A New Chapter for Superior’s Local Author: Jeff Esterholm’s Latest Work Hits the Shelves
In the world of literature, where imagination meets reality, few authors manage to blend the peculiar charm of local landmarks with intriguing, fictional narratives as effectively as Jeff Esterholm. Known for his macabre yet humorous storytelling, Esterholm has been a fixture in the Twin Ports literary scene for nearly four decades. His new book, “Tollund Man,” promises to captivate readers once more with its unique blend of noir and local color.
Three years after the successful debut of his first short story collection, Esterholm’s second book is now available for readers. His works have been recognized by the Wisconsin Libraries Association and even earned a nomination for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, making him a celebrated figure in the region. On Saturday, fans will have the chance to meet him at Superior’s Foxes and Fireflies booksellers for a book signing event.
While speaking with Robin Washington on WPR News, Esterholm reflected on his literary journey. “Generally locally, the northwestern part of Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, generally that area,” he shared, explaining the setting of his stories. After years of writing literary stories with little success, Esterholm found inspiration in the Akashic noir series, which are set in particular cities. This inspired him to weave tales set in Superior, a place he felt was ripe for noir storytelling.
Before retiring in 2018, Esterholm worked for 15 years as a curriculum writer at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. His creative works often incorporate local landmarks, from Billings Park to the Brule River. While some locations are fictional, like Port Nicolet, Esterholm sometimes prefers to use real places, following the advice of fellow writer Anthony Bukoski: “Because I live there and it’s what I know. I don’t need to make it up.”
Despite the fictional nature of his stories, Esterholm’s depiction of Superior’s underbelly is both intriguing and entertaining. “There’s an underbelly to the whole thing. And some of the people who do bad things, as you can see in the stories, they’re just a little bit wack,” Esterholm said during a panel discussion in New Orleans.
When asked if his tales have ever been mistaken for real events, Esterholm answered with a laugh, recounting how his family doctor said she was trying to figure out who everyone was in his stories. Esterholm assured her, “It’s fiction, it’s fiction.”
One of the stories in “Tollund Man” features a private investigator in 1960s Superior, entangled in the antics of a fictional mayor and a respected doctor. Esterholm’s vivid descriptions and intriguing plots keep readers engaged, even as they navigate the boundary between reality and imagination.
For those curious about Esterholm’s creative process, he reveals that his characters are not based on real people. “I like to observe people. It might be at the grocery store, it might just be driving down the street,” he explained.
In the title story, “Tollund Man,” the protagonist Jack Sogard’s tale begins with a mysterious text message, drawing readers into a narrative that balances technology and personal struggle. “He’s pushed into technology by his daughter Sky, and he doesn’t take to it well,” Esterholm noted.
Esterholm’s latest book, published by Cornerstone Press of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is a testament to his storytelling prowess. Fans can look forward to hearing more about his work and possibly getting a signed copy this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Foxes and Fireflies Booksellers on Tower Avenue in Superior.
For more information or to suggest a story idea, contact Morning Edition at northern@wpr.org. This is Robin Washington for WPR News.
