Marc Harshman

Harshman published his first poetry book, Turning Out the Stones in 1983, and his first children’s book, A Little Excitement, in 1989. Marc Harshman has published multiple collections of poetry and received a Smithsonian Award for his children’s book, The Storm (1995). In 2012, after the death of Irene McKinney, West Virginia’s former Poet Laureate, Harshman was appointed as the ninth Poet Laureate of West Virginia. Harshman continues to do workshops and puts on a radio show called "The Poetry Break" which was first aired in January 2016. Marc Harshman’s experience allows him to explore a wide array of themes, which can be seen in his various collections of poetry. Harshman’s work is often a reflection of his upbringing and he has been seen as one of the individuals that are revitalizing poetry in West Virginia.

In between earning his degrees, Harshman married his wife and fellow writer, Cheryl Ryan, in August 1976. They have one child, Sarah. She is now a children's librarian, following in her parents' footsteps. Now Marc and his wife Cheryl live in Moundsville, West Virginia. Harshman's promising career of many publications has led to him being named as the West Virginia State Poet Laureate in 2012. He accepted this role stating his role is to, “support the life of writers here in West Virginia.” The requirements for being the West Virginia State Poet Laureate is to be a resident of the state and having written and published work of “recognized merit.” The poet laureate must serve at the will of the governor and receive a $2000 stipend every year.

Marc Harshman was born and raised in Randolph County, Indiana. Growing up in a very rural area of Indiana, books allowed Harshman to imagine being in other places across the world. He attended Bethany College, graduating in 1973. Harshman then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School in 1975 and a Master of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978. Later on, Harshman received additional honorary doctorates from his alma mater, Bethany College, and West Liberty University for the recognition of his life's work.

Marc Harshman (born (1950-10-01)October 1, 1950) is a Poet Laureate for the state of West Virginia. He was appointed as West Virginia's Poet Laureate on May 18, 2012 by former governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Harshman is well-known for his numerous children’s books and works in public poetry.