# Meg Johnson

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American poet

For the English actress, see [Meg Johnson (actress)](/source/Meg_Johnson_(actress)). For other uses, see [Meg Johnson (disambiguation)](/source/Meg_Johnson_(disambiguation)).

Meg Johnson Born Ames, Iowa Occupation Poet Lecturer Education MFA in Creative Writing Alma mater University of Akron Genre Poetry Website megjohnson.org

**Meg Johnson** is an American [poet](/source/Poet) and [lecturer](/source/Lecturer).[1] Her poems have appeared in numerous [literary magazines](/source/Literary_magazines), including *[Midwestern Gothic](/source/Midwestern_Gothic)*,[2] *[Slipstream Magazine](/source/Slipstream_Magazine)*,[3] *[Word Riot](/source/Word_Riot)*, *[Hobart](/source/Hobart_(magazine))*, and many others.[4][5] Her first collection of poems, *Inappropriate Sleepover*, was released in 2014, her second collection, *The Crimes of Clara Turlington*, was released in December 2015.,[1] and her third book, *Without: Body, Name, Country* is due to release in September 2020. She is also the current editor of the *Dressing Room Poetry Journal*.[6]

## Early life and education

Johnson was born and raised in [Ames](/source/Ames%2C_Iowa), [Iowa](/source/Iowa).[1][2] She enjoyed dance as a child and wrote poems in high school.[1] She danced with the [Iowa State University](/source/Iowa_State_University) dance department in high school and later studied dance at [Columbia College Chicago](/source/Columbia_College_Chicago) and the [University of Iowa](/source/University_of_Iowa). Johnson left college early in order to pursue a professional career in dance.[7][8] She eventually became a principal dancer at the Kanopy Dance Company, the resident company at the [Overture Center for the Arts](/source/Overture_Center_for_the_Arts) in [Madison](/source/Madison%2C_Wisconsin), [Wisconsin](/source/Wisconsin).[3] During her six years at Kanopy, Johnson returned to school, attending [Madison College](/source/Madison_Area_Technical_College) and [Edgewood College](/source/Edgewood_College). There, she was convinced to begin studying writing.[3][7] She went on to the [University of Akron](/source/University_of_Akron) where she entered and completed the [Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts](/source/NEOMFA) program (NEOMFA) in creative writing in 2014.[9][10]

## Career

As a dancer at the Kanopy Dance Company,[11] Johnson took on numerous roles and choreographed her own dances.[12][13] She became a principal dancer at the company midway through her tenure. She also served as a dance teacher at the Kanopy School for [Contemporary Dance](/source/Contemporary_dance) and Choreography.[3]

Johnson began submitting poems to literary magazines in 2009 and published her first poem in a 2009 issue of *Slipstream Magazine*.[14] As early as 2010, Johnson performed her written work at poetry readings in the Madison area.[15][16] Her poems were accepted at publications like *Slipstream Magazine*, *Asinine Poetry*, the *Pacific Coast Journal*, and the *Edgewood Review*.[3]

In 2011, Johnson became a teaching assistant at the University of Akron where she also studied poetry. She also served as the poetry editor of the *Rubbertop Review*. She became a NEOMFA candidate at the University of Akron that same year.[5] By the end of 2012, her poetry had appeared in publications like *Midwestern Gothic*,[2] *SOFTBLOW*, the *Rufous City Review*, *Wicked Alice*, *Smoking Glue Gun*, and numerous others.[9][17]

Johnson's original thesis for the NEOMFA program was picked up by the National Poetry Review Press in 2013. This collection of poems, *Inappropriate Sleepover*, was released in 2014 by the publisher.[1] After completing the NEOMFA program in 2014, Johnson went on to become a lecturer in English at Iowa State University.[10] Her second book, *The Crimes of Clara Turlington*, was released in December 2015 by the Vine Leaves Literary Journal press.[1] Johnson is also the current editor of the *Dressing Room Poetry Journal*.[6]

