#USA #Jamestown #Gery L. Deer #Journalism Award #Typewriter Repair

Gery L. Deer Wins 2025 Appalachian Writers Conference Journalism Award

On September 4, 2025, celebrated journalist Gery L. Deer was honored with the prestigious 2025 Appalachian Writers Conference Journalism Award for his compelling three-part feature series titled "Just My Type." The series, which focused on a family-owned typewriter repair shop, garnered significant attention after its publication in October 2024 across various local newspapers, including the Xenia Daily Gazette, Fairborn Daily Herald, and Beavercreek News-Current, as well as online at TheJamestownComet.com. The articles captured the hearts of many, drawing thousands of views and generating increased business for the shop.

Deer's dedication to crafting narratives that resonate with and celebrate community spirit is evident in the award-winning series. It tells the story of a young entrepreneurial family working passionately to revive a business that many considered outdated. Deer expressed his gratitude at receiving the award, stating, “I intended the story as a single feature article about an unusual local business. This young family saw the value in a trade that many overlooked, and I wanted to shed light on their exciting journey.” His narrative, rich with emotion and insight, has not only won accolades but also fostered a renewed interest in typewriters - a remarkable outcome for a business considered antediluvian by many.

Born on a small cattle farm, Gery L. Deer has cultivated a diverse career that spans stage performance, voiceover work, and journalism. He was immersed in storytelling from an early age. Earning a degree in engineering and computer science, Deer financed his education through his engagement with the campus newspaper as a staff writer and editor. Following several years working in various engineering sectors, he launched GLD Communications in 1998, an advertising and public relations firm based in Jamestown, Ohio. Over the years, Deer’s firm has catered to clients throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, cementing his reputation in the industry.

In addition to his extensive writing experience, Deer has contributed articles to numerous newspapers and magazines, showcasing a versatile portfolio. His long-standing op-ed series, Deer In Headlines, has earned nominations for national editorial awards, and his advertising copywriting has also received recognition. In 2010, Deer’s narrative skills were further acknowledged when a different feature series he penned was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

The Appalachian Writers Conference (AWC), founded in 2023 by Dr. Melissa Newman, aims to foster writers through workshops and opportunities to connect with agents. The introduction of the journalism award category underscores the conference's commitment to recognizing journalistic efforts that highlight shared human experiences. Dr. Newman stated, “It recognizes recipients for their steadfast commitment to journalism that celebrates our shared humanity.”

All three parts of Deer's Just My Type series are available as a consolidated article on TheJamestownComet.com, providing readers with exclusive photos and author insights. Fans of Deer can connect through his agency's site at www.gldcommunications.com, and those interested in the AWC can visit www.appalachianwritersconference.com for more information. Gery L. Deer continues to inspire others with his dedication to storytelling, celebrating the unique dimensions of local businesses and the innovators behind them.