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.





Upside Down Independence Day

Holidazed series - Book Three

Coon Creek, a conservative, industrial, blue-collar town, has seen better days. Golden Springs is home to Antaeus College, a private institution with a tradition of liberal politics. No love lost between those two.

Mazie Tuttle, a professional dog walker, knows both towns well. Born and raised in Coon Creek, she enrolls in the Antaeus College summer literary program being taught by the famous radical novelist and pie lover, Roscoe Alolo. As tensions flare between the two towns over a statue of Coon Creek’s founding father standing in the town’s square, one act of vandalism follows another, and Mazie increasingly feels caught in the middle of the hostilities.

Groups in both towns plot to disrupt the other’s Fourth of July celebration. On one side, the schemers include Mazie’s brother, her ex-boyfriend turned drug dealer, and a Baptist minister who’s running for mayor. On the other, Professor Alolo urges his class to take action to “liberate” Coon Creekers.

Sooner or later, Mazie will have to take a side. She just doesn’t know which she’ll choose.



The cover art was created by Kabir Shah. Brandon Sanford edited the manuscript. Dedicated to Bill Dobbins, a working class hero.