Join Jo for a fascinating conversation with author Jack LaFountain about his latest book "Return to Deadwood" - a collection of paranormal Western short stories rooted in South Dakota folklore and history. Jack shares his unique approach to blending historical accuracy with supernatural elements, his annual pilgrimage to Wild Deadwood Reads festival, and how he creates authentic characters that wake him up at night with story ideas. From the mysterious Miniwashitu cryptid to unsolved World War II murders, Jack's work brings Native American legends and real historical events to life through a paranormal lens. Plus, discover how his grandson's third-grade story helped unlock a fantasy trilogy that had been stuck for years!

## Episode Highlights
- Jack's annual tradition of writing a new book for Wild Deadwood Reads festival during Wild Bill Hickok weekend
- The "unnamed author" character who dies in every Deadwood book but keeps coming back
- Discovery of the Miniwashitu- a spine-covered Missouri River cryptid that drives people insane if seen in daylight
- How Jack incorporates real unsolved crimes, including South Dakota's oldest unsolved murder from WWII
- Writing from Bigfoot's perspective and flipping the monster narrative
- Characters that literally wake him up at night with story ideas
- The difference between his fast-paced novels and tight short story collections
- Transitioning from pen and paper to digital writing (and why Grammarly hates dialogue)
- Publishing his first book at 50 and going full-time at 65 - proving it's never too late
- How his grandson's story provided the missing piece for a fantasy trilogy
- The challenge of editing other authors while maintaining his own voice
- "Return to Deadwood" launching as an e-book the morning of this interview

## Guest Information
**Jack LaFountain** - Paranormal Western Author
- Author of 17 novels and 5-6 short story collections
- Specializes in supernatural Western stories with historical elements
- Partner in publishing company, does first edits for other authors
- Writes three blogs on a weekly schedule
- Annual attendee of Wild Deadwood Reads festival in South Dakota

## Book Information
**Return to Deadwood** - Available now on Amazon (e-book launched day of interview)
- Collection of dozen short stories based on South Dakota folklore and history
- Features Native American legends, actual locations, and true crime elements
- Part of Jack's annual tradition of writing for Wild Deadwood Reads festival

## Key Advice
"If you want to write, write, do it, and don't give up, no matter what. I didn't publish my first book until I was in my fifties and didn't start writing full time until I was 65."