D.T. Bella, Author
@rychilla.com
Aussie indie author, writing a series about a fairy detective in a steampunk kingdom. Art by PamonyaArt. Logo by Lee Bradford (He/him.)
My Books: https://rychilla.com/about-the-books/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.T.-Bella/author/B0BQWBRWJY
My Books: https://rychilla.com/about-the-books/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.T.-Bella/author/B0BQWBRWJY
Pinned
D.T. Bella, Author
@rychilla.com
· Dec 12
My next fantasy/murder mystery novel, 'Embers of Doubt', is out now.
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 15/Jan/26: Weapon used by MC.
Aside from his wits, Yaetherim's main weapon is a dagger. A design known as a 'stinger', popular among fairies. Yaetherim's has a blade edged with spent flora elemental crystal, and a wood inlay that allows him to control it with florakind magic.
Aside from his wits, Yaetherim's main weapon is a dagger. A design known as a 'stinger', popular among fairies. Yaetherim's has a blade edged with spent flora elemental crystal, and a wood inlay that allows him to control it with florakind magic.
January 15, 2026 at 8:57 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 15/Jan/26: Weapon used by MC.
Aside from his wits, Yaetherim's main weapon is a dagger. A design known as a 'stinger', popular among fairies. Yaetherim's has a blade edged with spent flora elemental crystal, and a wood inlay that allows him to control it with florakind magic.
Aside from his wits, Yaetherim's main weapon is a dagger. A design known as a 'stinger', popular among fairies. Yaetherim's has a blade edged with spent flora elemental crystal, and a wood inlay that allows him to control it with florakind magic.
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
What helped you become a better editor for your stories? Honestly, for me it was just getting used to the types of mistakes I make and then keeping an eye out for them #writingq #WritingCommunity
January 11, 2026 at 5:58 PM
What helped you become a better editor for your stories? Honestly, for me it was just getting used to the types of mistakes I make and then keeping an eye out for them #writingq #WritingCommunity
#QueerPrompts 8/Jan/26: How did your characters meet?
Yaetherim and Charlys met when they were kids, and became like siblings.
Naeliya and Yaetherim were introduced by a tavern owner, who thought they'd get on.
Yaetherim, Karis and Tenora met while investigating a case from opposite ends.
Yaetherim and Charlys met when they were kids, and became like siblings.
Naeliya and Yaetherim were introduced by a tavern owner, who thought they'd get on.
Yaetherim, Karis and Tenora met while investigating a case from opposite ends.
January 8, 2026 at 10:38 AM
#QueerPrompts 8/Jan/26: How did your characters meet?
Yaetherim and Charlys met when they were kids, and became like siblings.
Naeliya and Yaetherim were introduced by a tavern owner, who thought they'd get on.
Yaetherim, Karis and Tenora met while investigating a case from opposite ends.
Yaetherim and Charlys met when they were kids, and became like siblings.
Naeliya and Yaetherim were introduced by a tavern owner, who thought they'd get on.
Yaetherim, Karis and Tenora met while investigating a case from opposite ends.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 8/Jan/26: Social Classes in your world.
Rychillans have 4 social classes, based on trust. They're initially in the second-highest class. Those who have proved themselves trustworthy are put into the highest class.
The lowest two classes are for those who've committed crimes.
Rychillans have 4 social classes, based on trust. They're initially in the second-highest class. Those who have proved themselves trustworthy are put into the highest class.
The lowest two classes are for those who've committed crimes.
January 8, 2026 at 10:34 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 8/Jan/26: Social Classes in your world.
Rychillans have 4 social classes, based on trust. They're initially in the second-highest class. Those who have proved themselves trustworthy are put into the highest class.
The lowest two classes are for those who've committed crimes.
Rychillans have 4 social classes, based on trust. They're initially in the second-highest class. Those who have proved themselves trustworthy are put into the highest class.
The lowest two classes are for those who've committed crimes.
#WritingQ - I've got some 'interquels' planned, which happen between the main novels of my series. But these would mess up the numbering on Amazon. E.g. novel no. 3 could be listed as book 5 or 6.
