Meet Gary Robbe | Educator and writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Robbe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I always had an active imagination, and from a very early age I read everything I could get my hands on. It was a way to escape and it seemed like a logical progression to want to write, to create my own worlds. I was often sidetracked by jobs I chose, and ultimately the career I chose, but whenever I could find the time I would write or become involved in a writing projects that fostered creativity. Associating with creative types always helped, and teaching and working with exceptional students also helped. Once I neared retirement I was able to find the time and the desire to write on a more consistent basis.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was a teacher for close to forty years. Started teaching at a small college on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, moved to Green Bay, WI and was responsible for the autistic program there (this was the early days of autistic education). I moved back to my hometown after a few years and worked for Cincinnati Public Schools, teaching at a treatment facility for emotionally disturbed adolescents. I did this for for about twenty five years, then worked with high functioning autistic children for another five years. I retired, then helped start a high school for high functioning autistic students with The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. That school grew from ten students to around forty by the time I left, and now is a very successful program serving more than a hundred students ( The Heidt Center of Excellence). That is probably the thing I am most proud of, aside from raising two wonderful sons. Working with exceptional students was always a passion, and I feel lucky to have had two passions (writing and education) to devote time to. Since retiring from teaching, I’ve devoted more time to writing. I’ve been reasonably successful – having had many stories published in e-zines, magazines and anthologies. I am a member of the Horror Writers Association, the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and a founding member of the Denver Horror Collective. I am also an associate editor for Bewildering Stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nothing is better than hiking in the foothills and mountains outside Denver, then visiting any of the wonderful local breweries in the area. A different hike each day and a different brewery. Great restaurants – definitely Backcountry Pizza in Boulder, Breckinridge Brewery, Bad Daddy’s Burgers and … who knows what else. Ghost tours are a must and a visit to some iconic haunted areas ( Cheesman Park for example) – after all, I do write horror. Maybe take in a ball game. Of course, we would have to drive into the mountains if there’s time to see Silverthorne, Vail, Aspen, Telluride…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are too many people to recognize, but definitely a shout out to HWA Colorado (who welcomed me with open arms when I moved to Colorado) and the Denver Horror Collective (which has been a wonderful experience and a wonderful group of people to associate with). A shoutout to my family – my sons and ex-wife, all my close friends, and to Maria, who has been an amazing support the past few years!

Twitter: @garyrobbe

Facebook: Gary Robbe