Interview with Kirsten Tautfest, author of Red Tales (In the Beginning)

Kirsten Tautfest, originally from Oklahoma, spent 8 years in Chicago and became an avid Fire supporter.  It was during that time that the idea for her book was born.  Red Tales (In the Beginning) tells the story of several individuals associated with the local soccer team (dubbed the Chicago Stampede in the book).  Kirsten is back in Oklahoma, but returns to Chicago and attends Fire matches as much as she can.  Thanks to her recent visit, Kirsten was able to answer a few questions about the book.

In your own words, what is Red Tales about?

Kirsten Tautfest: Red Tales tracks the beginning of a soccer team from the opening day kick off.  Fans interact with each other, the players and other personnel.  At its core, it is a romantic tale with some dark twists. 

What was your inspiration to write the book?

KT: I began interacting with Section 8 during the inaugural year.  I was the ‘enemy’ then, since I was an usher supervisor with Safety Service Systems.  I fell in love with the team.  During away matches I started hanging out at The Hidden Shamrock for watch parties.  I also began to visit BigSoccer’s forums.  At first, it was to get an idea of what the fan base might be planning.  Then I signed up and began posting two years later.  I decided for the 2000 season to buy season tickets in Section 8 and become a member of the Barn Burners 1871.

My inspiration was a little bit of fantasy in the ‘what if’ category, plus all the characters I met during the days working as an usher supervisor and those I met in Section 8.  I’ve drawn from my own life, the stories I have heard from others, and my own twisted mind.  I’ve also pulled in some things from other unpublished works that I have written.  

Red Tales is dedicated to Section 8 Chicago.  What does S8C mean to you?

KT: Section 8 is a tribal pact between distinctive clans of fans who all come together for the common cause of supporting the Fire as one voice.  The first pact was between the BB1871 and the Fire Ultras 98.  I remember when they were combined from Section 9 into Section 8.  The BB1871 side was nervous about what was going to happen to their section.  Separate, the voices were not as loud – together, they lit a fire under the Fire.  Section 8 to me has meant new and lasting friendships that have grown beyond soccer.  I’ve also learned to swear in a few other languages.

What can Section 8-ers find interesting about the book? 

KT: Names have been changed, but some will recognize right away the real inspiration behind some of the characters in the book.  They may also recognize some places that I have used in their physical locations but have changed the names.  They can see that if there is one pining after a player perhaps there is a chance, if the fan is in the right place at the right time and plays his/her cards right.  They will also see that even those who entertain us on Saturday evenings can also be flawed and battling their own demons like some of us in the stands.  A Section 8’er, I hope, will be transported back in time to the wonderful year of 1998.  

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Red Tales (In the Beginning), was self-published by the author earlier this year and is now available online at Xlibris.  To read an excerpt, click here.  For more information, visit the book's page .

Kirsten is also working on several sequels (vol. II Sin Brazos: A Red Tale, vol. III Polish Delight, vol. IV Delilah's Dilemma).

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