Waterville native Rick "Hoot" Larson publishes first book

Rick "Hoot" Larson of Waterville may be known to many as a maker of custom turkey calls, something he has been doing for over three decades. He might also be remembered for a weekly outdoor column, “Writing from the Roost,” which appeared in this same newspaper from July 2007 until November of 2012.

Larson says his inspiration for those columns came from his personal experiences, or the sights, sounds, scents and any other stimulation which struck his fancy. He says it is that same source of inspiration that also accounts for his ability to write stories not only about his personal adventures, but also those of others, both real and fictional, as well as the wild critters with which he has shared and continues to share his life.

Larson says he grew up reading outdoor magazines and books, and he notes that it may be partly due to that reading interest that he contracted the writer's virus which he says has affected him ever since. However, he says he does not write stories in the general sense that most people think of, but rather in the form of poems, in the same vein as Cowboy poet Baxter Black, a well-known author and humorist with a rare talent of telling stories and making it all rhyme.

"I've been writing my stories for as long as I can remember, on just about any subject you can name,” Larson said. “Inspiration just hits me, and I write." The subject of this article that he also penned, however, is Larson's first book, “The Calling.”

"I had the idea of writing a book over 20 years ago," said Larson, but he says he kept putting it off for one reason or another. "’The Calling’ is that voice, that urge or whatever you want to call it, that draws us to the outdoors, and I believe this collection pretty much says it all."

Larson said this collection is not just for the hunter/angler, but anyone who enjoys the outdoors and all that it entails. He explained that work began on a much different collection several years ago, but according to Larson, "the time just wasn't right." He believes that timing has played a major factor in everything in his life, and his book is no exception. When he finally decided that the stars and planets were all in alignment, he says something odd happened.

"I decided not to go with my first instinct about a book on turkey hunting and the characters riding that train of thought," Larson said. “But, rather, a book on the reason why someone is drawn to the outdoors in the first place."

Larson believes his readers should first understand where he came from in order to follow where he is going. "I have a long way to go as a writer," he said. “And I want my readers to follow me every step of the way." Larson said he believes “The Calling” is the first step on that journey.

For more information on “The Calling,” contact Larson at 24 East First Street, Waterville, IA 52170 or by e-mail at critter1017@gmail.com.