This Week @ Monday Creek: Farrier Day with Marc Skip Setzer & Zane

Pro Farrier & Blacksmith, Marc Setzer, mare Zubedia, and Marc's Apprentice, Zane

 @ Monday Creek Stables 

    A recent Farrier Day at Monday Creek, professional farrier, Marc “Skip” Setzer and his apprentice, Zane, trimmed my mare, Zubedia (aka Zubie). Several years ago, Marc saved Zubie from an eventful, painful scenario. I can’t say enough good things about Marc’s manner, kindness, and skill.

    Marc has a fascinating history – he is a devoted family man, a real horseman, and an exceptional farrier. In southeastern Ohio, people know him as the man who can coax usefulness out of raw iron and comfort out of a troubled hoof. He’s part craftsman, part storyteller, part horseman, and wholly woven into the Appalachian fabric of work done by hand.

    He grew up in the glow of forge fires long before he ever lit one himself. Horses were simply part of the landscape of his childhood, thanks to a grandfather who farmed with draft teams and believed in the old ways. Skip’s first pony arrived in the back of a cargo van, a Christmas surprise that cost twenty‑five dollars and a haircut. From that moment on, he was hooked. Horses became his compass, his classroom, and eventually his livelihood.

    Today, in Langsville, Ohio, Skip runs Setzer Forge, a place where metal is under the hammer and where tradition is kept alive one glowing blade at a time. His craft carried him all the way to the History Channel’s Forged in Fire—twice—where he stood at the anvil before a national audience.

    His social media pages include Setzer Forge Facebook, YouTube’s Setzer Forge channel, and the occasional community‑media interview. All are filled with sparks, steel, horses, and family. You’ll find knives that look like they were born in mountain fire, farrier stories told with gentle humor, and glimpses of his daughter Emmalee’s award-winning equestrian adventures. Stormy the Blind Horse even has his own corner of the internet, a testament to Skip’s soft spot for the animals he serves.

    Skip Setzer is a reminder that some crafts are timeless. They simply pass from one generation to the next, carried by people who understand that a well‑balanced hoof or a well‑forged blade is more than work, it’s legacy. And Skip, with his hammer, his rasp, and his lifelong love of horses, is one of the keepers of that legacy. His grandfather would be very proud.

For more…

Follow on Facebook: Setzer Forge

Follow on Insta: skipmarc

Rio Grande Cable: Exposition – Marc Setzer, Blacksmith & Farrier

OPEN HOUSE - FOR SALE: Historic Farmstead, New Plymouth, Ohio

 

OPEN HOUSE - FOR SALE

Saturday, September 12, 11 AM - 1 PM

Sunday, September 13, 12 Noon - 3 PM

24754 Shurtz Road

New Plymouth, Ohio 45654

For more info and photos, visit 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqkK5RWVg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Virtual Tour

https://bookings.fairytalefilmsohio.com/videos/0196edc7-769a-7209-81f7-ce491c7dc698

Where History Meets Healing

Some places ask nothing of you except that you slow down.

Just over the crest of a quiet country road in the hills of Vinton County sits a rare piece of Ohio history—a lovingly restored 1880s sandstone cottage, one of the state's few remaining octagonal barns, peaceful pastureland, a spring-fed pond, and spaces that seem designed for conversation, creativity, and reflection.

We're exploring the possibility of bringing together a small group of  entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders to become the next stewards of this extraordinary property.

Not simply to own it.

But to preserve it.

To share it.

To allow others to experience the same peace that we felt the first time we stepped onto the grounds.

 

A Place Designed for Gathering

We imagine a destination where people reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with themselves.

This could become a home for:

• Wellness retreats

• Yoga and mindfulness weekends

• Intimate weddings

• Family celebrations

• Creative workshops

• Leadership retreats

• Farm-to-table dinners

• Seasonal festivals

• Artists-in-residence

• Music beneath the stars

Not every event needs to be large.

Some of the most meaningful gatherings happen around a fire, on a porch overlooking the pond, or inside a beautifully restored historic barn.

 

More Than an Investment

We believe businesses can be profitable without sacrificing purpose.

This isn't simply about purchasing real estate.

It's about preserving local history.

