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celebrate summer at
JUNE 5: FOUR FOOLS | 6-8PM
JUNE 7: BINGO | SUPPORTING DSAOC 3-5PM
JUNE 11: SUMMER HERB CLASS 6:30-8:30PM
SIGN UP!
JUNE 12: BRUTAL REPUBLIC | 6-8PM
JUNE 13: NATIONAL ROSÉ DAY! SPECIAL TASTING FLIGHT
JUNE 19: KRIS KARR | 6-8PM
JUNE 20: TAP & VINE BIKE TOUR
JUNE 21: BINGO | SUPPORTING DSAOC 3-5PM
JUNE 26: LONE TREE REVIVAL 6-8PM
Cemetery Walk will connect people to the past Event will raise money for the care of Oakland Cemetery 23rd Annual
A direct descendant of Reformation leader Martin Luther and the first person to operate a plant nursery in the Fort Dodge area will be waiting to speak with visitors at Oakland Cemetery on June 13.
Mary Catherine Luther Marshall and Andrew Jackson Haviland won’t actually be talking to anyone since they died in the late 1800s. But actors who thoroughly researched their lives will be portraying them.
Haviland, Marshall, Eloise Hurst Welch and William Lathrop will be portrayed during the 23rd annual Oakland Cemetery Walk to be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 13 at the cemetery on North 15th Street.
In addition to the live portrayals, tour guides will take groups past 29 other headstones and talk about the people buried there.
By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net
Rick Carlson, an organizer of the annual Cemetery Walk, said the people featured in each one are individuals who had a significant impact in shaping Fort Dodge.
“If it wasn’t for them, Fort Dodge would not be Fort Dodge,” he said.
Oakland Cemetery is very hilly, but Carlson said the walk will be “up on nice level ground.”
Free will donations will be accepted to help pay for the care and preservation of the cemetery.
There is no parking available at the cemetery. But parking will be available at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1436 21st Ave. N.
A bus will travel back and forth between the church and the cemetery, with the first bus leaving the church parking lot at 1:45 p.m.
Here is a summary of the prominent Fort Dodgers who will be portrayed at the cemetery Walk.
Eloise Hurst Welch - 1911-2013.
She was the wife of a well-known owner of a shoe store on Central Avenue. She was a teacher and was involved in First Congregational Church, PEO, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum and the Womens Club. She lived to be 102. She will be portrayed by Marsha Halbach.
Mary Catherine Luther Marshall - 1811-1899.
A direct descendant of Martin Luther, she was a suffragist, created programs for underprivileged children and was a prominent educator. She will be portrayed by Ruth Bennett.
Andrew Jackson Haviland - 1820-1888.
He was known throughout the region for his knowledge of horticulture. He was the first in the area to have a nursery. He also made carriages. He will be portrayed by Garrett Savery.
William Lathrop - 1845-1896.
He had a hauling business called W.D. Lathrop & Son which specialized in the transportation of goods. He was killed in a wagon accident.
Saturday, June 13th 2:00-4:00
Historic Stroll through the Cemetery
S & H O U T !
