We are pleased to welcome a new voice to the GR Channel.  Taylor DePouw is an accomplished writer and editor.  Which means that we’ll probably be getting everything we publish sent back and told to fix….but having someone who’s actually got the goods on the staff can’t hurt, can it?  Taylor is a contributor to some publications, an Academic Writing Support Specialist at ECPI University and best of all, she’s local to West Michigan.  A Reeths-Puffer grad who wanted to get into “big city” life, she’s now in Grand Rapids and has her eyes on the Big Apple someday.  While she’s on her way to the top, we’ll be seeing through her lense for a while.  Help us welcome Ms. DePouw.

Building up what’s called a portfolio is essential to writers.  Especially ones with the skills, talent and grace that Taylor comes with.  There is a small tie to the family, her dad called football games out in Muskegon on the radio, and I had met him in the past.  He’s a retired UPS driver just like my dad, so she’s coming from a gritty blue collar background, but much like me..her mind works in ways that don’t really fit that mold.  Creativity, thoughts of how to retain the minds of a reader and make words sound like conversation is a skill that is applied to make the lives of the people that do “the real work” days a little better.  On my first meeting with her, it was clear to see that she’s got it all….let’s roll.

One of the important things about publishing a site like this?  Broad view points.  Try as a might, I am never going to see the world through the eyes of a young woman.  I can understand and empathize, but lived experience is where the story lies, and should I try to edge in on the circles Taylor runs it, reality check coming… the answer is generally, “Who’s this old fart”.  Yes, it’s difficult to admit that you are someone’s dad’s age.  Really difficult.  A lot of difficult. With an exclamiation point on it.  I left a typo in there to see if she corrects me.  That would be her mom coming through I would bet if it happens.

Taylor is a lover of art, culture and words.  She’s mentioned Art Prize a couple of times.  I believe that she may have an entry in it.  She’s talked about swing dancing.  Yes, it’s a thing and it seems to be a niche of popularity.  I can imagine too you may be hearing from authors, things about libraries, kids, education and more.  One thing we really strive for is letting our creators be just that.  Creators.  Their communication to their audience balances out the story.  We’re not here for the rage bait, the instant gratification or the shares.  We want quality, humanity and a chance to give talent a place to develop and our guests more than 10 seconds of a sound byte to share their story.

Taylor is gonna fit right in.  Please join us in welcoming her!  Got a story idea?  CLICK HERE to email her!