The Blue Bell Review Blog
Articles, op-eds, book reviews, multimedia, podcasts, and insights from our community
From the Editor
From the Editor-in-Chief, An Intro to The Blue Bell Review
I still remember the day I presented my parents with a folder of ten poems and stories painstakingly written out in my best handwriting—a big deal when one is nine years old...
Finding Time to Create
Elaine's guest piece for Beyond the Lines on squeezing creativity in around exams, classes, and everything else — and why you should never put it off.
Behind the Scenes: How We Review Your Submissions
Ever wondered what happens after you hit submit? Here's the full step-by-step look at our editorial review process, straight from our editors.
Beyond the Lines x The Blue Bell Review
A new literary collaboration for young creators — announcing our partnership with Beyond the Lines: International Book Newsletter.
It's Been Almost a Year: Our Observations and Advice for Submitters
Almost a year after launching The Blue Bell Review, our editors share what we've learned reading submissions — from reading the guidelines to revising your work, avoiding AI, and being patient.
Author Interviews
Author Interview with Isabelle Knight
Isabelle Knight, author of the Enchantria series, shares inspiring insights for teens who dream of publishing their own books.
Interview with Tessa Emily Osborn
To kick off Lit Mag Week, we talk to Tessa Emily Osborn—author of Purple Moon, Unwritten Melody, and Fallen Leaves—about her writing journey and her advice for teen writers.
Contributor Interviews
Interview with Journey Bloomfield
In the first of a new interview series featuring our past contributors, we catch up with Journey Bloomfield—author, entrepreneur, and violinist.
Interview with Selah Cross
Continuing our interview series with past contributors, we sit down with Selah Cross—poet, storyteller, and author of a five-book fantasy series.
Community Spotlight
Common Ground On A Banana Leaf
A reflective essay by Ayra Minal, 14 Years Old, From India — on food, friendship, and finding common ground across cultures.
The Battle of Raagas by Srujana Bhat
A young musician's journey from Carnatic to Hindustani classical music, and her passion project to preserve traditional Indian melodies.
Art By Havish Reddy: Art Editor
A beautiful calla lily painting by our Art Editor, showcasing the beauty of nature through vibrant colors.
Poems By Aanyaa Tekwani: Blog Editor
Two beautiful poems exploring the interplay of light, time, and quiet introspection.
Shilpa P.: A Young Artist Defying the Odds
The story of Shilpa P., a talented young artist from Bangalore who refuses to let her hearing impairment stand in the way of her creative dreams.
The Little Flower
A quiet poem about a small, imperfect flower in a garden — and the gentle resilience of growing as you are.
Lit Mag Week
Lit Mag Week Is Finally Here! Here's What to Expect
We have planned a wide variety of posts and features for you all to enjoy throughout Lit Mag Week—here's the plan for the week!
The Re-Introduction Video
Welcome to our re-introduction video for The Blue Bell Review! Take a step back and see the journey of our youth-run literary magazine for creative minds aged 6-16.
Prompts for Lit Mag Week
When you're writing this week, make use of these prompts to break the ice — songs, opposites, puzzle pieces, fairytales, journeys, and waves!
Prompts
🐍 Creativity Prompt #5 - Torn
Inspired by D.H. Lawrence's 'Snake': write a piece about a character torn by internal struggle, using rhetorical questions and repetition.
🍽️ Creativity Prompt #1 - Creating Based On Food
Explore the magical connection between food, memory, and emotion through creative writing and art.
✨ Creativity Prompt #2 - Creating About The New Year
Twist the cliché idea of motivational quotes into something fresh and meaningful.
🌹 Creativity Prompt #3 - What's in a name?
Explore the meaning behind names, words, and the power of language itself.
⏳ Creativity Prompt #4 - Time Travel
Explore the many ways time travels — sideways, across zones, through memory, and in perception.
🎨 Ekphrasis
Using visual art as a literary device to inspire and enhance your creative writing.
✍️ Writing with a Friend
Discover how collaborative writing can enhance creativity through Renga poetry, Rigmarole games, and more.
The Ekphrastic Experiment
Elaine and Siri interpret Robert Delaunay's Champs de Mars: The Red Tower through poetry and art — an experiment in how visual art and creative writing complement each other.
Book Reviews & Recommendations
Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A young reader's review of Markus Zusak's beloved novel narrated by Death, exploring love, friendship, and the power of words in Nazi Germany.
📚 Christmas Reading Recommendations
Get into the festive spirit with our favourite Christmas reads for older and younger readers alike.
📖 Book Recommendations for Women's Day
Five powerful reads celebrating courage, persistence, and the many forms of strength — perfect for International Women's Day.
Book Review: The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
A young reader's take on the first book in The School for Good and Evil series, exploring friendship, identity, and what it truly means to be good or evil.
Spy x Family, Book Review
A young reader's review of Tatsuya Endo's beloved manga, celebrating its action, humour, and heartwarming found-family story.
The Master Reading List
A curated collection of recommended reads spanning historical classics, adventure tales, and beloved middle-grade stories from our community.
A Publication That We Read!
Literary magazines are communities, not collections. For Lit Mag Week, we're celebrating our Ekphrastic Contest collaboration with Phosphorescent Lit — two youth magazines, one painting, and countless interpretations.
From Print to Pixels: Stone Soup and the Changing Face of Magazines
For Lit Mag Week, our Prose Editor Kyle Chinchio looks at Stone Soup — a magazine written entirely by kids — and what it means when beloved publications move from print to digital.
Miscellaneous
My Interesting Story About Shih Tzus
A true story about one family, three Shih Tzus, and a very sleepy Rocco.
✨ Importance Of Creativity In Student Life
Why creativity isn't separate from learning — it's part of it. A reflection on why students should never stop creating.
The Revised List Of Opportunities For Young Artists And Writers!
In honour of Lit Mag Week, we compiled a list of publishing opportunities, competitions and literary communities for young artists and writers.
More Posts
🌎 Global Youth Literary and Art Publications
A curated list of literary journals, magazines, and writing platforms for young creators worldwide.
📚 Beyond The Lines: Asia Teens Book Club
Join our monthly book club for teens in Asia! Deep discussions, fun activities, and bookish community.
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