Supporting rural tourism.

Creating opportunities.

Building a destination that strengthens our community while leaving something beautiful for future generations.

Each partner would bring their own experience, creativity, and strengths while sharing in the long-term vision of the property.

 

Why This Place?

When you arrive, something changes.

The world becomes quieter.

The sandstone cottage feels as though it's always belonged there because it quite literally has—it was built from stone quarried across the road.

The historic octagonal barn stands as a reminder that beautiful craftsmanship lasts.

The pond reflects evening sunsets.

The gardens invite slow walks.

The screened porch encourages conversations that last long after dinner.

This isn't manufactured tranquility.

It's authentic.

 

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking individuals who believe that success can be measured by more than profit.

Individuals who appreciate history.

Who value community.

Who dream of building something lasting.

Who understand that preserving beautiful places is just as important as creating new ones.

Whether your background is hospitality, wellness, education, finance, agriculture, event planning, marketing, or simply a love for bringing people together—we'd love to begin the conversation.

For more info and photos, visit 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqkK5RWVg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Virtual Tour

https://bookings.fairytalefilmsohio.com/videos/0196edc7-769a-7209-81f7-ce491c7dc698

Milliron Monday: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf - "Billy and Blaze" by C.W. Anderson

 

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

In my office sit a dozen (or more) treasured horse books, all Ex Libris to Jo Haley (Jody Smith). It’s the second time they’ve found their way to my desk, and today I caught myself wondering why. Jody never believed in coincidence—and honestly, neither do I—so it feels right to say these books were speaking to me. (No, I’m not crazy. I just love horses and books every bit as much as she did.)

Their covers glow with vivid imagery, their pages hold illustrations that mesmerize, and their stories tug you in so completely it’s hard to put them down. So I spent the afternoon reading… and Jody would have approved. She would have read right alongside me if she were here. We’d compare stories, talk horses, and lose track of time. What a lovely thought.

I’ll be dropping the books off to Pat soon, so they can stay safe in the family archives. But before I let them go—again—I had an idea. There are so many horse‑lovers here… what if we revisit each title and have a little book discussion? Oh, I love that idea!

So with that, I’ll continue Jody’s Journals 1977 after we take a stroll through Jody’s childhood equine library. You’re welcome to share your thoughts in the “comment” section beneath each post. Let’s wander these pages together.

Intro: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf

Once upon a bookshelf, Jody kept a secret stable—one made not of wood and hay, but of paper, ink, and imagination. Open any book and a horse would step out, tossing its mane as if inviting her on another adventure. Her childhood library was more than paper; it was a meadow she could wander anytime she wished, where ponies pranced in the margins and hoofbeats echoed between chapters.

As a child, Jody tiptoed into C. W. Anderson’s elegant illustrations, where every horse seemed drawn from moonlight and discipline. She giggled her way through Ruby Ferguson’s Jill stories, feeling as if she too had a pony waiting just outside the door. Walter Farley whisked her away on wild, wind‑tangled adventures, while Thomas Hinkle taught her that loyalty could gallop beside bravery. And when she opened Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, she learned that horses had hearts as tender and hopeful as her own.

And though she grew up, she never outgrew them. The girl who once traveled those paper pastures carried her love of horses all the way through life, right to the very end, still hearing the soft, remembered hoofbeats of the stories that raised her.

In Jody’s enchanted library, every book was a bridle, every chapter a trail, and every ending a promise that she could return whenever she liked. This blog series steps back into that whimsical stable—dusting off beloved spines, listening for those remembered hoofbeats, and revisiting the magical herd that stayed with her forever.

Copyright 1936 MACMILLIAN COMPANY

In Billy and Blaze, C. W. Anderson introduces young readers to Billy, a boy whose greatest wish is to have a horse of his own. That wish comes true when he receives Blaze, a bright‑eyed, gentle pony who quickly becomes his loyal companion. The story follows their growing bond as Billy learns responsibility, patience, and the quiet joy of caring for a horse. Their adventures—simple, wholesome, and full of heart—capture the timeless magic of childhood horsemanship.

