Dayton resident enjoys publication of fourth book

Dayton writer Molly Campbell recently enjoyed the publication of her third novel and fourth book.

“The World Came

To Us” follows Tommy and her mother as they decide to spend a year as recluses after the loss of their beloved Sam, Tommy’s other mother. The novel is published by The Story Plant, which also published Campbell’s first novel, “Keep The Ends Loose,” and “Crossing The Street.”

Her humorous book, “Characters in Search of A Novel,” was based on characters she created on Twitter — funny names with witty descriptions — and illustrated by local artist Randy Palmer. Campbell, who taught English at Miami-Jacobs Career College for 25 years, is a two-time winner of the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition, co-sponsored by the biannual Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop held at University of Dayton and by the WashingtonCenterville Library. She placed in two contests in a row, with Honorable Mentions in 2010 in the Local Area Humor Category and again in 2012 in the Local Area Human Interest Category.

But most recently, Campbell took the time to answer my questions about her newest novel, “The World Came to Us.”

What inspired ‘The World Came to Us’?

I wanted to focus on “misfits,” because there are so many out there who are being savaged by social media. I hate the fact that social media has so much power over us. I also wanted to flip the trope of the “good guy vs. bad guy” to show that even those trying to fight bullying can become bullies themselves.

How was writing this book different from writing your first?

My biggest victory this time around is that my editor didn’t once call me out to “show, not tell!” I am learning with every book how to write more effectively. Having a brilliant editor has been the making of my writing career.

What was the most surprising thing about writing this book?

The transgender character just leapt onto the page. I had no idea she was going to join the cast of characters! But she just waltzed into the story and stayed there.

What do you know now that you wish you when you started out as a writer?

Not every writer is cut out to sit down every single day and churn out a thousand words. I tried that, out of the feeling that this is what “all good writers do.” Not for me! The forced regimen turned my writing into stiff, cookie-cutter paragraphs that I hated when finished. I write in spurts, some weeks every day, but with sometimes long gaps in between. I envy writers who can turn out a book a year, but I am not cut out for that.

What is in the works for you now?

I am writing a book that is not laced with humor. It is about two sisters whose lives are intertwined in a way that they should not have been, and a daughter who discovers an unsettling truth. It takes place in Ohio and New York City, and I was thrilled to write part of it in the New York Public Library! I hope to have it finished by the summer of 2020.

Learn more about Campbell and her work at her blog mollydcampbell. com.

Upcoming literary events

■ Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Wright Memorial Library (1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood) — Wright Library Poets, a library sponsored writing group for adults, welcomes poets of all levels (beginners welcome) to share and discuss poetry.

■ Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. Books & Co. at The Greene — Ann Napolitano will introduce her new novel, “Dear Edward,” which is the Books-A-Million President Terrance G. Finley’s Pick.

■ Thursday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave. — Word’s Worth Writing Center presents a Winter Writing Workout, offering writers a dose of creative encouragement with writing exercises, mini-craft lesson and tips. Led by writer, editor and teacher Christina Consolino. Visit www.wordsworthdayton. com to learn more and to register.

Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.