JUNE LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
June 7-June 27
Art Exhibit: “Game” by Jamey Hart @ The Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave. South, Fort Dodge, IA
June-July 18
Art Exhibit: “Artworks” by The Blanden Collective @ The Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave. South, Fort Dodge
June 7
Frontier Days -Passport to the Past 11am – 12pm
BINGO! @ Soldier Creek Winery to Support DSAOC 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
Karl King Band Concert
7:30 – 8:30pm 1400 Oleson Park Ave, Fort Dodge
June 8
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm 1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
June 9
Exploring Watercolor at Segar Fine Art
4:00 – 5:00pm 1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
June 10
Line Dancing with Jessie Sue @ the Opera House
7:00 – 10:00pm 1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
June 10-13
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Orient Express”
7:00 – 9:00pm 521 N. 12th Street, Fort Dodge
June 11
Beginning Basketry with Segar Fine Art
10:00am – 12:00pm 1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
Wonder & Wildflowers @ Flour & Bloom
Thursday, June 11·10:00 – 11:00am 2194 120th Street, Fort Dodge
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm
1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Summer Herb Class @ Soldier Creek Winery
6:30 – 8:30pm
1584 Paragon Avenue, Fort Dodge
Sean Michael Sullivan LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 – 9:00pm
520 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
June 12
Late Night Crafting @ Studio Fusion
10:00am – 9:00pm
21 S. 12th Street, Fort Dodge
Vineyard Vibrations: Brutal Republic @ Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 – 8:00pm 1584 Paragon Avenue, Fort Dodge
Jared Benson and Brandt Lawler & Glow Golf @ Fort Frenzy Family Fun
7:30 – 10:30pm
3232 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge
Glow Golf & Live Music @ Fort Frenzy
7:30 – 10:00pm
3232 1st Avenue S, Fort Dodge
Friday Night Live w/ Schoon Bros @ O’Goodies
8:00 – 11:00pm
16 N 7th St, Fort Dodge
June 13
Blanden Art Festival 9:00am – 4:00pm
National Rose Day @ Soldier Creek Winery
1:00 – 6:00pm 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
Neil Diamond & the Carpenters Once More @ the Cardiff Event Center
4:00 – 9:00pm
3232 1st Ave. S., Fort Dodge
S.T.O.P. - O’Goodie’s Live Music w/ Love Bomb
7:00 – 10:00pm
16 N. 7th Street, Fort Dodge
June 14
Karl King Band Concert Sunday, June 14·7:30 – 8:30pm 1400 Oleson Park Ave, Fort Dodge
June 15-June 19
Middle School Summer Band InstituteIowa Central Community College 9:00am – 12:00pm 1 Triton Circle, Fort Dodge
June 15
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House 5:30 – 9:00pm 1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Choral Society Practices 7:00 – 9:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S 9th St, Fort Dodge
June 16, 17, 18
Regional Fair Readiness: Art Camp @ Blanden Art Education Center
2:00 – 4:00pm
224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
June 16
Exploring Watercolor at Segar Fine Art
4:00 – 5:00pm 1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
June 17
Summer Solstice Soiree @ Flour & Bloom
6:00 – 8:00pm 2194 120th Street, Fort Dodge
June 18
Iowa Artists event at Segar Fine Art
10:00am – 12:00pm 1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm 1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Grunge Unplugged LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
6:00 – 9:00pm 520 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
June 19
Havenpalooza @ Friendship Haven
3:00 – 10:00pm 420 Kenyon Rd, Fort Dodge
Vineyard Vibrations: Kris Karr @ Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 – 8:00pm 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
June 20
Hand Built Clay Vessels @ Blanden Art Education Center
9:00am – 12:00pm 224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
The Blanden Collective @ The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
9:00 – 10:00am 920 3rd Ave. S., Fort Dodge
Tap & Vine Bike Tour @ Soldier Creek Winery
10:00am – 6:00pm 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
Saturday Crafternoon @ River Hops Brewing 1:00 – 5:00pm 1014 Central Ave fort dodge
June 20 cont.
Create like Joan Miro: Dream Creatures
2:00 – 4:00pm
224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
June 21
BINGO! @ Soldier Creek Winery to Support DSAOC
3:00 – 5:00pm
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
Karl King Band Concert
7:30 – 8:30pm
1400 Oleson Park Ave, Fort Dodge
June 22
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm
1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Choral Society Practices
7:00 – 9:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S 9th St, Fort Dodge
June 23
Exploring Watercolor at Segar Fine Art
4:00 – 5:00pm
1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
June 24
Line Dancing with Jessie Sue @ the Opera House
7:00 – 10:00pm
1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
June 25
Wonder & Wildflowers @ Flour & Bloom
10:00 – 11:00am
2194 120th Street, Fort Dodge
Beginning Drawing at Segar Fine Art
4:00 – 5:00pm
1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm
1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Isabella Love LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 – 9:00pm
520 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
June 26
Vineyard Vibrations: Lone Tree Revival @ Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 – 8:00pm
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge
Friday Night Live w/ David Watson @ O’Goodies
8:00 – 11:00pm
16 N 7th St, Fort Dodge
June 27
Crash My Crater Days
Manson
FD Pride Festival Fort Dodge
Adult Open Studio @ Blanden Art Education Center 9:00am – 12:00pm
224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
Stuff - A - Bear Tea Party with Segar Fine Art
10:00 – 11:00am
1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
Create like Vincent Van Gogh: Texture Landscapes @ Blanden Art Education Center
2:00 – 4:00pm
224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
June 28
Karl King Band Concert
7:30 – 8:30pm
1400 Oleson Park Ave, Fort Dodge
June 29
BINGO at the Fort Museum Opera House
5:30 – 9:00pm
1 Museum Road, Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Choral Society Practices
7:00 – 9:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S 9th St, Fort Dodge
June 30, July 1 & 2
Abstract Art Camp Ages 6-9 @ Blanden Art Education Center
2:00 – 4:00pm
224 S. 8th Street, Fort Dodge
June 30
Exploring Watercolor at Segar Fine Art
4:00 – 5:00pm
1003 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
BY JERROLD P. JIMMERSON
Karl KingplansBand busy summer:
The months of June and July will be busy and exciting ones for the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge, as the band members come back together again to perform each Sunday evening, beginning June 7th through July 26th. Beginning his second summer season as Conductor of the King Band is Dan Cassady. Paul Bloomquist continues to serve as the band’s announcer.
