B.J. Hollars (sort of…with a satirical touch)
Jeff DeGrave has claimed Eau Claire as his home since 2003. He has been published in Eau Claire’s very own literary magazine, Barstow & Grand, and has participated in numerous CVWG-sponsored events including the annual “Joy to the Word” celebration, several writer’s retreats, as well as performing in the “Bend in the River” radio drama. He and his car will be appearing in two upcoming locally-produced films. He previously co-produced a monthly news parody publication called The Citizen Harold in the Twin Cities for several years. But he never wrote a book before. Until now. And that book is called Horseradish! Let’s learn more about the “comedy yearbook of the Chippewa Valley.”
BJ: Frankly, Jeff, I don’t know where to begin. How did this happen—and why?
Jeff DeGrave: That’s a tough question, BJ. I can tell you’ve done this sort of thing before.
BJ: You’re a slippery respondent, Jeff. But, please, share with our readers how this project began.
JD: Alright. Well, I have this friend who is simply relentless in his pursuit to make a writer out of everyone he meets. The amount of work he has done to make Eau Claire “The Unofficial Capital of the Written Word” is unparalleled. Eventually, I caved. And Horseradish! is the result. You might know this friend of mine?
BJ: Nope. Never met him. Anyhow, tell us about the idea behind the book: How did Horseradish! become Horseradish!?
“The “elevator pitch” for Horseradish! is “The Onion meets Eau Claire.” It’s a light-hearted satirical look back at the events, news items, and other happenings that were important to Chippewa Valley residents during the past year. ”
JD: Because we have so many great writers of legitimate books in and around the Chippewa Valley, I figured the region could use a book that is less great, less legitimate, and barely even a book. The “elevator pitch” for Horseradish! is “The Onion meets Eau Claire.” It’s a light-hearted satirical look back at the events, news items, and other happenings that were important to Chippewa Valley residents during the past year. And, given “these times,” I feel like everyone could use a bit of locally-based humor to provide a much needed escape from reality—even if it’s only temporary.
BJ: Reality? Who needs it? But what about the name, the style, and some of the other elements that make Horseradish!, Horseradish!?
JD: The name, Horseradish!, of course, is a shout out to Eau Claire’s position as the world’s horseradish hub. Because horseradish, the root, has a bit of a bite to it, I thought it captured the satirical tone of the book. I’m also using the word, “horseradish,” like “poppycock” or “balderdash” to let the reader know that everything they read is fictitious. Plus, I think horseradish is one of the more neglected tubers out there and I think it’s time to bring the conversation back.
BJ: No horseradish in that statement! What kind of stories can readers expect to find inside the book?
JD: The vibe of the book follows everyone’s favorite locally-produced arts and entertainment magazine, Volume One. Like Volume One, there are articles that focus on the community, nature, local events, and more. For example, one story celebrates the arrival of our new trolley in Eau Claire as a solution to the lack of a major air carrier at the EAU airport with the headline of “New Eau Claire Trolley to Resolve EAU Transportation Issues.” Another story looks at how Eau Claire lost its top ranking as the “Hippest City in the region to the “dark horse” town of Cleghorn. And, there is also a satirical look at the controversy that surrounded the recent arrival of roundabouts in the area.
BJ: This is pretty hard-hitting stuff.
JD: Just wait until you get to the essay on the “Midwestern Stand-Off” that examines why no one will eat the final piece of pizza when a pizza is being shared between a group of people.
BJ: We’ve all been there. And I am sure I will be there again soon. Speaking of the future, what are the plans for 2026? Can the Valley expect to see the arrival of a new edition of Horseradish! around this same time next year?
JD: It may very well be the case that one Horseradish! will be plenty for many years to come. Then again, if the demand for more Horseradish! is there, producing this book at the end of every year would be a lot of fun. And there’s always going to be plenty of material to work with around here!
BJ: Let’s hope the ceiling for Horseradish! is high. In the meantime, do you have another project in the works for 2025?
JD: Nothing yet. But with my previously-mentioned friend, who knows what he might talk me into.
Horseradish! is available at the Volume One Local Store, Dotters Books, and on eBay (search: horseradish book). Look for book readings from Horseradish! around the Chippewa Valley in 2025.