Zoe Marie Bel writes literary fiction and poetry.

Zoe Marie Bel's writing has been widely published – you can find it right now in bookstores around the world, as well as in newspapers and periodicals you probably know.

Her biggest works, though, have yet to come. 'After The Angels' is her first full-length novel (following her three novellas, detailed below); 'Hard Place Rock' is her first short story collection; and 'Passengers' is her debut poetry collection.

These big meaty works have together taken the best part of a decade to complete, and will be forthcoming in the next few years. Keep your eyes peeled, and meanwhile let's dive into what's already out there or is coming soon.

Work on bookshelves now

Zoe's debut novella 'Valérie (or, Red Velvet Nothing)' published on December 1st 2024, and is available wherever books are sold. The novella was critically lauded. Kirkus Reviews called 'Valérie' "an artfully rendered tale about finding oneself in love" and awarded it "Get It" status. Meanwhile, Book Life (from Publishers Weekly) named the novella an Editor's Pick, describing it as "a powerful story of love, both transcendent and tangible." Read full reviews of 'Valérie (or, Red Velvet Nothing)' here.

Zoe's debut poetry slimbook Foothills published in February 2024 and is available in bookstores worldwide. Her second poetry slimbook Stolen Neon published on February 1st 2026 and is available worldwide, wherever books are sold.

Work publishing in the near future

Zoe's second novella Lorna publishes November 2nd 2026. Zoe's third novella The Fifty List will publish on November 1st 2027.

Read published writing online

Zoe's short fiction and non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Review, Australian Book Review, Short Edition (once, twice, thrice), Mystery Tribune, and Mays 13, among others. In August 2023, her story 'Black Wax' was shortlisted in the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize.

Zoe occasionally posts prose, poetry and journalism (as well as the occasional flash-bang of news) to her Journal.

How it began

A graduate of Oxford University and London Film School, Zoe established her first creative arts business in grad school and hasn't had a "real job" ever since. This might explain her ability to survive for extended periods on chick peas and next door's wifi.

Zoe wrote her first novel at age 9. It was a multiracial gangster drama as full of shit as you might expect from a four-foot white chick writing with a Thundercats biro. That was also the age at which Zoe was first published, with her elementary-school poem about a lonely scarecrow printed in the town newspaper between roadwork announcements.

Marathons

As of July 2026, Zoe has run five marathons, qualifying for Boston in her two most recent races. And she's not remotely done.

She ran the LA Marathon in March 2024 in support of bowel cancer research, and again in March 2025 to raise funds for the ALS Association. In December 2025, she ran the California International Marathon in memory of Captain Rebecca M. Lobach. She took on the LA Marathon for the third time in March 2026, this time to celebrate the NCJWLA (National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles).

In October 2026, Zoe will run the Marine Corps Marathon in Virginia/DC, raising money for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

She'll follow this with the LA Half Marathon in March 2027, and the Boston Marathon in April 2027. Her fundraising causes for the latter two races will be announced here shortly.

When not writing or running

Zoe is a passionate pianist, cyclist, hiker, and photographer.

She is also an advocate for a number of social issues. Paramount among these is homelessness in Los Angeles, and fighting for better judicial outcomes for victims of sexual assault.

The other identity

Under pen name 'Lex Snowe', Zoe writes thriller fiction and screenplays. 'Agent In Pursuit', her debut crime novel, publishes November 30th 2026. You can read more about Lex Snowe projects at LexiaSnowe.com