Meet May Garner of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to May Garner.

Hi May, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been writing for over fifteen years now, going all the way back to my childhood, writing stories on my mom’s old laptop. Originally, I was inspired by the stories and movies I loved, creating my own tales based on those favorites. I didn’t start considering writing as a career until I discovered the reading and writing platform, Wattpad, which inspired me beyond anything else. From there, both my passion and my audience grew. I experimented with different genres over the years and somehow found myself where I am today.

I’ve grown and flourished so much from that little girl writing stories in her sleepy corner of the world. Now, I’m the author of two poetry collections, Withered Rising (2023) and Melancholic Muse (2025), and have been published by over seventy literary venues. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and for the amazing people who continue to support what I do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in this world is ever truly a smooth road, so the journey of becoming an author certainly hasn’t been one either. To be a good writer is to have a story to tell, and I feel like I’ve lived a unique one. My life has been shaped by both hardships and unexpected opportunities, all of which have found their way into my work.

Growing up in a single-parent, multi-generational home, losing a parent to suicide at a young age, and enduring childhood trauma all became experiences that shaped both the person and writer I am today. While those struggles were painful, they also gave me the ability to create pieces that resonate deeply with others. One of the most meaningful parts of being a writer is hearing that something I wrote made someone feel less alone. That is the entire reason why I strive to share my work with the world.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of writing, I work in the world of nonprofits and art! I work as an Operations Coordinator at a nonprofit art center in a small, rural town. I often call it my day job, because becoming a full-time author is ultimately my dream, but at this stage in my journey, it truly feels like the perfect place for me to be.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to work in a creative environment that not only gives me the flexibility to pursue my own passion, but also allows me to help others discover theirs. Our mission is to make creativity accessible to everyone in our community, and being part of that is something I’m very proud of.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I truly believe that staying humble, level-headed, and kind has helped me throughout my journey in more ways than I can count. It’s important to me to remember where I came from and to stay connected to my roots, no matter how difficult parts of them may be.

I also think gratitude plays a huge role in growth and success. Taking the time to genuinely appreciate the people who support your work matters deeply. Readers and supporters want to connect with the creatives they follow, and I think authenticity and gratitude are a huge part of building those lasting connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimson.hands/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558069692642
• Other: https://linktr.ee/MayGarner?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=95703ebe-71d9-4ad1-bfb6-5d6416b7cf24