“Belle like the princess?” “Belly?” “That’s not how you spell bell.” Growing up, I heard every comment in the book about my middle name. For a while, I wished it were something else — something that didn’t invite questions or chatter.

Now, I proudly sign my work as Marissa Belle. What once made me feel different became something I’m prideful of. Funny how the things we grow into loving about ourselves are often the things we were once told to shrink away from. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

A little about me: Colorado native, storyteller, and Professor of English & Writing. I’m a published writer in Denver Life Magazine and Home & Garden Colorado, where I cover everything from local culture and design to the people and places that make Colorado special. When I’m not writing or teaching, you can usually find me riding horses, fly fishing mountain rivers, sneaking in a game of tennis, or spending a sunny afternoon on the golf course.