Ally Interviews Dave Wooten About His New Book

Since I host the XL Morning Show with Dave everyday, I wanted to be the first to interview him about his new book Crazy Horse: Where My Dead Lie Buried. It follows the Lakota war chief Crazy Horse from the Battle of the Little Bighorn with George Armstrong Custer until his death 14 months later at Camp Robinson, Nebraska.

When I started working with you, I had no idea you were a writer. When did you start writing?

I thought you were going to start with “What kind of tree did I think I am?” Ok, this is going to make me feel old, but I actually started writing before you were born. I worked in Hollywood back in the late 80s – early 90s, and so I began writing sitcoms and hour dramas for television shows. I also wrote a screenplay, which became my first book.

So, this Crazy Horse book isn't the first that you've written?

No, I've actually written three other books. The most recent before my Crazy Horse book was a history book about the Sheridan, Wyoming, area, where I lived before I moved to Bozeman.

Why did you pick Crazy Horse to write a book about?

When I moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, back in 2005, I had no idea that was the area where Crazy Horse actually lived during much of his life. The idea that I was standing  right where Crazy Horse actually stood intrigued me. And that led to me reading about 30 books about him and eventually writing my own.

What do you find most interesting about Crazy Horse?

His entire life, really. The fact that he was rather slim and not very tall (around 5'7”), and if you saw him in a group of warriors, he would have probably been the last one of them you would have picked to be the most feared Lakota warrior ever. Also, the fact that Crazy Horse knew his whole life how he would die and that's exactly how he ended up dying.

How did Crazy Horse die?

Ha! If you don't know, you'll have to read the book!

Good one, Dave! Always marketing. So, how do we get the book?

Well, I'm hoping that people who listen to our show, and those who are interested in history, will come to my Book Signing Party on Friday, April 27th at 6:30 p.m. at 14 North in Bozeman. We're going to have cake and we'll have drinks available, and really I just want to share this moment with those who wake up with us every morning. If they can't make it, the book is available on Amazon.com. and soon in local bookstores. 

You're going to give away some Free copies of the book that night, too, right?

Yes, I'll have some copies to give away, and I'll also have some for purchase. And, of course, I'll sign them if they would like. The book would probably be worth more, though, if Stephanie Quayle signed them . . . Maybe we can call her (laughing).

Ok, final question: Do I get a Free copy of your book since I'm your co-host

Ha! Well, for all of the vanilla lattes you've bought me since you started working with me, I think you certainly should get a free copy! But only if you promise to still come to my Book Release Party.

(Laughing) I will be there!

Dave's Book Release Party is on Friday, April 27th at 6:30 p.m. at 14 North in Bozeman.