Newcastle-based author and visual artist Nathan Bell, who lives with schizophrenia, will be visiting Hornsby regularly over the coming months to share his books and artwork with the local community, supported by creative arts NDIS provider Rely-Ability.
Born in Wollongong in 1986, Bell grew up in the Hunter Valley. He is an established creative with a growing national profile, having appeared on radio stations, in newspapers and magazines across Australia, including on Hornsby community radio and the ABC.
A prolific storyteller, Bell has self-published seven books, selling more than 3,000 copies to date. His published works include Kings of the New Age (2021), Shamanic Journey (2024), Saturday Night on Beaumont Street (2024), One Minute to Midnight (2024), The Wizard & The Eyeman (2024), A Lonely Man (2025), and The Wizard’s Spell (2025).
All of Bell’s stories are set in Australia and often draw on imagination and magical elements. He hopes to see his books adapted for film and produced locally, contributing to Australia’s creative industries.
Bell is supported by Rely-Ability, a creative arts-focused NDIS service that pairs participants with experienced industry professionals to help develop and deliver artistic projects. With this support, he has been able to refine his craft, publish his work and build confidence engaging with audiences.
“As an author who sells my books on the street, one of my biggest challenges is creating interest,” Bell said.
“There are so many other things people could spend their money on. I try to be friendly and confident when I’m selling. Most people just walk by, but over time I have managed to sell nearly four thousand books.”
Several times a week, Bell attends Rely-Ability’s creative arts centre in Newcastle, known as the Hub. The space is fully equipped with professional production software, musical instruments and art materials, with expert staff supporting clients across a range of creative disciplines.
“Rely-Ability is a hive of creativity,” he said.
“…[E]veryone there is really motivated to produce, so we are always seeing exciting new projects being released. We all help each other out where possible. I recently did some voice acting for one of our clients.”
When developing a new story, Bell begins with a detailed outline of events before drafting and revising his work through several edits. He then works closely with his Rely-Ability editor, Tom Pahlow, to refine the manuscript based on feedback.
Bell said he has been encouraged by responses from readers in Newcastle, where some locals have affectionately nicknamed him “the Wizard” due to the magical themes in his writing.
“I want my writing to fill people with wonder, that’s why I write about magic,” he said.
“Over the last few years of building my readership in Newcastle, numerous locals have started calling me the Wizard. I have created a myth, so much fun.”
Staff from Rely-Ability will support Bell as he visits Hornsby and surrounding areas. During his time in the area, he plans to set up in the street to sell books and artwork created by himself and other Rely-Ability clients, while sparking conversations about creativity and the role of art in everyday life.
“I tell people I am promoting an art and cultural revolution in Australia,” Bell said.
“I want them to walk away imagining the beginning of an enlightened age of knowledge and high culture.”
More information about Rely-Ability and its programs is available at rely-ability.com.au