Anderson’s illustrations are the soul of the book. His horses are rendered with remarkable anatomical accuracy and emotional warmth—sleek coats, expressive eyes, and movement that feels alive on the page. His training as an equestrian artist gave him a rare ability to portray horses with both realism and grace, making each drawing feel like a moment caught in motion. These illustrations became iconic, setting a standard for horse art in children’s literature.

During his career, Anderson earned numerous honors for his equine artwork, including recognition from art societies and equestrian organizations. While the 1930s did not yet have the modern children’s book awards we know today, his work was widely praised for its craftsmanship and authenticity. His books became staples in school libraries and were cherished by young riders and dreamers alike.

In the 1930s, children’s literature was expanding, but few authors captured the world of horses with such sincerity. Anderson’s books filled a gap—offering stories that were both aspirational and grounded in real horsemanship. His blend of narrative and fine art helped elevate horse stories from simple adventure tales to respected works of juvenile literature. For many young readers, Billy and Blaze was their first introduction to the responsibilities and joys of caring for a horse, shaping generations of equine enthusiasts.

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

Monday Creek Publishing Digest: Gennadiy Gurariy, Author

 

September 2026

Featured Author

Gennadiy Gurariy

In Live, Laugh, Limerick: A Whimsical Collection of Over 300 Original Limericks, Gennadiy Gurariy revives the timeless charm of the limerick. Playful, exuberant, and occasionally improper, these witty five-liners celebrate the humor, humanity, and absurdity of life. Whether shared among friends or enjoyed in solitude, this collection will delight all who revel in the music of language and the joy of laughter.

About the Author

Born in Kharkiv Ukraine, Gennadiy Gurariy immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Growing up, he was exposed to traditional, structured poetry, the kind that rhymed and told stories in perfect meter. Those early encounters with verse would later develop into a lifelong passion for poetic forms, humor, and the music of language. Gennadiy earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno and has conducted research on the neuroscience of attention and perception. He currently teaches psychology at Ohio University but has not let his scientific career get in the way his poetic explorations. A longtime writer, Gennadiy’s work has appeared in The Lyric and The Saturday Evening Post, where he is a two-time winner of the magazine’s Limerick Contest. In Live, Laugh, Limerick: A Whimsical Collection of Over 300 Original Limericks, Gennadiy celebrates the raucous spirit of the limerick, where wit fuses with rhyme and ribald humor. This collection reflects his belief that laughter is a vital part of understanding what it means to be human and a key dimension of human psychology. Gennadiy currently lives in Ohio with Hambone, his loyal (and somewhat judgmental) canine companion. 

Cover Art & Design by Logan Rogers 

Purchase locally at Little Professors Book Center, Court Street, Athens, Ohio

Purchase on Amazon

Logan Rogers and Genna at the book launch, Little Professor's Book Center, Athens, Ohio
Saturday, August 29, 2026 - Photo Courtesy Logan Rogers

Greta and the Herd: An Interview with Lauren McGee

 

Greta @ Greta and the Herd

Greta and the Herd: An Interview with Lauren McGee

by Gina McKnight

No Duplication Without Permission.

Archived from the August 2026 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete www.floridaequineathlete.com

Lauren McGee has become one of the most compelling voices in the online horsemanship world, known for her thoughtful storytelling, quiet barn‑aisle wisdom, and the magnetic presence of the horses who make up Greta and the Herd. I enjoy seeing Lauren’s posts, learning about new tips and tricks in and around the barn. What began as a simple window into her daily life with Greta has grown into a community of riders, learners, and horse‑lovers who return again and again for her honesty, her humor, and her ability to translate the emotional language of horses into something humans can finally hear. Today, we sit down with Lauren to explore the heart behind her work, the horses who shaped her path, and the philosophy that continues to inspire thousands across social media.
 
Welcome, Lauren!
 
