John Roskelley, renowned for his gripping non-fiction mountaineering narratives, ventures into the realm of historical fiction with his debut novel, Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums. This compelling work, rooted in the landscapes and histories of central Washington, particularly the 1967 Omak Stampede, offers readers a deep dive into a region undergoing profound transformations in the 20th century. Roskelley, a Washington State University alumnus, shares insights into the genesis of Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums, his writing journey, and the intricate layers of research that underpin this powerful story.
The inspiration for Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums evolved from a long-standing fascination with central Washington’s distinctive place in American history. Roskelley’s initial interest broadened into a focused exploration of the diverse communities and lives woven into the fabric of this region. The early to mid-20th century was a period of significant upheaval, marked by ambitious dam projects, resource extraction, and agricultural expansion, yet these changes often bypassed or marginalized those living on reservations. Instead of centering the narrative on a single protagonist or family, Roskelley skillfully interlaces generational connections that span decades, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives.
The journey to bring Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums to fruition was considerably longer than Roskelley’s previous non-fiction works. While the seed of the story was planted during a visit to the Omak Stampede in 1967, it wasn’t until 2013, while paddling the Columbia River, that Roskelley recognized the compelling need to tell central Washington’s unique story. Formal writing commenced in January 2019, but was abruptly halted after four months due to the tragic loss of his son, Jess, in a climbing accident. Following a six-month period of investigation into the accident, Roskelley resumed writing in February 2020, completing the first draft by August 2021. The novel was subsequently contracted by Di Angelo Publications in early 2022 and published after nearly a year of preparation.
Crafting Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums as a historical adult novel necessitated a rigorous research process, markedly different from Roskelley’s approach to non-fiction. To authentically ground his storyline and characters within the chosen time period, Roskelley immersed himself in historical events, locations, and figures. This exhaustive research involved consulting diverse sources, including period books like B Street: The Notorious Playground of Coulee Dam, legal documents such as the lawsuit filed by St. Mary’s Residential School students, and a wide array of internet resources. This meticulous approach allowed him to capture nuanced details, ranging from the intricacies of a nun’s habit to World War II battles in the Pacific, vintage vehicle designs, and the symbolic significance of various smudge sticks.
In contrast, Roskelley’s non-fiction works, primarily first-person narratives, drew heavily on personal journals, letters, photographs, and partner interviews, often written sequentially as events unfolded. His guidebook, Paddling the Columbia: A Guide to All 1200 Miles of Our Scenic & Historical River, while requiring extensive research and mapping, remained tethered to factual documentation. Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums, as a novel, offered Roskelley the creative latitude to explore diverse narrative paths and character development, a departure from the more linear nature of non-fiction storytelling.
One of the significant challenges Roskelley confronted was writing about cultures distinct from his own. Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums intricately weaves together the experiences of Indigenous cultures, Latino migrants, Japanese Americans, and Western immigrants. This delicate undertaking demanded a deep sense of awareness and responsibility on every page. Extensive research became his crucial tool, fostering confidence in portraying these diverse perspectives authentically. While acknowledging the inherent limitations of fully grasping the intricacies of different cultures, Roskelley emphasizes the shared human experiences that bridge cultural divides. These commonalities, he believes, empower authors to respectfully and accurately represent characters across various cultural backgrounds, genders, and ages.
Within the narrative of Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums, Roskelley identifies the passages addressing priest sexual abuse at St. Mary’s Residential School as the most challenging to write. Conveying the profound trauma experienced by his character, Sally, demanded empathy and imaginative depth. While acknowledging the impossibility of fully embodying Sally’s lived experience, Roskelley sought to articulate the fear, revulsion, and suffering she endured, translating these complex emotions into powerful prose.
The intended audience for Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums is the reader who appreciates the intellectual engagement of solving crimes intertwined with historical narratives. Specifically, it appeals to those drawn to stories set against the backdrop of the Colville Indian Reservation in the mid-20th century. Roskelley hopes readers will recognize the deep roots of his novel in historical realities. Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of prejudice and inhumanity that has marked the relationship between European settlers and Indigenous populations since the nation’s inception. Through his novel, Roskelley illuminates the historical and ongoing impacts of governmental policies aimed at cultural genocide and the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples, prompting reflection on the persistent prejudices that continue to resonate today.
Looking ahead, Roskelley is currently focused on editing and seeking publication for a collection of personal stories about his son, Jess, contributed by family, friends, and climbing companions. He reflects that Jess’s extraordinary life and character would be compelling subject matter for a book in their own right.
Readers interested in delving deeper into Fancy Dancer and the Seven Drums can explore a review of the novel.
