January 13, 2020
Shawnee State University’s Shirley Crothers-Marley, former faculty member and current adjunct instructor of Music and Theatre, recently published her book of poetry, “Make Me an Oyster.”
“Make Me an Oyster” is a collection of poetry Crothers-Marley has written throughout her lifetime. The first half of the book is about her reflections and observations on the natural world, and the second half focuses more on personal relationships and the people she loves.
“I’ve written poetry since I was ten years old, and I fell even more in love after taking my first poetry class at Shawnee State with Dr. Robert Wilson. My life-long interest in poetry and using it as a fulfilling method of self-expression has guided and inspired me in my writing process for this book,” said Crothers-Marley. “I think this book could be the start of my legacy of creative efforts, and a way to be remembered.”
Born in Rio Grande, Ohio, Crothers-Marley is the composer of Shawnee State’s Alma Mater, served as a former full-time faculty member of Shawnee State, and currently teaches as an adjunct for the vocal and theater classes. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree from Ohio University. Crothers-Marley has previously won the “People’s Choice” award at a Phoenix Writers Workshop.
A copy of “Make Me an Oyster” can be found in the Clark Memorial Library. For those interested in a copy, email Crothers-Marley at smarley@shawnee.edu.