GM: Greta is adorable! How did you meet Greta? Is she your first horse?
LM:  Greta is my first horse, and I adopted her and her "brother," Little Warrior, from a rescue in Virginia. Funny enough, we actually went there to meet a different horse. Then they brought out Greta and said, "Nobody wants her because she only has one eye."
    Well...my boyfriend and I looked at each other and said, "Bring her over."
She already felt like she belonged with us because we have a one-eyed German Shepherd named Kilo and another rescue dog, Jack, who had cataract surgery as a puppy. Our home has always been full of rescue animals, so Greta fit in with us.
What we didn't know at the time was that she also had arthritis in one of her front pasterns. I got her as a yearling, and raising a young horse with a medical issue, while still being pretty new to horses myself, has definitely been an adventure. I heard the saying, "Green on green equals black and blue," more times than I can count, fortunately for me, I got through it without the "black and blue" experience lol.
    Thankfully, Greta has the sweetest personality. I just love her and she loves people.  She's incredibly smart, and she's been so patient with me while we've learned together. Because of her arthritis, she may never be the riding horse I imagined having, and that's okay. She has a forever home with us, and I wouldn't change that for anything.
She gave me far more than a riding horse—she gave me a purpose, a community, and ultimately the inspiration behind Greta and the Herd.
 
GM:  When was the moment you knew Greta and the Herd needed to exist, and how did Greta herself shape that vision?
LM: I started posting to Greta and the Herd in late April 2026. I'd always wanted to create something on social media, but I knew in order to have an account that was going to grow, it had to actually help people. When I started thinking about my own journey, it clicked.
    I couldn't find an account that made the horse world feel welcoming and approachable for adults who wanted to get started. Most content assumed you grew up around horses. Accounts that showed the aesthetic side, expensive side.  I wanted to create the resource I wish I'd had—a place where people could ask questions without feeling embarrassed, learn about lessons, leasing, and ownership, and realize those goals were actually possible.
    I didn't grow up riding. I took my first lesson when I was around 30 years old and bought my first horses around 32. 
    Was I ready? Definitely not. Was I committed? Absolutely. 
    I've learned that horse ownership is a huge commitment—financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally—but it's also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I want people to know that if they didn't grow up in the horse world, they haven't missed their chance.
    Greta is the reason this community exists. Every lesson I've learned, every mistake I've made, and every milestone I've celebrated has happened because of her. Since sharing that journey, I've heard from so many adults who finally started riding or even bought their first horse in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. I had no idea there were so many people just like me who had always dreamed of horses but thought they were too late.
    That's what Greta and the Herd has become. It's not just a social media account anymore—it's a community that reminds people it's never too late to start.
 
GM: When you walk into the barn, what’s the first thing you notice that tells you how the herd is feeling?
LM: The first thing I notice is whether Greta is already waiting for me. About 90% of the time, she's heard my car and is standing at the fence waiting to say hello. If she's not there, all I have to do is call her name, and she comes running. It never gets old, and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling lucky when she does it.
    Our horses live out together 24/7, and I really think that contributes to how relaxed and happy they are. The herd dynamic is incredibly positive, and it's been the perfect environment for Greta to grow up in.
    She's the youngest of five mares, well her and another 4 yr old are the youngest.  She lives with horses from different backgrounds and disciplines—from an OTTB to a seasoned trail horse—and they've all helped shape her into the kind, mostly level-headed horse she is today. I like to think they've done as much of the teaching as I have.
 
GM:  What’s one lesson Greta taught you that changed the way you work with every horse who’s come after her?
LM: Greta has taught me a lot, but the biggest lesson has been to slow down and be patient. Owning a young horse taught me that every horse communicates differently, and it's my job to meet them where they are—not where I want them to be.
I've learned that taking the time to listen, rather than rushing through the process, builds trust and creates a true partnership. Whether we're riding, trailering, or just working on the ground, every horse has a different personality, different needs, and a different way of learning. You can't treat them all the same because, just like people, they're all individuals.
    She's also taught me to have quick reflexes... and to always expect the unexpected.
 
GM:  How do you help riders quiet their minds enough to hear what their horses are actually saying?
LM: I'm careful not to give technical riding advice because I'm not a trainer. My goal has always been to share my experience, not tell people how to ride.
The biggest reminder I give myself—and other riders—is to slow down and remember why we're here in the first place: because we love horses. They're not machines, and every horse is different.
    Something as simple as putting on a bridle is my go to example. It's going over their ears, around their eyes, and into their mouth. If someone were putting something like that on me, I'd want them to be patient and gentle—not rushing through it.  I think slowing down is one of the best ways to understand what your horse is trying to tell you. And if the ride isn't going the way you hoped? Slow down, take a breath, reset, and start again. Sometimes that's exactly what both you and your horse need.
 
