Grinnell Buzz Dejarlais | Book Crew | Saving KC | Vietnam | writing tips

Join Beth A. Freely and Dirk Hooper as we welcome Grinnell "Buzz" Desjarlais, who talks about his book "Saving KC." We also talk about the NATIVE Project, a non-profit organization that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth, and we catch up on what Beth's writing right now.

Book Crew: GRINELL “BUZZ” DESJARLAIS

About This Episode of Book Crew
1. What is Beth working on now?
2. Dirk just finished the cover for Dominatrix Squad and desperate to share it.
3. Feature Interview: Grinnell “Buzz” Desjarlais

Grinnell “Buzz” Desjarlais is the author of the historical fiction novel “Saving KC”, a profound exploration of addiction, recovery, and the timelessness of love and forgiveness, set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America. His debut novel weaves these powerful themes into a story that resonates deeply with readers, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and redemptions of life.

Born on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana, also known as the Chippewa Cree Reservation, Buzz comes from a lineage steeped in creativity and cultural preservation. His father famously represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple, while his great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community.

Beyond his writing, Buzz is an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities. He co-founded the NATIVE Project, a non-profit organization that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth, using a combination of traditional Native American healing practices and twelve-step programs. Recognizing the growing substance abuse issues among urban Native youth disconnected from reservation life, the NATIVE Project has since expanded into a full-service clinic under the Indian Health Service (IHS), providing comprehensive care to the urban Indigenous population of eastern Washington. Buzz also brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade.

Buzz’s life has been filled with diverse experiences, including his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He has lived in various parts of the world, including California, and now resides south of Seattle with his wife, Loni. His daughter, McKenzie, and her family, including grandsons Cowen and Kaplin who live nearby.

a. Tell us about your book “Saving KC”
b. How much of your own life experience is in this fictional book?
c. You wrote an alternate ending to this book. What inspired that?
d. What made you set this book shortly after the Vietnam war?
e. Please tell us about the Native Project.
f. What is the connection between Native spirituality and modern science concepts like quantum mechanics?
g. How does metaphysics, reincarnation, and astrology all fit together?
h. What’s next for you?

Grinnell Desjarlais Links
https://www.savingkcthestory.com/
https://www.instagram.com/grinnelldesjarlais/
https://www.facebook.com/buzz.desjarlais

Beth Anne Freely
bethannefreely.com
themusesfunhouse.com +
X: @BAFreely
Instagram: @BAFreely
https://linktr.ee/BAFreely

Dirk Hooper
www.writeworks.dirkhooper.com
allmylinks.com/dirkhooperwriting
asherlake.net
themusesfunhouse.com
X: @dirkhooperplus
www.facebook.com/dirk.hooper/