All concerts start at 7:30 pm, and there is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge. Persons attending these concerts are reminded to bring lawn chairs or blankets, since no public seating is available. Come early and enjoy some ice cream and brownies provided by the Southeast Valley Fine Arts Boosters for a free-will donation to assist their school’s Fine Arts students.
On June 7th, the King Band will open their season with a varied program of music as the group prepares to “Strike up the Band” for its 126th season. Marches are on the program, including two by Fort Dodge’s own Karl King, one by Fred Jewell, and a Grand Italian march, “Florentiner”, by Julius Fucik. The music of Karl King will continue with
several King compositions, titled “Melody ala King”. Featured soloist will be Lacey Larson on French Horn, a recent graduate of both Fort Dodge Senior High (2025) and Iowa Central Community College (2026). She will be performing the 3rd movement from “Rondo for Horn from Concerto No. 1, op. 11”, by Richard Strauss.
Sunday, June 14th, will be the Band’s annual Flag Day Concert. Dan Cassady will be gone that evening teaching at the Reggie Schive Summer Jazz Camp at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville. In his absence, the King Band will feature two guest conductors that evening. Tim Miller, retired band director from the Humboldt High School and Middle School will be on the podium, along with Paul Bloomquist from Iowa Central Community College. The musical selections have not been announced as yet. More details will follow.
Sunday evening, June 21st, Dan Cassady will return to the podium as the King Band showcases a special Father’s Day concert to honor all the dads in attendance. Several marches by Karl King and Henry Fillmore are on the program, along with America’s national hymn, “God of Our Fathers”. There will be
Philip Sousa with “A Sousa Portrait”. In keeping with the evening’s celebration will be “Festive Dance from ‘Faust’” by French composer Charles Gounod.
Sunday June 28, will find the band saluting the music of Broadway among other special treats. Marches by King, Fillmore, Sousa, and Frank Piersol, former Iowa State and Iowa director of bands, are on the program. Composer Richard Rogers’ birth on June 28, 1902 will be celebrated with his “Symphonic Marches”, including “Valiant Years”, “March of the Siamese Children” from The King and I, “Cinderella March”, “The Great Adventure”, and “Guadalcanal March” from Victory at Sea. “Opening Night on Broadway” will feature music written for some of the newer musicals, such as “The Producers”, “Avenue Q”, “Spamalot”, “Wicked” and “The Lion King”. “The Producers” was written by Mel Brooks, who turns 100 years old on June 28.
That is just a sampling of some of the music being planned during the month of June! There will be much more in store during July as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Watch for more details each week in your local print media.
Good Eats &Drinks
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza ......... 2007 N.15th St. 2206
Chick-fil-A ................................... 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden.............................. 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza 3232 1st Ave. S.
Ja-Mar Drive-In ............................. 329 S. 25th St.
Lizard Creek Ranch 1762 Johnson Ave
The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N.
Lomitas Mexican Restaurant 2223 5th Ave. S.
Mineral City............................... 2621 5th Ave. So.
Ninja Sushi Steak House 407 S. 25th St.
Perkins..........................................511 S. 32nd St.
Pizza Ranch 3311 5th Ave. S. 1317 Central Ave.
A Pinch of Love Cafe .................... 850 S. 18th St.