GM:  Is there a horse or human whose journey still gives you goosebumps when you think about it?
LM: Honestly, I could name a handful of people—including myself. But one person who immediately comes to mind is a girl I used to ride with before I moved.  Like me, horses weren't part of her life while growing up. Riding wasn't an option until she was an adult with her own career and her own money. She was a few years ahead of me in the horse journey, and I looked up to her because she was an example that starting later didn't mean you had missed your chance.
    She took lessons, bought her own horses, and became an amazing rider, but what inspired me most was the way she approached it all. She wasn't chasing one specific discipline or trying to fit into a box. She is a great horsewoman.  She built a relationship with her horses and enjoys every part of the journey.
    Seeing someone who had started later and still created the horse life she'd always dreamed of gave me confidence that I could do the same. Looking back, I think she was one of the first people who showed me that there isn't just one "right" way to be a horse person—and that's a message I now try to pass on every day.
 
GM:  What dreams are you nurturing for Greta and the Herd as it continues to grow?
LM: Greta and the Herd is still really new, but it's been amazing to see how many people connect with the message I am sharing. My goal is  simple—I want it to become the place people think of / are recommended to go when they're getting into horses as an adult and don't know where to start. I know more and more young people are online now too so it is important for my account to be a safe place for parents to feel comfortable sending their kids to know they're going to find encouraging, beginner-friendly information without feeling overwhelmed.
    As it grows, I want to keep creating free guides on topics like finding a barn, leasing, horse ownership, and all the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started. I'm not trying to be the expert who has all the answers. I'm just sharing what I've learned along the way and hoping it helps someone else feel a little more confident taking that first step. If Greta and the Herd can help more people realize it's never too late to get into horses, I'd consider that a win.
 
GM: What’s the best way for fans to connect with you?
LM:  I've really enjoyed the opportunity to share my story and the mission behind Greta and the Herd. My Stan Store is an extension of everything I share on Greta and the Herd. I created it to give adult beginners a place to find helpful resources all in one spot.
    Right now, it includes two free guides: my Barn Basics Guide, which covers a lot of the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started, and my How to Find a Barn Guide, which walks people through finding a place to take riding lessons. I also have a waitlist where people can sign up to hear about future guides as I create them.  Both of these guides are for true beginners - if you have been riding for more than 4-6 months, these are not for you.
    I've also linked my Amazon Storefront, Chewy Storefront, and Etsy shop, where I share products I actually use, love, or genuinely recommend. My goal is to make getting into horses feel a little less overwhelming and give people a trusted place to find the information and products that have helped me along the way.
 
GM: What does horsemanship mean to you?
LM: To me, horsemanship is about building a relationship with the horse based on trust, patience and respect.
 
Connect with Great and the Herd…
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretaandtheherd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretaandtheherd
Stan Store: https://stan.store/GretaandtheHerd
 

 

Lauren and Greta

Greta 2026

Greta 2025

Greta and Lauren

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals April 1977

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Jody's Journals: 1977

Notables: 