## Writing style

Johnson writes most often in [free verse](/source/Free_verse) on topics generally revolving around [femininity](/source/Femininity) and the commodification of female bodies. Her writing has been described as both "snarky" and "vulnerable" as it discusses and critiques American cultural norms and the societal expectations of women.[18] Her poems also make frequent pop culture references to prominent figures including [Marilyn Monroe](/source/Marilyn_Monroe), [Betty Boop](/source/Betty_Boop),[19] [Justin Bieber](/source/Justin_Bieber), and [Victoria's Secret](/source/Victoria's_Secret).[18] Johnson has stated that she draws inspiration from [Gurlesque](/source/Gurlesque) poets like [Chelsey Minnis](/source/Chelsey_Minnis) and [Mary Biddinger](/source/Mary_Biddinger).[9]

## Recognition and awards

Johnson won the 2015 Vignette Collection Award from the Vine Leaves Literary Journal for her book, *The Crimes of Clara Turlington*.[20][21] The prize came with the publication of her book and a cash reward.[1][10] Her book, *Inappropriate Sleepover*, was also nominated for the National Poetry Review Press's Rousseau Prize for Literature.[22] Her poem, "Free Samples" was nominated for "Best of the Net" in 2010.[5][23]

## Works

- *Inappropriate Sleepover* (2014, National Poetry Review Press)

- *The Crimes of Clara Turlington* (2015, Vine Leaves Literary Journal)[24]

