OU alumnus, acclaimed fiction writer Matt Bell to speak at OU

Oakland University’s Creative Writing Program will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with a fiction reading by author Matt Bell, whose most recent book, “Appleseed” was recognized by The New York Times. The OU alumnus will share his work during a campus event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 in Oakland Center Banquet Room A. In-person attendees will be required to complete OU’s Daily Health Screening Form. The reading will also be streamed via Zoom.  

“Matt Bell is one of the most thoughtful and generous writers currently publishing in the U.S., and his work helps us to imagine new ways of intervening in the climate crisis,” said Annie Gilson, associate professor of English and adviser for the Creative Writing Program. “I encourage all members of the OU community to come out and hear his talk, in person or via Zoom.”

Published in July 2021, “Appleseed” was named a “Best Book of Summer” by The New York Times, USA Today, Esquire, Philadelphia Inquirer, Literary Hub and Goodreads. Bell describes the novel as a mythological epic, technological thriller (and) big adventure story set in the past, present and future.” Like much of his other work, he gleaned inspiration for the book from his love of nature and keen interest in global environmental issues. 

Bell is also the author of the novels “Scrapper” and “In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods,” as well as a short story collection, “A Tree or a Person or a Wall.” His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, Tin House, Fairy Tale Review and American Short Fiction, Orion and other publications.

Bell’s craft book “Refuse to be Done,” a practical guide to novel writing, is due out later this year. He will discuss the craft of writing during a talk at noon on February 10. Space is limited. To RSVP, email Annie Gilson at [email protected].

A native of Hemlock, Michigan, Bell earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Oakland University and also holds an MFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University. He teaches in the creative writing program at Arizona State University.

To learn more about Bell, his career and his time as an OU undergraduate, check out this Oakland University website article.