Trefa's birthday April 1 - 16 years old

Cricket's birthday April 25

April

• ran errands > worked Puff 
• worked Puff > J to Pony Club, Pennsylvania; Pat to Amesville Carnival 
• to church > dewormed horses, floated; sheep, docked lambs tails, castrated lambs > tracked Bess, let Bess, Kanga run in hay meadow, checked snares, dog trap > watched Jesus of Nazareth on TV
• worked at desk > biked Puff 6 rounds, Jessica's bike > fed at barn > ATC Puff
• biked Puff 6 rounds > went after tractor parts for Pete, took Puff > fed at barn > Kay picked up 3 doz goose eggs
• biked Puff 5 rounds, work on stand > 4H, helped Judy with Spice
• went to Wool Growers after shears > let dogs run in paddock
• docked, castrated lambs > Pete, Jessica, Herbie, Kay, Pat began trimming sheep feet, used Kanga, Jim, Ruff > to church
• put my ewe's lambs down in clinic barn (with Jim), finished trimming ewes, rams feet, Pete, Herbie, Kay, Pat, Allen; ran sheep thru formaldehyde; Howard Strode sheared my sheet; put sheep out on sign bottom; called Cindy about her dog > picked up Bill Wright, Herbie, Kay here > Pete - colt broke leg, Sherry Indestadt's > ate at Hop Sings, to movie The Return of the Pink Panther
• to church > put my sheep down in sign bottom with Jim > took hay, grain to my barn, fed at barn > biked Puff 8 rounds, picked up branches
• biked Puff 1 round; laid 4 tracks for Chauncey, open run for Chandelle > took Bill, Pat to Amesville, Sugar Creek for paint brushes > Lisa, Tonya Toth here, make-up 4H work > ATC Bill, Pat 
• walked sheep pasture with Jim, Kanga; helped load yearling lambs, ran all sheep thru formaldehyde > ran errands
• tracked Bess 4 tracks, 5 turns, 8 articles in hay meadow, did well; checked snares, let Bess run, biked Puff 8 full rounds, let him play in creek, run thru clinic > went to Lancaster after sheep check, took Puff, let him out at roadside park  > took fireplace fan in to Artifacts Gallery > 4H, worked Puff, sit/stay for exam
• tracked Bess > gathered ewes from pasture with Jim, Kanga; helped Pete with ewes thru formaldehyde > J Jones tracked
• biked Puff 10 rounds > gathered ewes from pasture Jim; helped Pete put ewes thru (Pete put rams thru) > took Jessica to riding lessons, let Pat off in town > copied article at library > fed at barn > drive-in with Pat, Kanga, Puff Midnight Cowboy, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• Bess 2 tracks hay meadow, saw turtle > to church > to Little Professor's, saw Elise Sanford > rode Junie around thru woods, let Puff, Kanga run in stream bottom > worked at desk
• Pete to Charleston overnight > biked Puff, laid 5 tracks for Chauncey, ATC
• Bess 5 tracks in bottom > painted broad jumps, practice jumps 
• took Tracy to ACKC match, showed Puff in Lady's Handling > Pete to Charleston
• picked up Kay 7 am in Glouster, showed Puff, fairgrounds
• horses in log pasture > fed at barn, checked snares visually, patched up fence > male black/white hound in snare > Pat, me, hot dogs at mall, AKC
• dog warden picked up hound > fed at barn, checked snares, let Puff run in meadow, beautiful trillium in cliff pasture > made popcorn, played cards
• cold rain, tracking at Jackie's, I laid track for Bess, Jackie tracked her dog in bottom > got groceries, items for Jessica's junior prom
• biked Puff, Jan/Brittany lesson > Jessica to horse show with Julie > picked up Pat Rollerbowl
• Pete up at 5 am, began cement at clinic parking lot > Puff retrieve/track

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

 

An Interview with Author Mark Neyer

 

An Interview with Author Mark Neyer

In a cultural moment where certainty is scarce, Mark Neyer steps directly into the conversation with Rebooting Belief — a thoughtful, provocative exploration of how we rebuild meaning in a world that keeps shifting beneath our feet. Neyer writes with the precision of a researcher and the empathy of a storyteller, inviting readers to examine not just what they believe, but why those beliefs matter.

His work doesn’t preach. It probes. It opens doors. It challenges the quiet assumptions we carry and offers a framework for rediscovering conviction without sacrificing curiosity. In this interview, Neyer reflects on the origins of the book, the personal experiences that shaped its questions, and the evolving landscape of belief in the modern age. It’s a conversation for anyone who has ever felt their worldview wobble and wondered what might emerge if they rebuilt it with intention.

 
Welcome, Mark!
 
GM: What first inspired you to begin writing, and how has that spark evolved as your career has grown?
MN: I think I first found that I enjoyed writing after taking a poetry class in high school. By the end of high school, I found myself writing essays about things I cared about, to nobody in particular. I started blogging when I was in college. I never had much of an audience, but I enjoyed having a place to 'think out loud'. Over time, I found writing to be a way of understanding and working through what I felt, so I wrote more free-form things online. I never really cared who was reading, or if anyone was reading at all. At one point, when I was really struggling - around 2012 - I told myself that eventually computers would read everything on the internet, and help me make sense of what I was feeling, even if I couldn't do it myself at that time. Now I write on Substack, exploring ideas that combine wisdom traditions and modern rationality. 
 
