Educated as a journalist, Bella Butler’s work as a reporter bleeds far off the page. With experience as a rural local reporter and local newspaper and magazine editor, Bella has further cultivated her devotion to providing timely, accurate and community-forward reporting through educating others on matters of media literacy, news deserts and media access. She is also committed to educating herself on both the craft and industry of journalism in order to best contribute to this imperative yet fragile field.

While Bella was initially brought to journalism through a personal pursuit of truth, the rich world of literature has taught her that truth is far too robust and nuanced a thing to fit solely in the context of news. Through the practice of personal narrative writing, Bella’s expanded the way in which she can use writing to understand—and furthermore, impact—the world beyond the page. Bella is currently an applicant of MFA programs in creative writing to develop her craft and voice.

The art of storytelling is one that has application well beyond journalism and personal narrative. Bella has been inspired by opportunities to take her storytelling practice and media arts to other spaces, from consulting on documentary films to crafting unique, story-forward marketing strategies. By bringing her experience as a writer and journalist to new avenues of communication, Bella has supported work that is connective and place-based, helping to distinguish a number of projects in various fields.