2008 Woodie Awards
SDSU grad publishes novel
Collegian interviews Steve Ruthenbeck about his novel "Dogs of War"
Shayla Waugh
Issue date: 9/20/05 Section: Campus
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Former SDSU student and Collegian staff member, Steve Ruthenbeck, had his novel "Dogs of War" published. He wanted his first interview on the novel to be with the Collegian.
Shayla: What was the small town in Minnesota that you grew up in?
Steve: The name of the town is Okabena. Bonnie and Clyde robbed its bank once. Right now, I'm attempting to be the first person to ride a bike 1,000 miles on the streets of Okabena. It has about four of them (streets). One is even four blocks long!
Shayla: What were your life and childhood like there? Would you say they had a large influence on the person you are today?
Steve: I grew up on a farm with one sibling who was six years older, so I remember being alone a lot. I think that caused me to develop an imagination to keep myself entertained.
Shayla: What was the junior college that you attended before SDSU?
Steve: Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington campus; AKA "High School Part II: I Can't Believe I Still Have A Locker."
Shayla: Why did you choose SDSU? What years did you attend SDSU?
Steve: I had friends attending SDSU, and liked the campus, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I walked the grounds of SDSU from 1994-1997. I helped wear a lot of paths through the grass, as most sidewalks seemed to take a meandering route between buildings.
Shayla: How would you describe your years at State?
Steve: My time at SDSU was fun and horrible. I loved the town, college and being around so many people. At the same time, I never found my niche and spent a lot of time treading water instead of diving in ... or at least performing a belly flop.
Shayla: Would you say you are glad you went for a journalism degree or? If you had the chance, would you change it?
Steve: I wasn't really into journalism at the time. In retrospect, it worked out for the best. I think a journalism background helped me develop a more to-the-point writing style. Sometimes what a writer leaves out is just as important as what they put in.
Shayla: What was the small town in Minnesota that you grew up in?
Steve: The name of the town is Okabena. Bonnie and Clyde robbed its bank once. Right now, I'm attempting to be the first person to ride a bike 1,000 miles on the streets of Okabena. It has about four of them (streets). One is even four blocks long!
Shayla: What were your life and childhood like there? Would you say they had a large influence on the person you are today?
Steve: I grew up on a farm with one sibling who was six years older, so I remember being alone a lot. I think that caused me to develop an imagination to keep myself entertained.
Shayla: What was the junior college that you attended before SDSU?
Steve: Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington campus; AKA "High School Part II: I Can't Believe I Still Have A Locker."
Shayla: Why did you choose SDSU? What years did you attend SDSU?
Steve: I had friends attending SDSU, and liked the campus, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I walked the grounds of SDSU from 1994-1997. I helped wear a lot of paths through the grass, as most sidewalks seemed to take a meandering route between buildings.
Shayla: How would you describe your years at State?
Steve: My time at SDSU was fun and horrible. I loved the town, college and being around so many people. At the same time, I never found my niche and spent a lot of time treading water instead of diving in ... or at least performing a belly flop.
Shayla: Would you say you are glad you went for a journalism degree or? If you had the chance, would you change it?
Steve: I wasn't really into journalism at the time. In retrospect, it worked out for the best. I think a journalism background helped me develop a more to-the-point writing style. Sometimes what a writer leaves out is just as important as what they put in.