A crowd of over sixty interacted with Bonnie Jo Campbell, published Kalamazoo area writer, during the 4th “Come as You Art” event on October 16, sponsored by the Prairie Ronde Artist Residence and Vicksburg Arts.
John Kern, Residency director, opened the evening, introducing Campbell to the group. He expressed his pleasure with seeing some “new faces,” meaning that these events are beginning to draw participation beyond the local area.
Leeanne Seaver, local writer and photographer, facilitated the discussion, leading Campbell to explain her writing process and current projects.
“I write what I’ve been ruminating about, it arises out of worry and concern.” She wants to figure out “what the real story is” and is interested in problems that appear “unsolvable” and situations that “cut me to my core.”
Her titles include bestsellers “Once Upon a River” and “The Waters.” Campbell indicated she is submitting her next book for publishing next week.
Campbell’s characters are often the “forgotten, those human beings that other people might overlook,” and members of the struggling working class.
These passions have led her to “What’s a Writer to Do?” her platform on “Substack,” a virtual format for writing and social and political commentary and dialogue.
The evening ended with book signings and casual conversation with Campbell.
