We sat down with Meraki Press's newest debut author, Greg Clary, to ask him about work, writing, and his books!
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a native of southern West Virginia where I earned my Bachelor's (Rehab Education) and Master's (Counseling) degrees from Marshall University. Later, I earned my Ph.D. in Special Education from Kent State University. I later acquired our family homeplace on Turkey Creek, built a "Jenny Lind" style cabin, and return there often to hunt and visit with friends and family.
My professional career began as a substance abuse therapist in a community mental health setting before transitioning into higher education. I spent three years as the Penn State University Assistant Director of Upward Bound (TRIO) at University Park before accepting a faculty position in 1981 at Clarion University as Director of Student Support Services. I retired in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Rehab and Human Services, after 36 years of service.
My wife, Cass Neely, is an attorney who specializes in family law and also has a career background as a public school teacher and college professor, both in English. My son, Josh, a Penn State journalism graduate, and his family live in Pittsburgh's Forest Hills neighborhood.
What inspired you to write your book?
After retiring in 2017, I participated in an amazing 6-week creative non-fiction workshop in Pittsburgh, facilitated by Lorie Jakiela. I then became involved with the Watershed Literary Group in Brookville and began writing poetry for the first time. I interacted with many talented writers and poets here in the PA Wilds who, in turn, have been tremendous sources of encouragement for me. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Watershed Journal were the first to publish my poetry. Many of the poems in this volume have previously appeared in local, regional, and national literary publications.
This book also contains photographs that correspond thematically with each poem. I have been making pictures for about 10 years and have had many published in national journals such as The Sun, Rattle, and the Hole in the Head Review. The Watershed Journal has published many of my photographs including two covers. Other photographs have served as covers for three books and several literary magazines.
After a string of publications success with my poetry, a writer friend of mine asked me, "When are you writing your book?'
After responding that I did not have enough poems, she replied, "Then write some more."
A simple comment that motivated me to do just that. And I have.
What is your favorite part of writing?
For me, writing is a very solitary business. Sometimes it can be hard to determine what is worthy and what needs to be shown to the trashcan. Sharing my work with others, who offer their enthusiasm and endorsement of a piece, can be very satisfying. This feedback may also come from editors, fellow writers, and friends from other parts of my life. Their embrace of my work serves as an enduring source of motivation.
What kind of poetry do you write?
My poetry is rooted in my personal experiences and observations of the people, events, and locales around me. My poems catalyze self-reflection and serve as an avenue for discovering hidden truths and reframed perspectives on past events.
Poetry serves as a portal into my identity. A means by which emotions, thoughts, and experiences become distilled into subtle, sometimes enlightened, expressions of our lives. Hopefully, others may also find that connection.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Poets and photographers seek to authentically frame their perspectives. My poetry and photography share the common thread of seeking beauty amid the mundane and infusing it with a sense of significance.
And Lastly, where can readers find your book? Or learn more about you?
The Vandalia in Me: A Photo-Poetry Collection from Appalachia is available online everywhere books are sold: Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Amazon, & Target!
Thank you, Greg Clary, for sharing your time and insights with us!
If you would like to follow along with Greg's book and further updates, you can find him on social media.
You can order his newest book here: The Vandalia in Me: A Photo-Poetry Collection from Appalachia
Available everywhere October 25th, 2024!
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