For former Villisca, Red Oak teacher, life after retiring includes writing books

A book signing was hosted at the Pudgy Pumpkin Gift Shop Saturday for local author Norma Fast, with her newly released children’s book, “Shirley, Goodness and Mercy.”

It tells the story of a loving relationship between two young children and their grandparents. The children especially enjoy listening to Papa’s stories. In one of these stories he tells of a life-changing lesson he learned from two dogs, an annoying little girl, and Psalms 23:6. 

Fast, a native of Montgomery County and graduate of Villisca Community Schools, lives  on a farm with her husband Larry. They have four grown children and twelve grandchildren. Fast retired from teaching in 2013. She taught in Red Oak at Jefferson Elementary from 1988 - 1990, Villisca Enarson Elementary from 1990 - 2003, and returned to Red Oak in 2003 - 2013 and worked at Inman Elementary and Washington Intermediate. Her experience in education included classroom educator, Title 1 and K-8 literacy coach.

“Writing a book is something that’s been on my heart for a long time,” she said. 

“One of my favorite things to do with the kids when I was teaching was to read them stories,” she said. “We laughed and sometimes we even cried together. 

“I also believe in the value of writing to improve your reading skills. And if you believe in something and ask kids to do, it, you really ought to do it yourself.

“Another reason for the book was that I wanted to leave something for my grandkids. I may do another one some time, there are other ideas I have in mind, but it’s not an easy thing, so it may be awhile.”

Those who attended the book signing had various reasons for buying “Shirley, Goodness and Mercy. Rogene and Wayne Sederburg bought three to give as gifts to their grandchildren, to be read to their great-grandchildren. Kay Glynn bought one to keep at her house so she can read it to her eight grandchildren when they come to visit. Rita Leinen has no grandchildren yet, although she hopes to one day, but says she bought the book for herself.

“I thought it was a very nice turnout,” said Fast. “I’m very grateful to Elaine Holland for holding it.”