LocalLit author spotlight: Richard Krause of Sycamore

LocalLit is a short story newsletter that connects local authors with local readers. The newsletter kicked off in April. Each week a new short story by a local author is sent directly to subscribers' email.

Next week's short story is by Richard Krause of Sycamore. Recently, Krause took a few minutes to speak via email with Herald-News features editor Denise M. Baran-Unland.

Baran-Unland: Tell us a bit about your writing background,

Krause: When I was in grade school certain teachers seemed to see in me some spark of a talent for writing. They encouraged me, and I continued to write. Years later my writing had the benefit of further guidance and encouragement from the late Dr. Richard Eastman of North Central College, Naperville.

Much as I loved to write, that avocation has taken a back-seat to a 43 year career in retailing. During those years most of my writing was confined to business needs and advertising copywriting. My one stint of published work appeared as a weekly newspaper column offering photographic tips, published briefly in the late 1970s.

Now, newly retired, I find scores of stories residing in my head and in the memory banks of my computer, all demanding to be committed to print.

Baran-Unland: What types of stories do you like to write?

My personal cache of unpublished work runs the gamut from short stories to biographical sketches, essays, political satire, and social commentary. My most ambitious work-in-progress is a 400 page novel, written as a "spoof" of the detective/mystery genre.

In recent years I've developed an interest in historical fiction. "The Little Known Tale of After A Christmas Tale" is the result of that interest.

Baran-Unland: Give a one-line summary about your featured short story.

The writing is intended to present a proper period "feel", while the story moves toward an unexpected ending, then some minor factual enlightenment is imparted to the reader through a series of post-script "disclaimers".

Baran-Unland: Have you published any books and/or are you working on one now?

The story printed here represents just the beginning of my serious pursuit of writing, but I promise interested readers that, God willing, more stories will follow.

Editor's Note: Krause was born in Aurora and have lived most of my life in or near the Fox River Valley.

KNOW MORE

Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story by a local author to the newsletter's subscribers or – starting in 2019 – a review of a book written by a local author.

Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.

Stories should be edited and between 1,000 words and 7,500 words.

Featured authors will be spotlighted in publications before the newsletter runs so readers have time to sign up.

To submit and for more information, contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.

To sign up for the newsletter and read Krause's story, visit www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/#//.