G.D. (Greg) Shaffer grew up on a farm outside of the town of Mediapolis, Iowa, where a strong sense of community and respect for nature shaped his views on life. His experiences living in small-town Iowa instilled honest, common-sense Midwestern values that have followed him throughout his life, and which form the basis of many of his poems and short stories.

After graduating college in 1975 he spent the next 49 years as a professional Piano Technician, CADD Designer and Technical Writer. Though he found success in these disparate fields, his longing to be a writer never faded. In 2024 he sold his business in Denver, and in 2025 retired to Ajijic, Mexico, where he devotes his time to writing poetry, short stories and novels.

Located on the shores of Lake Chapala, Ajijic has been a haven for writers and artists for nearly 100 years. Famous authors, including D.H. Lawrence who penned The Plumed Serpent there in the 1920’s, and Tennessee Williams who wrote Streetcar Named Desire, have called the area their home, finding inspiration in this designated Pueblo Magico.

He is an active member of the Ajijic Writer’s Group, the Not Yet Dead Poets’ Society and the Lake Chapala Society. Many of his poems and short stories have been featured in the El Ojo Del Lago, a monthly publication in the Lake Chapala area.

A Journey Through Words