- *Without: Body, Name, Country*[25][26]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ISD_1-6) Sowder, Courtney (27 May 2015). ["ISU poet claims literary award"](https://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/academics/article_1f548078-0430-11e5-a6c6-b7225a4bdfde.html?mode=story). *[Iowa State Daily](/source/Iowa_State_Daily)*. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MG_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MG_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-MG_2-2) ["Contributor Spotlight: Meg Johnson"](http://midwestgothic.com/2012/08/contributor-spotlight-meg-johnson/). [Midwestern Gothic](/source/Midwestern_Gothic). August 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Edge_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Edge_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Edge_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Edge_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Edge_3-4) Cheslock, Stephanie (10 January 2012). ["Meg Johnson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160921030616/http://www.edgewood.edu/News/meg-johnson). [Edgewood College](/source/Edgewood_College). Archived from [the original](http://www.edgewood.edu/News/meg-johnson) on 2016-09-21. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Crier_4-0)** ["Author Note: Meg Johnson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150628074600/http://town-crier.ca/ephemera/author-note-meg-johnson/). Puritan Magazine. 26 October 2013. Archived from [the original](http://town-crier.ca/ephemera/author-note-meg-johnson/) on 2015-06-28. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Battered_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Battered_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Battered_5-2) Neun, Fawn (23 October 2011). ["Author Insides - Meg Johnson"](http://batteredsuitcasepress.blogspot.com/2011/10/author-insides-meg-johnson.html). Battered Suitcase Press. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-3Qs_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-3Qs_6-1) ["Three Questions: Meg Johnson"](http://dailydoseoflit.com/2015/04/06/three-questions-meg-johnson/). Daily Dose of Lit. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Madison_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Madison_7-1) ["Poetry reading features former Madison College student"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150628034641/http://matters.madisoncollege.edu/articles/announcements/2014-04-21/5542/poetry-reading-features-former-madison-college-student). [Madison College](/source/Madison_Area_Technical_College). 21 April 2014. Archived from [the original](http://matters.madisoncollege.edu/articles/announcements/2014-04-21/5542/poetry-reading-features-former-madison-college-student) on 2015-06-28. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Barjche_8-0)** ["Barjche 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160827093407/http://www.theatre.iastate.edu/barjche-2002/). [Iowa State University](/source/Iowa_State_University). 10 August 2002. Archived from [the original](http://www.theatre.iastate.edu/barjche-2002/) on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SAGES_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SAGES_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-SAGES_9-2) ["March 2013: Meg Johnson"](https://uakronsages.wordpress.com/student-in-the-spotlight-archive-2/2013-march-meg-johnson/). The Society of Akron Graduate English Scholars. March 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DR_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DR_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DR_10-2) Inefoku, Harrison (28 April 2015). ["Meg Johnson, English faculty member, wins award!"](https://drisu.wordpress.com/2015/04/28/meg-johnson-english-faculty-member-wins-award/). Digital Repository at [Iowa State University](/source/Iowa_State_University). Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Sherman, Elisabeth (15 February 2017). ["Why Fashion Loves Leotards, Cropped Sweaters, and Leg Warmers"](https://www.racked.com/2017/2/15/14462108/dancewear-ballet-fashion). *Racked*. Retrieved 2020-06-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dance1_12-0)** Christians, Lindsay (12 November 2009). ["Kanopy Dance's visions of 'Autumn'"](https://host.madison.com/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/article_0f214a20-cede-11de-bdaa-001cc4c03286.html). Madison.com. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dance2_13-0)** Archwamety, Rena (17 April 2010). ["Review: Kanopy's 'Dark Nights' highlights theatrical side of dance"](https://host.madison.com/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/reviews/article_5e06885c-4a22-11df-b7a7-001cc4c002e0.html). Madison.com. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Slip2009_14-0)** ["Slipstream Back Issues"](http://www.slipstreampress.org/backiss.html). *www.mcdb.uscb.com*. [Slipstream Magazine](/source/Slipstream_Magazine). Retrieved 13 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Porch_15-0)** Fienne, Brianna (22 October 2010). ["Back Porch Reading"](https://ontheedgemadison.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/65/). *On The Edge*. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-License_16-0)** Lorig, Carrie (21 February 2011). ["Poetic License: Navigating Madison's Lit Scene Part 2"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110309225027/http://www.dane101.com/arts/2011/02/21/poetic_license_navigating_madisons_lit_scene_part_2). Dane101. Archived from [the original](http://dane101.com/arts/2011/02/21/poetic_license_navigating_madisons_lit_scene_part_2) on 2011-03-09. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RCR_17-0)** McIlvenna, Kirsten (14 January 2013). ["Rufous City Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150629121044/http://www.newpages.com/literary-magazine-reviews/magazine-reviews-archive/2009-07-20/item/5316-rufous-city-review). Rufous City Review. Archived from [the original](http://www.newpages.com/literary-magazine-reviews/magazine-reviews-archive/2009-07-20/item/5316-rufous-city-review) on 29 June 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Flyway_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Flyway_18-1) Futhey, Samantha (22 September 2014). ["Five Bullet Review: Inappropriate Sleepover by Meg Johnson"](https://flyway.org/blog/five-bullet-review-inappropriate-sleepover-by-meg-johnson/). [Flyway](/source/Flyway_(magazine)). Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Alive_19-0)** Stephenson, Hannah (31 July 2014). ["Bibliohio: Recommended Reading from the Heart-Shaped State"](http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2014/07/31/bibliohio-recommended-reading-from-the-heart-shaped-state.html). [Columbus Alive](/source/Columbus_Alive). Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["20 Points: Meg Johnson's The Crimes of Clara Turlington"](https://queenmobs.com/2016/05/19624/). 9 May 2016. Retrieved 2020-06-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["The Crimes of Clara Turlington by Meg Johnson"](http://www.barnowlreview.com/reviews/megjohnson.html). *www.barnowlreview.com*. Retrieved 2020-06-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Rousseau_22-0)** ["Inappropriate Sleepover"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150504124116/http://home.comcast.net/~jpdancingbear/IS.html). National Poetry Review Press. 24 June 2014. Archived from [the original](http://home.comcast.net/~jpdancingbear/IS.html) on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-BL_23-0)** ["2010 nominations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151006074837/http://www.bloodlotusjournal.com/2010/10/2010-nominations.html). Blood Lotus. 29 October 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.bloodlotusjournal.com/2010/10/2010-nominations.html) on 2015-10-06. Retrieved 13 October 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Stephanie Kaylor review of The Crimes of Clara Turlington by Meg Johnson"](http://www.glass-poetry.com/journal/reviews/kaylor-johnson.html). *www.glass-poetry.com*. Retrieved 2020-06-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Congratulations to Meg Johnson for getting her third book"](https://blog.superstitionreview.asu.edu/2020/02/01/contributor-update-meg-johnson/). *superstitionreview.asu.edu*. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Catching Up with Meg Johnson"](https://tinderboxpoetry.com/catching-up-with-meg-johnson). Retrieved 2020-06-04.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.megjohnson.org)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Meg Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meg_Johnson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meg_Johnson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.