Alumnus Releases New Book

NMU alumnus J.C. Vande Zande ('93 BS) released a new horror novel set in Michigan that continues his exploration of psychological storytelling and human struggle. "Blood of the Witness Tree" is a sequel to his earlier novel, "The Dance of Rotten Sticks," and is set in Northern Michigan's Pigeon River Forest. It blends elements of literary fiction with horror, focusing on deeper themes such as anxiety, grief and the human condition.

Vande Zande, who earned his bachelor's degree in English from NMU in 1993, has built a career as both a writer and educator. He teaches English and film at Delta College, where he has spent more than two decades helping students develop skills in creative writing and storytelling.

His work spans multiple genres, including novels, short stories and poetry. His short story collection "The Neighborhood Division" brings together narratives written over several years and centers on the tension between self-interest and responsibility to others.

With "Blood of the Witness Tree," Vande Zande continues to use horror as a vehicle for deeper meaning. He has emphasized that the genre allows writers to move beyond fear and instead examine complex emotional and psychological experiences. Although the novel is a sequel, it was written to stand on its own, allowing new readers to engage with the story without prior knowledge of his earlier work.

Throughout his career, Vande Zande has frequently drawn inspiration from Michigan landscapes, grounding his fiction in familiar settings while exploring universal themes.

Learn more about the author and his work through a LansingCityPulse.com feature story here.