An Independent Spirit: The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess

Donna Campbell Smith, named 2011 Artist of the Year by Franklin County Arts Council, is a published author of children's books and frequently visits schools to conduct writing workshops and talk to students about the subject matter of her books. She has an AAS degree in equine technology from Martin Community College where she also took extended classes in art and composition. She enjoys writing, photography, and art. She lives in a house on a 200-acre farm in central North Carolina. Donna worked in the horse industry for over 30 years and volunteered in the NC 4-H Horse program for many years. Donna also enjoys writing about North Carolina, travel, history, arts and crafts. Published young reader books by Donna Campbell Smith are Pale as the Moon, An Independent Spirit, and Bear Song. She also has published three adult non-fiction books: The Book of Miniature Horses, The Book of Draft Horses, and The Book of Mules.