49 Writers Volunteer Interview: Morgan Grey

Where would we be without our fabulous 49 Writers volunteers? They’re the real face of 49 Writers, and we like to introduce them to you occasionally through our 49 Writers Volunteer Interviews. This week, meet Morgan Grey (and Mickey, her literary cat). Morgan has helped us with fundraising, planning, and all-around moral support.

If you’re not yet involved, or if you’re volunteering but would like to do something different (or more!), or if you’d just like to come visit with us, tonight’s the night. Stop by our Volunteer Meet, Greet, Decide gathering Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at the 49 Alaska Writing Center, 645 W. 3rd Ave. in Anchorage. Come just for fun, come to meet and greet fellow writers, or come with the idea of deciding on what new ways you can help. We’ll have free copies of the current issue of the Writer’s Chronicles and of course, we’ll have snacks!

Tell us a little about yourself, including your day job and what you do as a volunteer for 49 Writers.

I moved to Alaska from Vermont in 1994 with my partner, who was a homesick Alaskan. I had wanted to visit Alaska ever since my stepfather was stationed at Ft. Richardson, but I never expected to live here. My partner passed away three years ago and I am still here. For my day job, I am an academic advisor at UAA in several technology programs. I really enjoy the challenge of helping people find classes that will help them move forward in their lives.

As a member of the fundraising committee for 49 Writers, I researched online pledge software options for the Raven Write-a-thon. I have also researched foundations and grant opportunities, and am interested in researching software systems for distance delivery of programs.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the 49 Alaska Writing Center?

A little over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to get an MFA in creative writing and work in a community-based writing program. Less than two weeks later, Deb and Andromeda announced the creation of 49 Writers. I volunteered immediately. When the Universe responds with such a clear opportunity, I figure I’m on the right path and need to pay attention.

What’s a highlight of your involvement so far?

I enjoy doing research (did I mention that I’ve done research?) for software and ways to enhance our services. Last year’s Tutka Bay retreat with David Vann was a spectacular experience – the setting, the workshops, the food, all of it was fantastic.

Tell us something about your literary interests or activities.

I’m interested in stories (both literary and fantasy) about magic in the world. I’m working on a novel about a community of selkies (seal people) in Prince William Sound during the oil spill, as well as some essays and short stories inspired by a recent trip to Scotland. I am very excited to have just been accepted into the MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) at UAA, so both of the decisions I made last year are coming to fruition.

What’s the last great book you read?

I loved Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kanter. Some of his sentences so were breathtakingly beautiful, I had to read them out loud to anyone who was around, even if it was just my cat., Mickey (pictured above). Mickey’s literary tastes are quite refined.

When you picture our writing center ten years from now, what do you imagine?

I see the 49 Writers Center with its own building and adequate classrooms, running a full schedule of workshops, programs, and events for writers of all ages, genres, and geographic locations. The Center will foster connections among writers across the state, rural and urban, multi-generational and multi-cultural, using face-to-face and distance delivered formats. As the Center’s growth in this first year has shown, there’s a lot of interest and need. It’s a very exciting future.

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