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Ave. .................................. 2021 6th Ave. S. 2707 N. 15th St.
Tom Thumb Drive Inn ......................... 1412 A. St. 3521 5th Ave. S.
Tropical Smoothie 2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. 2002 N. 15th St.
Gretta Pratt
Age: 14
Grade/School: 8th Grade/Fort Dodge Middle School
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
shiningstar
What are your hobbies?
Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Dance, Cheer, and Track. Also being in musicals, choir, and honor choir for middle school.
Besides singing, what other “artsy activities” do you enjoy?
Musicals for school, being on The Fort Dodge Dance Team and dancing at a studio since I was 4- Hollingsworth and United All Stars.
If you could play any role on Broadway, what role would you want to play and why?
Probably Cosette in Les Miserables since I was in the high school production in 5th grade as Young Cosette, so I think it would be fun to be able to perform in that musical again as the older version.
What would you like to do after high school?
Go to Iowa Central for two years to get my RN and then go to the University of Iowa to get my BSN and do something in the medical field. Eventually I would like to live and work in Iowa with my family.
Who inspires you?
My parents inspire me every day by showing me that no matter what, that I need to try my best and keep going.
What motivates you?
Having future goals in my life. Thinking about how my life could be in the future makes me excited to keep striving to work towards my goals.
In 25 years, will musical theater still be a part of your life?
Yes. I want to be able to continue going to and enjoying musicals and shows in the future, and maybe even watching my own kids perform on the stage.
What has been your most memorable moment on stage?
I wouldn’t be able to just narrow it down to just one but, sharing the stage with some of the most amazing people throughout middle school and being a part of the FDSH Production of Les Miserables in 5th grade as Young Cosette. As well as being in the Iowa State Honor Choir (Opus) in 6th grade and learning so much about music and my voice.
By Tom Tourville
a look back REMEMBERING THE FABULOUS FENATIKS
When I was a kid I used to read this amazing Minneapolis, MN music trade publication called Connie’s Insider. Through the Insider I kept reading about this band from Glenwood, Minnesota and they looked to be incredible on the pages of the magazine. These photos came out of these guys in these incredible stage suits on the Insiders pages. Then there was those pictures of them standing outside of this new motorcoach (bus) with their bands name painted across the side on the bus. Next up was a story that they were signed to a national record label and had a new record coming out. I was impressed. I made it my mission to see this group in person. I was committed to stand in front of that stage and experience the Fenatiks tidal wave of fun and live music in person.
So climb on board that tour bus with me, let’s get a couple seats in the rear as we don’t want to miss anything. This is my look back at SS International Records recording artists, the Fabulous Fenatiks.
The origins of the Fabulous Fenatiks began in January of 1966 when a group of Glenwood, MN kids came together to start a new band. Some of the guys had been in earlier smaller bands, but this was a true effort to “make it.”The bands members included: Larry Forbord-trumpet, valve trombone, sax, guitar and vocals, Daryl Eastburg-trumpet, sax, trombone, guitar and vocals, Daryl’s brother Bruce Eastburg on bass and vocals, Steve Solmonson-guitar, trumpet, keys and vocals, Greg Welu-drums and Bob Vollrath on keys and vocals. As you can see, these kids helped define the word “musician.” They excelled at so many different instruments along with outstanding vocals. Later, Jerry Selix from Sioux Falls, SD on guitar and vocals would join the band. It should be noted that it was Solmonson that really helped get the Fenatiks into doing an R&B style of show and music.
Every kid that was ever in a band could only have dreamed of having their parents to take the band seriously and get behind the group’s concept no matter what. The new concept for the Fabulous Fenatiks was to be a “show stopping” R&B soul band! Those two parents were Orvald and Vivian Forboard, parents of Larry. Orvald grew up in rural Minnesota and knew what a work ethic meant. He would work hard and create the Forbord Oil Company in Glenwood. It was the backing of his company that helped the group find success. I’ll tell you more about this throughout the story.
It was suggested that the band make a record after Orvald talked with the areas top booking agent, Jimmy Thomas of Luverne, MN. As a result of this conversation, Thomas added the Fenatiks to his booking agency. It wouldn’t take long for the band to become one of Thomas’s top requested groups for live shows.
