As part of the library's new Faculty Spotlight program, it's our pleasure to feature Eric Dregni, Associate Professor of English. Visit the library to see the full display and page through Dregni's books, including his newest, By the Waters of Minnetonka.
What’s the most bizarre story you have to tell about
Minnesota? One I've been thinking a lot about recently is Carver’s Cave in
St. Paul. With all the talk about the stunning prehistoric cave drawings in
Lascaux, France (and elsewhere in that area), we should know that Minnesota had
similar petroglyphs here that Jonathan Carver wrote about. Unfortunately, the
cave was chopped up by the railroads and only a portion of it survives.
What
sparked the idea for your newest book, By the Waters ofMinnetonka? I grew up in Minnetonka and slowly learned some of the unusual
history of the lake. I wished that the trolleys still made it out there. I
freelanced historical articles about the lake for Lake Minnetonka
Magazine – everything from pastors allegedly shooting saloonkeepers to
dredging up streetcar boats stuck in the muck at the bottom of the lake for 70
years.
I hear you speak Italian. How did you become interested in
Italy? I went to Italy in high school at 17 years of age as an exchange student. I didn't know a word of Italian (spaghetti and ravioli don’t really count) and stayed with a family for a year that didn't speak a word of English (hamburger and Elvis Presley don’t count). I kept going back because I love the Italian lifestyle.
How did
you first become interested in Scandinavian culture? My dad
would make a monthly “Norwegian dinner” with everything white and bland. As a
kid, though, taste-free food is good. Only when my wife and I lived in Norway
for a year did I learn how potent many of the dishes truly are. Try salt
licorice or fermented fish (rakfisk) and you’ll never say Scandinavian food is
flavorless. We have much to learn from Norway with its universal health care,
free student tuition for college, and love of winter. I’d love to go back
someday.
What advice do you have for Concordia students who want to write
books some day? Read! We have this idea that inspiration always comes from
within, but it’s crucial to know what others are writing. Then get to work
writing by setting aside some time each week to put down your thoughts. Even if
you are a creative writer, don’t forget about journalism. Freelance writing for
magazines, newspapers, or websites will help hone your skills.
Anything else you’d like to share with us? I’d
encourage students to study abroad for a semester, even if it doesn't “fit into
the schedule.” Believe it or not, it’s much easier to live abroad now than it
will be once you graduate.
