About Gregg SAPP   

(A portrait of the  artist as a young man, first day of kindergarten, circa 1962.)

A native of Columbus Ohio, I've crafted a peripatetic career as a librarian, editor, college teacher, and academic administrator. I have master degrees in library science from the University of Washington and adult education from Montana State University.  Among my jobs were positions at Idaho State University, University of Miami (FL), University at Albany (SUNY), and the Evergreen State College in Washington.

In my career in higher education, I have authored some 60 academic articles, four monographs, 300-some reviews, and served as editor of five professional journals. I don't know a soul who has read any of them. 

Back in the 1980's and 90's, I wrote some poems and short stories that appeared in various small literary arts journals (does anybody remember The Redneck Review of Literature?). For my 50th birthday present to myself, I decided to resume creative writing.

Hence, I was thrilled when my first novel, Dollarapalooza, was published by Switchgrass Books of Northern Illinois University Press. Since then, I have published several short stories, some poetry, and humor in journals such as Kestrel, Marathon Review, Zodiac Review, Waypoints, Semaphore, Imaginaire, and been a frequent contributor to Midwestern Gothic.

Recently, I've been working with Evolved Publishing, which released my second novel, Fresh News Straight from Heaven, which is based upon the true mythology of the American folk hero,  Johnny Appleseed. 

I have also launched a new series of short, satiric novels called "Holidazed." Each title is set around a different holiday. To date, I've finished The Christmas Donut Revolution, Halloween from the Other Side, and Upside Down Independence Day. Forthcoming in 2021 is Murder by Valentine Candy.

I currently reside in Olympia,WA with my wife Beatrice. I have two grown children, Kelsey and Keegan, a grandson, Tony, and a new granddaughter, Ellie, along with a menangerie of animals, lord among which is Zen, my dog. I thus consider myself a Zen Master. 



 A Novel on the True Mythology of Johnny Appleseed

Wherever he went, Johnny Appleseed declared that he was bringing with him “Fresh News Straight from Heaven.” He believed that it was his mission to spread that good news throughout the Ohio and Indiana territory, which from 1801 to 1812 was a brutal place where peace was fragile, living conditions were savage, and the laws of civilization were distant. 

Johnny’s faith is challenged when war breaks out in the land, and when a bloody massacre near the northern Ohio town of Mansfield leaves its citizens terrified and vulnerable, Johnny decides that only he can save them. So he dashes off on a midnight run, seeking to spread peace across a land on the brink of war. But, on his way, he must face various demons from his own past, settle old scores, and confront his only true enemy.

 Watch the "Fresh News" trailer. 

The cover art was created by Richard Tran. Fresh News was edited by Dave Lane.  Dedicated to Gene & Punkin. And with love, always, to Bee.





Murder by Valentine Candy 

 

Holidazed series - Book Four - 

On Valentine’s Day, notorious bad boy and right-wing podcaster Adam Erb is found dead in the back of his limousine, his mouth stuffed full of erectile dysfunction pills disguised as candy hearts. Huck Carp, an adversary of Erb’s and a doctoral student in applied sociology, suggests to police that the perpetrator is a severe psychopath. Imagine his surprise when, in front of his would-be girlfriend, they arrest him for the crime.

To prove his innocence, and save his relationship, Huck must utilize all his academic research skills. Aided by friends from his favorite donut shop, he follows the trail of evidence from viral social media hashtags to private performances at the Booti Tooti Gentlemen’s Club, and behind the velvet curtain at the mysterious Society of Enlightened Celibate Savants (SECS). Huck is an intellectual, not a lover, but the deeper he probes, the more he realizes that solving this crime will require him to look into his own heart.

Watch the MbVC Trailer

Cover art by Kabir Shah. Edited by Brandon Sanford. Designed by Lane Diamond. Dedicated to Laura.  

 ISBN-13: 978-1-62253-525-5

ISBN: 1622535251