In 1968 the Fenatiks would travel to Minneapolis, MN and record for UA Records at Dove Recording Studios with songs written by David Sadler (Brain Wilson/American Spring) and was produced by Dale Menton the Gestures- “Run, Run, Run”). The songs were, “Double Back Guarantee/Footsteps To Middle Earth.” This put the band on the market as “recording artists.” It helped Thomas to get the Fenatiks even better bookings.
Orvald and Vivian decided they wanted to back the band in any way that they could. Orvald decided to invest in better equipment for the group and new stage wear. Many of the bands ideas came about after seeing the Fabulous Flippers at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood, MN in 1966 and later seeing the Mob in Sioux Falls, SD. You couldn’t find two better bands to have seen and heard. Soon it would be showtime for the Fenatiks.
For their next record they found a great friend in Minneapolis music magazine publisher, Connie Hechter. Connie was the publisher of the wildly successful Connie’s Insider music magazine. The group used the reach of the Insider to help tell and sell their story to thousands about the Fenatiks. They won the “Most Promising New Band” award for the Insider’s music awards program. This was truly a big deal and it really helped sell the band to the entire Upper Midwest as the Insider had amazing reach!
Hechter, along with Orvald Forbord, brought the band back to Minneapolis to record again. They recorded “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin” backed by “You Made Me So Very Happy.” If I didn’t know, I would have guessed these cuts were by the Fabulous Flippers or the Roarin’ Red Dogs. It was an exceptional record!
They recorded it at Sound 80 Studios in Minneapolis as Hechter suggested the band use this studio. They were recorded by Herb Pilhofer who also worked for Shelby Singleton International Records of Nashville, TN. The band needed a label for the new record and Pilhofer helped them land on SSI Records, shortened down from Shelby Singleton International. It is one
of my favorite records from a Minnesota band from this time period. It was important for the band to have a record on a national label and it didn’t hurt they sounded as good as the Flippers.
Transportation was also a key factor in the marketing of the band. Orvald Forbord really stepped up in this area as well. After traveling for a number of years in cars and station wagons, the band graduated to a Dodge motor home. It was a very cool looking rig, but in early 1969 Orvald really stepped up for the band and went to Roanoke, VA and bought the group a beautiful touring bus with the band’s name on the side. They retro-fitted the bus with places to sleep and live. It was an amazing way to travel and it didn’t hurt their marketing either.
Some of their favorite places that they played at included: Lakeside BallroomGlenwood, MN, Showboat Ballroom-Lake Benton, MN, Mocamba Club-Sioux Falls, SD,the Detroit Lakes Pavilion-Det. Lakes, MN, and our Pla Mor Ballroom in Fort Dodge. They performed with the Grass Roots at the Roof Garden Ballroom at Okoboji in July of 1969. They also appeared with the American Breed and the Ides of March at other venues. Their show with the Grass Roots at the Roof Garden was named as one of the top 12 shows ever at the Roof by the book, “Remembering Okoboji’s Roof Garden Ballroom.” Impressive!
Where are the band members today?
Larry Forbord is retired after being in the corporate world most of his adult life. Bruce Eastburgplayed with Kansas’s Spider & the Crabs and lived in Colorado most of his life and is deceased. Daryl Eastburg who also played with Spider & the Crabs, Montana Star, White Sidewalls, Hitz and is now retired, Greg Welu went on to play with Montana Star and Blackwood. Steve Solmonson founded the legendary Daisy Dillman Band who went national with “Lovin’ The Night Away” on RCA Records and is now retired. John Kirby did two tours of Vietnam and is deceased. I just saw Jerry Selix before Thanksgiving of 2025 playing guitar with the Fabulous Flippers at a reunion show in Kansas. In his youth, he also played with the Pulsating Pilgrims, the Unbelievable Uglies and Sioux Fall’s Showcase. Wow, what amazing lives these men had in music.
By late September of 1970, with the Vietnam war sending out draft notices the Fabulous Fenatiks broke up and sold the bus. I hope you have enjoyed riding in back of the bus with me, as we looked back on the career of SSI Records Recording artists, the Fabulous Fenatiks. “Hey will someone up in the front of the bus pass back some pizza.” I hope you have enjoyed this look back at the amazing Fenatiks.
