Mary-Sherman Willis

Mary-Sherman Willis is an Adjunct Professor of creative writing at George Washington University and NYU/Shanghai, with prior roles at Writer House/Charlottesville and other venues. She holds a BS in Journalism and Science from the University of Maryland (1981) and an MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson Program for Writers (2005). Her work spans poetry, essays, literary translation, and memoir/fiction instruction. Notable publications include Grace Notes (Cocteau translation), Graffiti Calculus, and the chapbook Caveboy. Her poem The Laughter of Women was featured in Ted Kooser’s syndicated column. Awards include semi-finalist recognitions for the Tupelo First/Second Book Award and Bull City/Frost Place Chapbook Competition.

Research interests focus on creative nonfiction techniques, poetic form experimentation, and cross-cultural literary translation. Her pedagogical contributions emphasize narrative voice development in private mentorship, with advisees achieving notable publications. Grants and institutional affiliations include roles at multiple academic and creative writing institutions.