Life Seemed Good, But.... A Collection of Short Quirky Stories

Life Seemed Good, But…. is a funny, down-to-earth anthology of more than ninety short, strange stories of life in and around the big Mystee Forest. Although each story has its own odd turn, they follow a pattern: life seems good, but then reality takes the other fork, sometimes darkly. From aliens to zombies, the book also includes the author's tragic adventures with lasers and aluminum foil. After the epilogue comes Wisdom from a Turtle, with gems like "e;People are not toys."e; Picture Aesop meeting the Brothers Grimm in an alternate reality.Look closely, and you'll find a world rich in trivia, hidden meanings, and connections that reward attention. The humor is not for everyone…not all are amused by misfortune, bad puns, or antihumor, although it has been given high praise by many stoners with a taste for the absurd.Bell began writing as therapy while caring for his wife during her treatment for leukemia. During that time, he was laid off from his job, and writing became a way to deal with the stress. Hence the title. The book is dedicated to anyone who's supported someone through a serious illness or simply navigated the vicissitudes of life. May it give you laughter as medicine.One reviewer called it "e;shockingly amazing."e;Revised 2026.