What's a good way to handle this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
What's a good way to handle this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
January 8, 2026 at 9:13 AM
#WritingQ - I've got some 'interquels' planned, which happen between the main novels of my series. But these would mess up the numbering on Amazon. E.g. novel no. 3 could be listed as book 5 or 6.
What's a good way to handle this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
What's a good way to handle this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 7/Jan/26: What inspired you to create your world?
I wanted to avoid the usual 'medieval' fantasy world, so I decided on something more Victorian, with magic & steam engines.
It's also in a subtropical climate. This was inspired by the Gold Coast Hinterland in QLD, Australia.
I wanted to avoid the usual 'medieval' fantasy world, so I decided on something more Victorian, with magic & steam engines.
It's also in a subtropical climate. This was inspired by the Gold Coast Hinterland in QLD, Australia.
January 7, 2026 at 10:49 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 7/Jan/26: What inspired you to create your world?
I wanted to avoid the usual 'medieval' fantasy world, so I decided on something more Victorian, with magic & steam engines.
It's also in a subtropical climate. This was inspired by the Gold Coast Hinterland in QLD, Australia.
I wanted to avoid the usual 'medieval' fantasy world, so I decided on something more Victorian, with magic & steam engines.
It's also in a subtropical climate. This was inspired by the Gold Coast Hinterland in QLD, Australia.
#WritingQ - I'm looking at writing an urban fantasy set in the city that I live in. However, I'm not sure if this is writing too close to home. Are there any dangers to doing something like this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
January 6, 2026 at 8:05 AM
#WritingQ - I'm looking at writing an urban fantasy set in the city that I live in. However, I'm not sure if this is writing too close to home. Are there any dangers to doing something like this?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
#QueerPrompts 5/Jan/26: Events that shaped your character(s).
Yaetherim was attacked and nearly killed, by two Rychillans trespassing in the forest. It cost him his career as a protector and led to him becoming a private eye.
Yaetherim was attacked and nearly killed, by two Rychillans trespassing in the forest. It cost him his career as a protector and led to him becoming a private eye.
January 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM
#QueerPrompts 5/Jan/26: Events that shaped your character(s).
Yaetherim was attacked and nearly killed, by two Rychillans trespassing in the forest. It cost him his career as a protector and led to him becoming a private eye.
Yaetherim was attacked and nearly killed, by two Rychillans trespassing in the forest. It cost him his career as a protector and led to him becoming a private eye.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 5/Jan/26: An element of worldbuilding which is a problem for characters.
Rychillans have a class system based on honesty. Convicted criminals are the lowest class - not trusted until they've served their sentence.
This causes problems when they have vital info about a case.
Rychillans have a class system based on honesty. Convicted criminals are the lowest class - not trusted until they've served their sentence.
This causes problems when they have vital info about a case.
January 5, 2026 at 10:23 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilders 5/Jan/26: An element of worldbuilding which is a problem for characters.
Rychillans have a class system based on honesty. Convicted criminals are the lowest class - not trusted until they've served their sentence.
This causes problems when they have vital info about a case.
Rychillans have a class system based on honesty. Convicted criminals are the lowest class - not trusted until they've served their sentence.
This causes problems when they have vital info about a case.
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 5/Jan/26: Writing Habits.
I've got a habit of writing early mornings, before the rest of my family wakes up. Also when commuting on the train to and from the office.
I've also noticed that I have a habit of putting several food-related scenes in my stories.
I've got a habit of writing early mornings, before the rest of my family wakes up. Also when commuting on the train to and from the office.
I've also noticed that I have a habit of putting several food-related scenes in my stories.
January 5, 2026 at 10:17 AM
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 5/Jan/26: Writing Habits.
I've got a habit of writing early mornings, before the rest of my family wakes up. Also when commuting on the train to and from the office.
I've also noticed that I have a habit of putting several food-related scenes in my stories.
I've got a habit of writing early mornings, before the rest of my family wakes up. Also when commuting on the train to and from the office.
I've also noticed that I have a habit of putting several food-related scenes in my stories.
