Chronicles James Welch's struggles with the craft of fiction. Shows how each novel is an intense learning experience for him. Examines his native American context, themes, and structures. Defends his works against the charges of negativism which he feels too many readers mistakenly read into his books. Also includes an introductory biographical sketch.
James Welch was a Blackfeet author who wrote several novels considered part of the Native American Renaissance literary movement. He is best known for his novel "Fools Crow" (1986).
His works explore the experiences of Native Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries. He worked with Paul Stekler on the documentary "Last Stand at Little Bighorn" which aired on PBS.