Who are the genuses behind Bell Cow?
Who are the genuses behind Bell Cow?
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Wait, are you asking that seriously, or is that more of a sarcastic use of "genus"? Never mind.
The true brainstorm came from Minnesota author, Rob Jung.
Every author’s biggest challenge? Getting their book into the hands of readers. The next? Getting it onto the shelves where readers might actually find it. After talking with librarians, Rob realized they often don’t even know about books from local authors—unless the author is a bestseller or physically walks into the library to tell them. As a longtime fan of both independent bookstores and libraries, Rob thought: what if there were an easier way to connect the two?
How did Michael David MacBride fit in? Well, it's a big task. What's the saying about many hands makes light work? It also helps that Michael is an intensely curious person and loves learning new things. When Rob brought the idea to him, Michael immediately said yes. After all, there's usually at least a good story in saying "yes", and less often when you say "no."
And did I mention that Michael knows stuff? Like computers and websites and URLs and QR codes? The things that actually make the cattle-log work. Rob, on the other hand, can't figure out how to work a TV remote. Together they make a heck of a team.
And just like that, Bell Cow was born—ringing the bell (literally and figuratively) to make sure Minnesota authors get the attention they deserve.
Rob Jung has spent a lifetime chasing stories—from his early days as a newspaper writer to his decades as a lawyer, historian, and globe-trotting traveler. A Minnesota-based author, his novels often draw inspiration from real historical events uncovered in his journeys across six continents (Antarctica, you’re on notice).
Jung is the author of Cloud Warriors, an action-adventure novel, and The Chimera Chronicles, a thriller trilogy that begins with a missing masterpiece and spirals into legal and political intrigue. He also produces and hosts Minnesota Mystery Night, a live event showcasing top crime and thriller writers from the Midwest.
When he’s not writing, Jung can be found cooking, gardening, tracking down classic cars, or perfecting the world’s best Manhattan. He’s got three grown kids, a lively bunch of grandkids, and a knack for collecting honorary “adopted” family members.
Michael David MacBride’s career has taken as many twists as a well-plotted novel. Originally from Michigan and now based in Minnesota, he’s worked as a newspaper carrier, a pizza delivery driver, a UPS worker, a debt collector, a country band roadie, a grant writer, a professor of English, Literature, and Humanities at multiple universities, and plenty more in between. These days, he focuses on writing, helping authors publish through Salty Books Publishing, and hosting and producing the Veritas Views podcast—all while somehow balancing a “regular” job, too.
MacBride’s love of storytelling drives everything he does, whether it's crafting his own books, amplifying the voices of other authors, or diving into deep (and occasionally absurd) conversations on his podcast. When he’s not working, writing, or publishing, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two boys—though he’s probably still mentally drafting his next project while doing it.
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