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
December 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
Step into a steampunk kingdom and meet the fairy detective who solves its mysteries
Our newest WriteStats Author Interview features D.T. Bella, whose storytelling blends charm, heart, and inventive worldbuilding.
Full interview with @rychilla.com➜ writestats.com/d-t-bella-on...
#WritingCommunity
Our newest WriteStats Author Interview features D.T. Bella, whose storytelling blends charm, heart, and inventive worldbuilding.
Full interview with @rychilla.com➜ writestats.com/d-t-bella-on...
#WritingCommunity
D.T. Bella on Creativity, Worldbuilding, and Writing Steampunk Fairy Detectives
Meet D.T. Bella, a master of steampunk fiction. Learn about his inspirations and the enchanting worlds he builds in his stories.
writestats.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Step into a steampunk kingdom and meet the fairy detective who solves its mysteries
Our newest WriteStats Author Interview features D.T. Bella, whose storytelling blends charm, heart, and inventive worldbuilding.
Full interview with @rychilla.com➜ writestats.com/d-t-bella-on...
#WritingCommunity
Our newest WriteStats Author Interview features D.T. Bella, whose storytelling blends charm, heart, and inventive worldbuilding.
Full interview with @rychilla.com➜ writestats.com/d-t-bella-on...
#WritingCommunity
My next fantasy/murder mystery novel, 'Embers of Doubt', is out now.
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
December 12, 2025 at 7:40 PM
My next fantasy/murder mystery novel, 'Embers of Doubt', is out now.
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder.
rychilla.com/about-the-bo...
#writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
November 25, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The ARC copy for my next book, 'Embers of Doubt', is now live. It's available on Booksprout: booksprout.co/reviewer/rev....
#Rychilla #Fantasy #Indie #Writing ✍️ #Writer
#Rychilla #Fantasy #Indie #Writing ✍️ #Writer
Embers of Doubt
Yaetherim thought he had no further business with the College of Mages. But they have further business with him. It's a simple ask, for his assessment of which apprentice to promote to mage. He did...
booksprout.co
November 20, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Proofreading your story can be a wild ride. Sometimes it's "holy heck, did I write that", and sometimes it's "holy heck, did I write that". IYKYK. #writinglife
November 18, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Proofreading your story can be a wild ride. Sometimes it's "holy heck, did I write that", and sometimes it's "holy heck, did I write that". IYKYK. #writinglife
#NovemberWorldbuilders 17/11/25: Creatures in the river/lake.
River water in Rychilla needs to be filtered, to remove the toxicant in it, before it's safe to drink. This toxicant comes from merfolk who live in the river - but the Rychillans haven't realised they're there yet.
River water in Rychilla needs to be filtered, to remove the toxicant in it, before it's safe to drink. This toxicant comes from merfolk who live in the river - but the Rychillans haven't realised they're there yet.
November 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 17/11/25: Creatures in the river/lake.
River water in Rychilla needs to be filtered, to remove the toxicant in it, before it's safe to drink. This toxicant comes from merfolk who live in the river - but the Rychillans haven't realised they're there yet.
River water in Rychilla needs to be filtered, to remove the toxicant in it, before it's safe to drink. This toxicant comes from merfolk who live in the river - but the Rychillans haven't realised they're there yet.
#QueerPrompts 17/Nov/25: Any students in your story?
Embers of Doubt takes place at the local college of mages, where three apprentices are competing for one position as a mage.
As part of their tests, each apprentice has to teach a class of school students how to use magic to filter water.
Embers of Doubt takes place at the local college of mages, where three apprentices are competing for one position as a mage.
As part of their tests, each apprentice has to teach a class of school students how to use magic to filter water.
November 17, 2025 at 10:29 AM
#QueerPrompts 17/Nov/25: Any students in your story?
Embers of Doubt takes place at the local college of mages, where three apprentices are competing for one position as a mage.
As part of their tests, each apprentice has to teach a class of school students how to use magic to filter water.
Embers of Doubt takes place at the local college of mages, where three apprentices are competing for one position as a mage.
As part of their tests, each apprentice has to teach a class of school students how to use magic to filter water.
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 PM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 7/Nov/25: Something black in your story.