I should note: when I started writing columns this was always a story that I wanted to do, but never had a partner to do it with. For the most part, it takes two to do many of these stories. To do this story, I needed a former band member to help me and I finally found those guys. Thanks to Daryl Eastburg and Steve Solmonson.
Lastly, the Fenatiks were simply Fabulous!
artistspotlight
Lisa Avelleyra
Age: 64 • Hometown: Fort Dodge, IA • Current City: Iowa City, IA
Profession: Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Coordinator
Were you always a storyteller as a kid, or did writing sneak up on you later?
I was an eavesdropper as a kid who hovered on the perimeter and listened to the adult storytellers around me. I read constantly but didn’t recognize my affinity for writing until the early college years when I studied journalism. Writing columns at my first newspaper job out of college was the first time I received positive feedback for my writing. We had to write a column every day so my writing muscle got in good shape. After I fell out of newspaper work, the writing muscle got flabby. But I did complete a screenplay about the bike ride across Iowa during that time.
What kinds of creative things were you involved in growing up?
Music and singing were a big part of my growing up. My sisters and I often gathered around the piano after supper for singalongs. We all had to take piano lessons but only two of us kept up with it. My first and only solo was in seventh grade when we performed some Godspell songs. Linda Flaherty had to cue me with a guitar chord three times before I finally started.
Did you have a teacher, or mentor, who really encouraged your creativity?
Two of my music teachers, LeAnn Bigler, who chose me to sing Prepare Ye, and Kathleen Kelleher, from eighth grade on, stimulated
our creativity with their cutting-edge music choices. Mrs. Kelleher really unleashed our creative spirit when we did a racy “King Tut” skit based on Steve Martin’s rendition. It’s one my favorite music memories!
Tell us about your educational track after high school.
My first year after high school I went to Colorado State in Fort Collins with the idea of going into forestry. I did not take into account that I’m not outdoorsy and don’t even like camping. Science and statistic classes opened my eyes and a second semester creative writing class steered me to journalism and back to Iowa. I spent the next four years at the University of Iowa but without getting a degree. The reality of working provided the motivation to get a degree and my sister Paula moving to Madison, Wisconsin, provided the destination. There I completed a degree in journalism.
If you could teach one class about writing or creativity, what would it be called?
Listening to Your Inner Voice
What’s the hardest part about writing for you?
Consistency. I wish I was better at writing every weekend morning but I don’t. Something else sounds better to do. But when I do, I always feel so much better and so fulfilled.
Do you have any quirky writing rituals or must-have snacks while working?
Definitely coffee as a beverage since I write in the morning. And sitting in either my big swivel chair or out on the front stoop when it’s warmer.
What’s the most fun part about writing for you?
Dialogue. I love letting the characters talk away in my head then transpose it onto paper. Dialogue is a great channel to advance character development.
Tell us about your newest book. What can readers expect?
Shelved is a murder mystery set in a bookstore. The victim is a store employee and all of the staff are suspects. The story unfolds through the eyes of three of the employees and the police detective. A focal point of the action is the store counter area, nicknamed the Crow’s Nest. It takes place in the late ‘90s so there are a lot of cultural references from that era.
What inspired this story?
One of my best job experiences. I worked at a Half Price Books for eight years and many co-workers became very good friends. That experience was chock full of characters and events, rich elements to write about.
Is there a character that readers seem to connect with the most?
Detective John Meyer. Initially, he wasn’t introduced until halfway through, but my brother-in-law suggested a run-in with store employees earlier on and in a writer’s workshop, fellow workshoppers expressed positive comments about him. I reworked it with John introduced on the first page. Plus, as I wrote, he grew on me too to the point that I’ve decided to make him a recurring character. John is in my next book.
Where can people purchase your books?
Both can be purchased online, preferably from Little Creek Press, Little Creek Press - Wisconsin Book Publisher. It can be purchased on Amazon but I’d rather people support Kristin Mitchell than Jeff Bezos.
If young you could see your published books today, what would you they say to you?
Young me wouldn’t have touched “Get Me to The Abbey.” There was no way I was going to read a book about alcoholism and getting sober. But I think young me would have enjoyed Shelved. She liked mysteries and would’ve enjoyed the interactions and antics of the staff and the no-nonsenseness of John Meyer.