GM: Are there recurring ideas or emotional threads you find yourself returning to across your work?
MN: Yes, absolutely. I wrote my memoir in part to try and help people avoid falling into the holes I fell into, by thinking that life had no real meaning, or that only things we could measure or prove could be true. I find there are a few people who are both religious and technically literate, but nobody else seems to be exploring whether or not these different domains reinforce each other. My goal is to show that not only are these domains not in conflict, but that mathematics and science don't have to make life sterile or meaningless; they can also point you to a perspective of wonder and awe, so long as you are open to it.
 
When people tell me that my writing has helped them—say, by relating the mathematical concept of 'gradient descent and utility maximization' to the old phrase "count your blessings"—that's a reminder I'm not just doing this for myself.  

GM: What part of the writing process pushes you the most, and how do you work through it?
MN: There are times when I know I want to say something, but I'm not quite sure precisely what it is. I feel various pieces in my mind, but I'm not sure how to put them together. What I usually do is take a first pass, and then stop writing and go for a walk. I first try to let go of thinking, and appreciate the environment around me. Then I spend time mentally working through what exactly I think. Why these threads?  What am I getting at here? Sometimes I have to do this two or three times. 
 
GM: When developing characters, do they arrive fully formed or reveal themselves slowly as you write?
MN: It's about half and half. I haven't written fiction in a while, but when I did, I usually started with the seed of an idea. As I'm writing, it feels more like my job is to make space for the story, including the characters, to reveal itself over time.
 
GM: What books or writers have shaped your voice in ways you didn’t expect?
MN: John Hodgman wrote a book called 'The Areas of My Expertise'. It's a fake almanac filled with all manner of clever nonsense. It still makes me laugh whenever I think of it. Dave Barry is another author whose style I really internalized. I find that I trust authors more when there's a bit of a 'wink and nod' game going on.
 
GM: How do you approach revision—are you a meticulous polisher or a bold re‑imaginer?
MN: My memoir went through about five or six iterations, depending on how you count it. I felt torn between two or three different approaches:
- what happened, in the order it happened
- a narrative that's compelling with a tension that builds, climaxes, resolves
- a narrative that conveys what I’ve learned about life without being preachy
 
With each iteration, I tried moving more in the direction of what I felt was missing. I don't feel that I'm "throwing away old writing' so much as" getting closer to the piece I wanted to write the whole time.    
 
GM: What’s something a reader has said about your work that stayed with you?
MN: "Thank you." When I get feedback like that, it's a reminder that writing isn't just something I'm doing for myself. 
 
GM: Did any scene, character, or idea surprise you while writing your latest project?
MN: I spent a year going through some of the most emotionally painful moments of my life, trying to understand why I was thinking and acting the way I was. I hadn't given much thought to how draining that kind of project would be.  
 
It was also surprising how some story arcs ended up working out as narrative devices. Two characters in particular acted as excellent foils. These are real people, good friends from college, but it just so happened that their life trajectories, although very different, both worked to contrast my own.
 
GM: What does a typical writing day look like for you—rituals, quirks, or must‑have tools?
MN: I do my best work in the morning. Afternoons are better spent doing chores or work that doesn't require so much thinking. I wake up with a certain amount of energy -- which coffee can amplify, if I drink it -- and then find that it's more or less all burned off by around lunch time. After lunch I might go for a walk and think a bit about what to write next.
 
Connect with Mark…
Website: markneyer.com
Substack: apxhard.substack.com

Editorial Review
Mark Neyer’s Rebooting Belief is a clear, compelling invitation to rethink how we form and reform our deepest convictions. Instead of prescribing answers, Neyer guides readers through the messy, honest process of questioning, rebuilding, and choosing belief with intention. His blend of personal reflection and cultural insight makes the book both accessible and quietly profound. It’s a thoughtful read for anyone navigating doubt, transition, or the desire to understand their worldview more deeply. ~ Gina McKnight