Jaleshi elves wear black lipstick and nail polish as a sign of mourning. We'll meet a character like this in book 3 of my series.
Jaleshi elves wear black lipstick and nail polish as a sign of mourning. We'll meet a character like this in book 3 of my series.
November 6, 2025 at 7:42 PM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 7/Nov/25: Something black in your story.
Jaleshi elves wear black lipstick and nail polish as a sign of mourning. We'll meet a character like this in book 3 of my series.
Jaleshi elves wear black lipstick and nail polish as a sign of mourning. We'll meet a character like this in book 3 of my series.
#NovemberWorldbuilders 1/Nov/25: Something in your world that's red?
Dark red/maroon is the royal colour in Rychilla. Reserved by law for those on government business. It's the colour of town guard uniforms and cars. As such, Karis usually wears it.
(Art by Sofia Aspe.)
Dark red/maroon is the royal colour in Rychilla. Reserved by law for those on government business. It's the colour of town guard uniforms and cars. As such, Karis usually wears it.
(Art by Sofia Aspe.)
November 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 1/Nov/25: Something in your world that's red?
Dark red/maroon is the royal colour in Rychilla. Reserved by law for those on government business. It's the colour of town guard uniforms and cars. As such, Karis usually wears it.
(Art by Sofia Aspe.)
Dark red/maroon is the royal colour in Rychilla. Reserved by law for those on government business. It's the colour of town guard uniforms and cars. As such, Karis usually wears it.
(Art by Sofia Aspe.)
#FantasyIndiesNovember 2/Nov/25: When did you start writing?
Back in primary school. I think my first original piece was about a rally team using an electric car, inspired by the 'XV Racers' toy line that was out at the time. I think I was in year 4 or 5 of primary school at that point.
Back in primary school. I think my first original piece was about a rally team using an electric car, inspired by the 'XV Racers' toy line that was out at the time. I think I was in year 4 or 5 of primary school at that point.
November 1, 2025 at 7:25 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 2/Nov/25: When did you start writing?
Back in primary school. I think my first original piece was about a rally team using an electric car, inspired by the 'XV Racers' toy line that was out at the time. I think I was in year 4 or 5 of primary school at that point.
Back in primary school. I think my first original piece was about a rally team using an electric car, inspired by the 'XV Racers' toy line that was out at the time. I think I was in year 4 or 5 of primary school at that point.
Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author
October 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Here's the cover reveal for 'Embers of Doubt', book 2 of my fantasy whodunnit series. It'll be releasing on the 12th of December.
Cover art by Mousam Bannerjee.
#writer #indieauthor #Rychilla #booksky
Cover art by Mousam Bannerjee.
#writer #indieauthor #Rychilla #booksky
October 18, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Here's the cover reveal for 'Embers of Doubt', book 2 of my fantasy whodunnit series. It'll be releasing on the 12th of December.
Cover art by Mousam Bannerjee.
#writer #indieauthor #Rychilla #booksky
Cover art by Mousam Bannerjee.
#writer #indieauthor #Rychilla #booksky
#OctoberWorldbuilders 18/10/25: Tech in your world?
Rychillan technology runs on elemental magic, controlled by runes. Most vehicles (cars, boats, airships) are steam powered, with the steam generated from water & fire magic.
Smaller devices use clockwork (i.e. wound springs & gears) for power.
Rychillan technology runs on elemental magic, controlled by runes. Most vehicles (cars, boats, airships) are steam powered, with the steam generated from water & fire magic.
Smaller devices use clockwork (i.e. wound springs & gears) for power.
October 17, 2025 at 8:29 PM
#OctoberWorldbuilders 18/10/25: Tech in your world?
Rychillan technology runs on elemental magic, controlled by runes. Most vehicles (cars, boats, airships) are steam powered, with the steam generated from water & fire magic.
Smaller devices use clockwork (i.e. wound springs & gears) for power.
Rychillan technology runs on elemental magic, controlled by runes. Most vehicles (cars, boats, airships) are steam powered, with the steam generated from water & fire magic.
Smaller devices use clockwork (i.e. wound springs & gears) for power.