To break the curse, Alyssa must confront buried memories, longforgotten guilt, and a supernatural force determined to claim her as its next offering. The battle becomes not only for her life, but for her soul.
Vanessa M. Chattmans signature styleatmospheric, emotionally charged, and rooted in psychological horrorshines throughout BENEATH THE OAK. Known for her ability to blend haunting imagery with human vulnerability, Chattman crafts a narrative that is both terrifying and profoundly intimate. Her exploration of grief, memory, and generational trauma elevates the novel beyond traditional horror, offering readers a story that is as thoughtprovoking as it is chilling.
With a growing body of acclaimed work spanning supernatural fiction, psychological thrillers, and cinematic screenplays, Vanessa M. Chattman continues to push the boundaries of the genre. BENEATH THE OAK stands as one of her most powerful works to datea haunting reminder that the past never truly stays buried, and some spirits refuse to be forgotten.
BENEATH THE OAK is now available through major retailers and online platforms. Readers seeking a gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant supernatural horror experience will find themselves captivatedand hauntedby Vanessa M. Chattmans latest masterpiece.
Amazon.com: BENEATH THE OAK: A NOVEL: 9798248707652: Chattman, Vanessa M.: Books
BENEATH THE OAK: A NOVEL by Vanessa M. Chattman | eBook | Barnes & Noble®
BENEATH THE OAK by Vanessa M. Chattman on Apple Books
BENEATH THE OAK eBook by Vanessa M. Chattman - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States
Source :Author Vanessa M. Chattman
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.