Interview with Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian
Audre Lorde and Beverly Jenkins are among the many writers who have also worked in libraries. Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian at North Liberty Community Library in Iowa, is another such writer. Kellee, whose pen name is Eliza David, is a self-published romance writer who is currently pursuing her Master’s in Library and Information Science. I spoke with Kellee about her writing and future projects.
Jina DuVernay: What are the advantages to self publishing?
Kellee Forkenbrock: I'm sure the advantages have grown leaps and bounds since I published my last novel in 2019, but one key advantage is control of content. Our stories - both real and fictional - are personal to us. I love my characters just the way they are, flaws and all. So being able to enjoy my characters in the final draft exactly how I envisioned them in the first draft is my favorite benefit of self-publishing.
JD: What tips do you have for people who want to self-publish?
KF: Explore your options and carefully select vendors. The independent publishing world has exploded. Amazon is no longer the only option for indie writers. For guidance, reach out to your local writing collective. Every city has one, even a small community like the one I live in (Iowa City). Connecting with indie writers who live right in your backyard is a great way to learn what does and doesn't work for your publishing needs.
JD: Has your career in librarianship helped your writing in any way or vice versa?
KF: Being a good writer means being an avid reader - there's just no way around it (nor would I want there to be!). One way being a librarian has helped me as a writer is by introducing me to genres outside of my own. Right now, I'm on a thriller/crime mystery kick. Reading how stories flow in different genres has made me a more explorative writer and more willing to blend other literary elements into my romantic prose.
JD: What's next for you? What are your future projects as a librarian and/or your writing?
KF: For starters, I'm working on launching the fourth installment of our quarterly conversation series, Lighthouse in the Library. The event is scheduled for May 15 and will be presented in conjunction with the University of Iowa. I'll also be speaking at You Conferences on March 23 and 24 in a workshop called She's Busy Being. I'll be sharing my personal journey of sobriety, switching careers at 40, and how I stay (relatively) sane through it all.
To learn more about Kellee and to connect with her, visit her Linktree here.
